To Be Born Anew! (Part 1)

Both the hummingbird and the vulture fly over our nation's deserts. All vultures see is rotting meat, because that is what they look for. They thrive on that diet. But hummingbirds ignore the smelly flesh of dead animals. Instead, they look for the colorful blossoms of desert plants. The vultures live on what was. They live on the past. They fill themselves with what is dead and gone. But hummingbirds live on what is. They seek new life. They fill themselves with freshness and life. Each bird finds what it is looking for. We all do.
-Steve Goodier, Quote Magazine, in Reader's Digest, May, 1990

A commonly used phrase is "born again Christian". It is used often in the context of distinguishing between Christians who are "born again" and those not. Of course, this is really an incorrect distinction, for all true Christians have been "born again." But what does it mean to be "born again"? The Bible uses the expression "born again" only a few times, they are:
a. Jesus in His conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:3, 5, 7)
b. Peter in his first epistle (1 Peter 1:3, 23)
Although the idea of being "born" of God is used many times (e.g., John 1:13; 1 John 5:1)

In His discussion with Nicodemus, Jesus reveals much about being "born again." With His comments as the basis of our study, let's examine what the Bible reveals about "The New Birth". After we are introduced to Nicodemus (cf. also John 7:50; 19:39), we observe Jesus emphasizing the necessity of the new birth (1-3)

The new birth is necessary to see the kingdom of God. Unless one is born again, he cannot see (enter) the kingdom (cf. John 1:3, 5, 7). What is the kingdom of God? In brief, it is:
a. The rule and reign of God in the person of Christ - cf. Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:36; Revelation 1:4
b. A spiritual kingdom not of this world - cf. John 18:36; Luke 17:20-21)
c. A kingdom made up of faithful subjects (i.e., the church) cf. Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:6, 9
d. A kingdom both present and future (cf. Matthew 13:41-43; 1 Colossians 15:24-26)
In short, do you wish to be in the kingdom now and hereafter? If so, you must be born again!

The new birth is necessary to be saved. To be in the kingdom is to be saved from the powers of darkness (cf. Colossians 1:13). Salvation requires a rebirth, a regeneration (cf. Titus 3:5). Do you wish to be saved from your sins? You must be born again!

After Jesus’ discussion about being “born again” Nicodemus feels very confused. He assumes Jesus is talking about a physical birth. So, Jesus explains the nature of the new birth (4-5).
The nature of the new birth involves both water and spirit. Note carefully: it is one birth involving two elements (water and the Spirit), not two births (born of water and born of the Spirit). Once again, the new birth is but one birth (born of water and the Spirit).

Let’s Compare Paul's description (cf. Titus 3:5) of the new birth. It is:
a. A washing of regeneration (water)
b. And renewing of the Holy Spirit (Spirit)
You can see that this is an obvious reference to baptism. The new birth occurs when one is baptized, for in that simple act of faith they are born not only of the water out of which they arise, but also born of the Spirit (regenerated) by the working of God at that moment (cf. Colossians 2:12-13).

Naturally, the new birth involves the word of God. One is born again by the Word (1 Peter 1:23). By the Word, we are talking about:
a. The incorruptible Word that is preached (cf. 1 Peter 1:25)
b. The instrument through which the Spirit convicts the sinner (cf. John 16:7; Ephesians 6:17).
c. Which includes the command to be baptized (cf. Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16).
Jesus sanctifies and cleanses His church by the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:26).
a. The "washing of water" is another allusion to baptism (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
b. Yet baptism must be administered in conjunction with the Word of God to be of benefit. The new birth involves several elements (water, Spirit, Word of God), all coming together when one responds to the gospel in baptism (e.g., Act 2:37-39).

While there is evidence that one is born of water as they rise from the watery grave of baptism, the evidence of their being born of the Spirit comes later. And that’s where we will continue our discussion of the “new birth” next time in Part 2. Until then, please review the material that was presented today, study the scriptural references, and, most importantly, continue to pray to God!

Scripture: Acts 5:20; Romans 6:4; Ezra 9:9; Titus 3:5; Colossians 3:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 1 Peter 1:3; Psalm 119:107; Isaiah 15:10; John 3:3

Prayer:

Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. -Psalm 51

May God bless you always,

Damalis