To be "born again" means exactly what it implies, that those who have been once born are actually born the second time. It is mysterious
to many people; however it is not beyond human understanding if we are divinely aided. Nicodemus was confused by the expression until
our Lord gave him an in depth statement about the experience. Anyone interested in this subject should of course study the language
of John 3:1,12.
When we talk about being born again, there are many other words and expressions which are used to describe this experience. Two well,
known expressions are regeneration and the new birth. Some use words such as rebirth or recreation, to name only a few. With such
a variety of words being used to describe the same experience, it is no wonder that many are confused. We need to give careful thought
to this extremely important subject.
First let us define the new birth. It is our second birth or spiritual birth. First we were born through the process of natural birth, then
later God's elect are born a second time with a spiritual birth. Paul wrote, "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which
is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual" (l Cor. 15:46).That which proceeds from the natural birth is quite different from that
which proceeds from the spiritual birth. Jesus said, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit"
John 3:6). Our natural birth produces a natural being, so our spiritual birth produces a spiritual being; however, these are not two distinctly
different creatures, but one creature being born twice. Having been born in the flesh, we have natural substance. God acts upon people,
and His Holy Spirit enters into them so that new feelings, a new will, new love, and new attitudes are created within the old physical structure.
The external or physical structure is not altered in any way. The second birth is an internal work by which we become new creatures.
Paul stated it this way, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become
new" (2 Cor. 5:17). By the Holy Spirit we are in Christ, for we are "baptized into" Him (l Cor. 12:13).A work of grace has taken place
when we are born again (new creation).
How?
Having endeavored to explain what the new birth is, we should now consider how it takes place. What is the origin or source of the
new birth? Not all people are born again, so how do some possess it while others do not even seem aware of its existence?
In the Scriptures we can find the answer to the above questions. Jesus said that the source of this new birth was the same source as
the winds. In John 3:8 we read, "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 everyone that is born of the Spirit." It seems clear that Jesus teaches the new birth to be of divine origin.
As God decrees and directs the winds by His sovereign powers, even so He sends His Holy Spirit to quicken whom He will. The Holy Spirit
is the third person of the God-head (l John 5:7) and is the agent of the new birth. Just as God "created" by Christ (l Cor. 8:6), the
instrument of creation, He also "quickens" by the Holy Spirit (l Peter 3: 18), the instrument of the new birth.
Reason would tell us that man can do nothing to activate this birth. It is a birth into the spiritual realm, to which man is dead in nature.
If man is dead, nothing less than the omnipotent power of God can raise him to life. All may not agree that man is dead; but good reason
declares that if he is dead, he certainly cannot quicken himself into life. Though others may possess this life, they also are helpless to bring
to life those who are dead. The mineral kingdom must be lifted up by the vegetable kingdom, which must be lifted by the animal
kingdom, which in turn must be lifted by the human kingdom, which must also be lifted up by the spiritual kingdom. This final elevation
is the work of God in the new birth; therefore the Bible emphatically declares that we are born of God John 1:13, 1 John 5:1). The new
birth is wholly of divine origin and by divine action. We were passive in both our births! We are therefore God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10).
What Then?
Having been born again, we can observe many spiritual characteristics which are given as divine assurance of this work of
grace. Since the new birth is the origin of our divine life and the genesis of spiritual experiences, we are thereby enabled to live in harmony
and fellowship with God and enjoy the blessings of His kingdom. By the new birth, we are not only born into God's family but are also
enabled to see and to enter His kingdom on earth John 3:3, 5). Because of this holy work of God in mortal lives, we are equipped
to do His will and live in the spiritual realm (Mt. 7:21). There is a power that we possess in the new birth which we could not otherwise
experience. This power is simply the power of God's Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), which now lives in all who are twice born. Such power
enables us to experience the deeper blessings of the kingdom of God (Luke 16:16). The presence of this power and of such holy desires
for godly living gives evidence that we have been born again.
Those who have been born again also possess faith as an evidence of the new birth. Paul declares that faith is the fruit or by-product
of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). If you possess faith in God, it becomes indisputable evidence that the Holy Spirit indwells you through the
new birth. Since it is evident that not all humanity possesses faith (2 Thes. 3:2), we can identify, by this characteristic, those who have
been born again. Feeling the presence of faith within, we conclude that we have been born of God. Possessing such faith, we are to walk
by it daily (2 Cor. 5:7) in our quest for holy living.
To this list of evidences, John adds a very important one. If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, you have another evidence of
the presence of the Holy Spirit. In 1 John 5:1 he said, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and everyone that
loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him." Belief in Christ is not the cause of the new birth but is in fact the effect
of it. It is because of the new birth that we believe Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (l John 4:2) and can declare this fact with conviction.
Such knowledge is not imparted by men but is divinely given (Mt. 16:17). Believing that Jesus is God's Son, we are to devote our lives
to His glory.
Linked inseparably with the knowledge of Jesus is a sincere love for other saved people. John wrote, "We know we have passed from
death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death" (l John 3: 14).There are people whose
hearts are filled with love for Jesus and for those for whom He died. Such people radiate an evidence that they are born again, having
been saved by God's amazing grace. If we possess within our hearts the spiritual fruit of love, let us daily manifest it to Jesus and to all
His redeemed family.
Duty
Though we are not responsible for imparting the new birth to others, we do have a Christian duty towards those who have experienced
it. In the natural realm, when a baby is born into our family, love is heaped upon him and all his needs are quickly supplied. He is fed
and taught, because we love him. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we did likewise when new babes are born into the family of God? The truth
is, we should; and we neglect our duty to God and to them if we fail to do so. The babes in Christ should be fed upon the Word of
God, that they may grow (l Peter 2:2). We should take time to teach them all the basics of the Christian faith (Acts 18:24,26). Those who
have grown to a good measure of spiritual maturity should take time to work with the weak (Gal. 6:1,2). By the performance of these
spiritual duties, God's children will experience more rapid spiritual growth, the church will be stronger, and the cause of God will flourish
in the earth.
Without the initial work of the new birth, we would not be able to perform the duties previously considered, nor would we experience
true repentance and conviction of sin. It is because we are born of God that we have the need to grow in grace and in the knowledge
of God (2 Peter 3: 18). Have you been born again? Have you been growing since that day? Are you nurturing others? Let us live daily
that we may bring glory to God as our heavenly Father.
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