Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "New Birth" or being "born again" is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology, emphasizing the transformation and renewal of the inner person. This transformation is often referred to as the regeneration of the "inward man," a term that highlights the spiritual rebirth and renewal that occurs within a believer.Biblical Foundation The New Birth is primarily rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly in His conversation with Nicodemus in the Gospel of John. Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (John 3:3). This statement underscores the necessity of spiritual rebirth for entering the kingdom of God. The dialogue further clarifies that this birth is not of the flesh but of the Spirit: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, but that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:6). The Inward Man The Apostle Paul elaborates on the concept of the inward man in his epistles. In 2 Corinthians 4:16, he writes, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day" . This renewal of the inward man is a continuous process, signifying the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Paul further explains in Romans 7:22, "For in my inner being I delight in God’s law" . Here, the inward man is depicted as the part of a person that aligns with God's will and desires to follow His commandments. This inner transformation is a hallmark of the New Birth, as the believer's heart and mind are conformed to the image of Christ. The Role of the Holy Spirit The New Birth is initiated and sustained by the Holy Spirit. In Titus 3:5, Paul states, "He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" . This passage highlights that the New Birth is an act of divine grace, not human effort, and is accomplished through the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit. Evidence of the New Birth The evidence of the New Birth is seen in the transformation of the believer's life. In 1 John 3:9, it is written, "No one born of God practices sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God" . This verse indicates that a regenerated inward man will exhibit a life increasingly free from the bondage of sin, reflecting the holiness and righteousness of God. The New Creation The New Birth results in the believer becoming a new creation. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" . This new creation is characterized by a renewed mind and heart, empowered to live according to the Spirit rather than the flesh. Conclusion The New Birth and the renewal of the inward man are central to the Christian experience, marking the beginning of a believer's journey in faith. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the inward man is continually renewed, enabling the believer to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 7:22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 4:16 Library The New-Birth Necessity of the New Birth. The New Birth The Marks of the New Birth The Creaturely Man. Outward and Inward Morality Christ and Nicodemus. Two Prophets of the Inward Word: Bunderlin and Entfelder The Regenerating Work of the Holy Spirit. section 3 Resources What is the New Age movement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the New Apostolic Church, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.org Old Testament vs. New Testament - What are the differences? | GotQuestions.org New: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Neophytes: General Scriptures Concerning New Moon: Traffic at Time of, Suspended Select Readings: The New Heaven and the New Earth The New Birth is for the Glory of God The New Birth is of the Mercy of God The New Birth is of the Will of God The New Birth: A Spiritual Resurrection The New Birth: All Saints Partake of The New Birth: Circumcision of the Heart The New Birth: Connected With Adoption The New Birth: Effected by Christ The New Birth: Effected by God The New Birth: Effected by The Holy Spirit The New Birth: Evidenced by Brotherly Love The New Birth: Evidenced by Faith in Christ The New Birth: Evidenced by Righteousness The New Birth: Manner of Effecting--Illustrated The New Birth: Newness of Life The New Birth: None Can Enter Heaven Without The New Birth: Partaking of the Divine Nature The New Birth: Preserves from Satan's Devices The New Birth: Produces Delight in God's Law The New Birth: Produces Hatred of Sin The New Birth: Produces Knowledge of God The New Birth: Produces Likeness to Christ The New Birth: Produces Likeness to God The New Birth: Produces Victory Over the World The New Birth: Putting on the New Man The New Birth: The Corruption of Human Nature Requires The New Birth: The Ignorant Cavil At The New Birth: The Washing of Regeneration The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Ministry of the Gospel The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Resurrection of Christ The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Word of God Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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