To Be Born Anew! (Part 2)

Hi everyone! Welcome back to Part 2 of this series entitled, "To Be Born Anew!" I know that it has been a few weeks since Part 1, so perhaps a brief review is called for here.

In Part 1, we opened our discussion of what is means to be "born again." Of course, when we use this term we are speaking about Christians; either those who are (born again) and those who are not. In my last post, we discussed the necessity, and the nature of the new birth. In this, Part 2 of our series, I would like to conclude it by talking about the evidence of the new birth, the basis for the new birth, and the rejection of the new birth.

Why don't we start with the evidence of the new birth (John 3:6-8)? We can see evidence of this new birth in a couple of ways. First, evidence is seen by the effect of the spirit. We should expect that what the Spirit produces is spirit (i.e., spiritual)- 1 John 3:14. Second, evidence can be seen by the fruit of the Spirit. Paul describes the fruit (evidence) of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.

The fruit of the Spirit comes not only from being born of the Spirit, but walking in the Spirit, as well (Galatians 5:16,25). Keep in mind that where the fruit does not appear, either there was never any rebirth, or one is walking after the flesh, not the Spirit! (Galatians 5:17)

Now, let's talk about the basis for the new birth (John 3:14-18). First, there is the sacrifice of Christ. Jesus compares his eventual crucifixion to Moses' lifting up of the serpent (John 3:14; Numbers 21:4-9). In regards to Jesus' sacrifice, this was so that people would be saved from perishing by believing in Jesus (John 3:15). Without redemption from sin, regeneration would be meaningless; the new birth provides both! (Acts 22:16; Titus 3:5)

A second basis is the love of God. God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son so that those who believe might have everlasting life (i.e., enter the kingdom of God!) John 3:16. God doesn't want anyone to perish or be condemned, but to be saved! (John 3:16b-17) God's love for man is what makes Christ's sacrifice and the new birth possible (1 John 4:9-10)

Third, there is the faith of man. Those who believe in Jesus will not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:15-16). They will not be condemned, unlike those who do not believe (John 3:18). The new birth requires faith in Jesus; without faith, being born of water is meaningless, and born of the Spirit impossible (Mark 16:16; John 8:24; Acts 8:36-37).

Christ's sacrifice and God's love, in cooperation with man's faith, makes the new birth possible. Yet many remain condemned for lack of faith in Jesus. Why?

Jesus himself offers one reason for the rejection of the new birth (John 3:19-21). Many of those who reject the new birth do so because they love the darkness more than the light. Remember, light (Jesus) came into the world (John 3:19a; John 1:5,9; John 8:12. There are those who love the darkness instead, because of their evil deeds (John 3:19b). Their love for things of the world cause them to reject the light of Jesus (Luke 16:14).

Then, there are those who do not want to be exposed by the light. They know that coming to Jesus will expose their evil deeds (John 3:20; Ephesians 5:13). But, those that are willing to obey (does the truth), do not fear the light (John 3:21). Unwilling to give up their evil deeds, they are unwilling to submit to the new birth which acknowledges one's sinfulness and requires repentence (Acts 2:36-38).

In closing, allow me to share the following with you. During his conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus reveals much about being born again (John 3). He discusses:

a. the necessity of the new birth (one cannot be a Christian unless he is "born again."
b. the nature of the new birth (a birth involving both water and the Spirit (i.e., baptism).
c. the evidence of the new birth (observable by its effects, i.e., the fruit of the Spirit).
d. the basis of the new birth (Christ's sacrifice, God's love, man's faith).
e. the rejection of the new birth (why many refuse to submit to it).

What about you? Have you been born again? Have you been:

-Born of water and the Spirit (i.e., a washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit?)
-Born through the Word of God (i.e., by responding to the gospel message?)
-Responding to God's love and Christ's sacrifice by expressing your faith in baptism?

Scripture: Mark 16:16; John 3:7

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