The New Birth (Born Again)
The New Birth
Outline
1. What being “Born Again” is not.
2. What being “Born Again” really is.
3. The absolute necessity of a new birth.
4. How is a man “Born Again?”
1. What being “Born Again” is not.
There are some Bible words which we almost hesitate to use nowadays because they have been abused and misused throughout Christendom. Words like Christian and “bishop” have different meanings to different people even though the Bible meaning has
never changes.
Another term subject to such abuse is “born again.” It has been so cheapened and downgraded by the world that now we must define terms. “What do you mean when you say that you are born again?” Today, you are supposed to be born again if you have some life changing experience. It is used in some popular songs to mean falling in love. Hollywood stars claim to be born again yet continue to produce their wicked wares. Roman Catholics and other cults are now using the term born again in various twisted ways.
Because the Lord Jesus Christ said we could NOT get into heaven without being “Born Again”, it becomes vitally important that we understand the Bible meaning of the term!
A. The New Birth Is NOT Baptism:
Those who teach the doctrine of “Baptismal Regeneration” (which all infant – sprinkling churches and some immersing churches [Church of Christ] do.) use the following scriptures as proof texts:
a) John 3:5
Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
The context of this verse, especially John 3:6
That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
…shows that being born of water refers to physical birth.
(a) Born of water – “…that which is born of flesh is flesh.”
(b) Born of the Spirit – “…that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
b) “…washing of regeneration…” Titus 3:5
he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit,
But Revelation 1:5 defines what this washing is: it is being washed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
c) “…baptism doth also now save us…” 1 Peter 3:21
Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
A careful reading of this verse shows:
a) Baptism is a figure (a symbol).
b) The literal washing of the body does nothing for us spiritually.
c) Baptism is the answer (response) of a good conscience toward God. How do we get a good conscience in the first place? See
1 Peter 3:14-16
But even if you do suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence;
B. The New Birth is NOT Reformation (outward change):
How often do people “turn over a new leaf?” Getting rid of a bad habit is always a good thing – but it is NOT the “new birth.” There is nothing a person can outwardly do to be born again. Outward change does NOT indicate being “born again” but being born again will probably result in outward change.
1) Nicodemus had religion and a position of authority – but that wasn’t enough. See:
a) John 3:1
Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
b) John 3:7
Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.'
2) The rich ruler kept the commandments (or so he thought) – but that wasn’t enough. See Mark 10:17-22
And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
3) Saul (later Paul) had every outward reason to be accepted by God – but that wasn’t enough. See Philippians 3:4-8
Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
C. The New Birth is not some religious experience: Many people equate their experience to real salvation…
1) Simon Magnus had an experience – but that wasn’t enough. See Acts 8:9, 13, 18-22
a) Acts 8:9
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
b) Acts 8:13
Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
c) Acts 8:18-22
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
2) Jesus warned about shallow, experience-oriented emotionalism in Matthew 13:3-21
And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
Note: Emotions are evoked when we are born again, and many people count their salvation as an experience. The important thing to remember is that the experience is not what saves – it is something which follows!
• Facts: Acts 8:32
The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
• Faith: Acts 8:37
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
• Feelings: Acts 8:39
And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and
he went on his way rejoicing.
2. What being “Born Again” really is.
A. The New Birth IS the Work of God:
1) John 6:63
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. –
“The flesh (ourselves) profiteth nothing.”
The Holy Spirit quickeneth (make you alive).
2) Ephesians 2:1
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
3) Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
4) John 3:5
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water [natural birth] and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
B. The New Birth is Accomplished Through The Word of God:
1) John 15:3
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
2) 1 Corinthians 4:15
For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
3) 1 Peter 1:23
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
C. The New Birth is t he Imparting of a NEW Nature:Quicken - to give or restore vigor or activity to; stir up, rouse, or stimulate
1) 2 Peter 1:4
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2) 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
D. The New Birth is the ONLY Means of Entering God’s Family: See John 1:12-13
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
“Born … not of blood - i.e. of human lineage [God has no grandchildren]
Nor of the will of the flesh – i.e. through works, reformation, etc.
Nor of the will of man – 1.e. through priest, pope, or pastor!
But of God!”
3. The absolute necessity of a new birth.
John 3:3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:7-12
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
4. How is a man “Born Again?”
As with physical birth, there are three requirements for a spiritual birth:
• A womb – the human heart
• A seed – the Word of God
• A conception – The work of the Spirit, creating life
While this miracle is entirely the work of God, it cannot take place until a man actually receives Christ.
Outline
1. What being “Born Again” is not.
2. What being “Born Again” really is.
3. The absolute necessity of a new birth.
4. How is a man “Born Again?”
1. What being “Born Again” is not.
There are some Bible words which we almost hesitate to use nowadays because they have been abused and misused throughout Christendom. Words like Christian and “bishop” have different meanings to different people even though the Bible meaning has
never changes.
Another term subject to such abuse is “born again.” It has been so cheapened and downgraded by the world that now we must define terms. “What do you mean when you say that you are born again?” Today, you are supposed to be born again if you have some life changing experience. It is used in some popular songs to mean falling in love. Hollywood stars claim to be born again yet continue to produce their wicked wares. Roman Catholics and other cults are now using the term born again in various twisted ways.
Because the Lord Jesus Christ said we could NOT get into heaven without being “Born Again”, it becomes vitally important that we understand the Bible meaning of the term!
A. The New Birth Is NOT Baptism:
Those who teach the doctrine of “Baptismal Regeneration” (which all infant – sprinkling churches and some immersing churches [Church of Christ] do.) use the following scriptures as proof texts:
a) John 3:5
Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
The context of this verse, especially John 3:6
That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
…shows that being born of water refers to physical birth.
(a) Born of water – “…that which is born of flesh is flesh.”
(b) Born of the Spirit – “…that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
b) “…washing of regeneration…” Titus 3:5
he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit,
But Revelation 1:5 defines what this washing is: it is being washed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
c) “…baptism doth also now save us…” 1 Peter 3:21
Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
A careful reading of this verse shows:
a) Baptism is a figure (a symbol).
b) The literal washing of the body does nothing for us spiritually.
c) Baptism is the answer (response) of a good conscience toward God. How do we get a good conscience in the first place? See
1 Peter 3:14-16
But even if you do suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence;
B. The New Birth is NOT Reformation (outward change):
How often do people “turn over a new leaf?” Getting rid of a bad habit is always a good thing – but it is NOT the “new birth.” There is nothing a person can outwardly do to be born again. Outward change does NOT indicate being “born again” but being born again will probably result in outward change.
1) Nicodemus had religion and a position of authority – but that wasn’t enough. See:
a) John 3:1
Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
b) John 3:7
Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.'
2) The rich ruler kept the commandments (or so he thought) – but that wasn’t enough. See Mark 10:17-22
And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
3) Saul (later Paul) had every outward reason to be accepted by God – but that wasn’t enough. See Philippians 3:4-8
Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
C. The New Birth is not some religious experience: Many people equate their experience to real salvation…
1) Simon Magnus had an experience – but that wasn’t enough. See Acts 8:9, 13, 18-22
a) Acts 8:9
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
b) Acts 8:13
Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
c) Acts 8:18-22
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
2) Jesus warned about shallow, experience-oriented emotionalism in Matthew 13:3-21
And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
Note: Emotions are evoked when we are born again, and many people count their salvation as an experience. The important thing to remember is that the experience is not what saves – it is something which follows!
• Facts: Acts 8:32
The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
• Faith: Acts 8:37
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
• Feelings: Acts 8:39
And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and
he went on his way rejoicing.
2. What being “Born Again” really is.
A. The New Birth IS the Work of God:
1) John 6:63
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. –
“The flesh (ourselves) profiteth nothing.”
The Holy Spirit quickeneth (make you alive).
2) Ephesians 2:1
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
3) Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
4) John 3:5
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water [natural birth] and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
B. The New Birth is Accomplished Through The Word of God:
1) John 15:3
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
2) 1 Corinthians 4:15
For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
3) 1 Peter 1:23
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
C. The New Birth is t he Imparting of a NEW Nature:Quicken - to give or restore vigor or activity to; stir up, rouse, or stimulate
1) 2 Peter 1:4
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2) 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
D. The New Birth is the ONLY Means of Entering God’s Family: See John 1:12-13
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
“Born … not of blood - i.e. of human lineage [God has no grandchildren]
Nor of the will of the flesh – i.e. through works, reformation, etc.
Nor of the will of man – 1.e. through priest, pope, or pastor!
But of God!”
3. The absolute necessity of a new birth.
John 3:3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:7-12
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
4. How is a man “Born Again?”
As with physical birth, there are three requirements for a spiritual birth:
• A womb – the human heart
• A seed – the Word of God
• A conception – The work of the Spirit, creating life
While this miracle is entirely the work of God, it cannot take place until a man actually receives Christ.
http://www.youshine.com/bornagain.html (3/4/07)
Being born again is entirely in God's hands; it is THE WORK OF GOD only. God is the only one who can help you. You must throw yourself altogether on the mercies of God. As you see your hopeless condition as a sinner who is headed for Hell (eternal torment and punishment), begin crying out to God that He might save you. Remember, God would be justified in condemning to Hell every human being who has ever lived.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus....that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law." (Romans 3:23-24, 26-28)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
"Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7)
How can you know when you become TRULY saved? ONLY God can give you assurance. Begin asking God to make you truly humble and broken before Him as you continue seeking His mercy. Keep reading the Bible with the desire that God will bring your will into submission to His will.
Being born again is entirely in God's hands; it is THE WORK OF GOD only. God is the only one who can help you. You must throw yourself altogether on the mercies of God. As you see your hopeless condition as a sinner who is headed for Hell (eternal torment and punishment), begin crying out to God that He might save you. Remember, God would be justified in condemning to Hell every human being who has ever lived.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus....that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law." (Romans 3:23-24, 26-28)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
"Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7)
How can you know when you become TRULY saved? ONLY God can give you assurance. Begin asking God to make you truly humble and broken before Him as you continue seeking His mercy. Keep reading the Bible with the desire that God will bring your will into submission to His will.