How does being "born again" relate to salvation in John 3:7? Text of John 3:7 “Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’ ” Immediate Setting: Night-time Dialogue with Nicodemus Nicodemus, “a ruler of the Jews,” approaches Jesus by night (3:1–2). Jesus declares that seeing and entering the kingdom (vv. 3, 5) are impossible without a birth “from above” (ἄνωθεν). Verse 7 summarizes the whole encounter: new birth is not optional; it is imperative. Regeneration Defined Regeneration is the instantaneous, supernatural impartation of spiritual life to the sinner dead in trespasses (Ephesians 2:5). It is the creative act of the Triune God—predominantly ascribed to the Spirit (John 3:5–8; Titus 3:5)—by which the heart of stone becomes a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). Necessity of Regeneration for Salvation Jesus uses δεῖ (“it is necessary” or “must”), the same verb applied to His death and resurrection (Mark 8:31). Thus new birth stands alongside the cross as a divine necessity. Without regeneration, no one can: • See the kingdom (v. 3). • Enter the kingdom (v. 5). • Receive eternal life (v. 15). Therefore, being born again is salvific, not merely moral improvement. Old-Covenant Foreshadowing • Ezekiel 36:25-27 – “I will sprinkle clean water on you … and I will put My Spirit within you.” Jesus’ mention of “water and Spirit” (v. 5) evokes this prophecy. • Jeremiah 31:31-34 – the promised new covenant includes an internal law and forgiven sin, a description realized in the new birth. Water and Spirit: Clarifying Misunderstandings Many link “water” to Christian baptism, yet: 1. Nicodemus must grasp the concept before the rite exists. 2. John 3:10 calls him “the teacher of Israel,” pointing to Ezekiel, not to a future sacrament. Baptism is the ordained sign of regeneration (Acts 2:38), but the new birth itself is wrought by the Spirit in response to faith (John 1:12-13). Regeneration, Justification, Sanctification: Order of Salvation 1. Calling – the gospel is preached (Romans 10:14). 2. Regeneration – enables faith; “everyone who believes has been born of God” (1 John 5:1). 3. Faith/Repentance – the Spirit-enabled response (Acts 16:14). 4. Justification – legal declaration of righteousness (Romans 5:1). 5. Sanctification – lifelong transformation (2 Corinthians 3:18). 6. Glorification – future perfection (Romans 8:30). Thus the new birth is the hinge between divine call and human faith. Apostolic Witness Beyond John • 1 Peter 1:3 – “He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” • Titus 3:5 – “He saved us … through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” • James 1:18 – “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth.” • 2 Corinthians 5:17 – new creation language parallels John’s “born again.” Early Church Commentary • Justin Martyr (First Apology 61) linked baptismal water to “the washing of regeneration.” • Irenaeus (Against Heresies 3.17.1) affirmed that those “born again unto God” through Christ are heirs of salvation. Patristic consensus treated John 3 as the locus classicus for new-birth theology. Relationship to Faith and Repentance Regeneration is cause; faith is effect. Yet Scripture predicates salvation instrumentally on faith: “whoever believes in Him shall not perish” (John 3:16). Repentance is the Spirit-enabled turning that accompanies faith (Acts 11:18). Thus “born again” relates to salvation as root to fruit. Assurance and Perseverance The new birth implants God’s seed (1 John 3:9), producing ongoing faith and obedience. Assurance rests on: 1. Objective promise (John 6:37). 2. Subjective witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). 3. Observable fruit (1 John 2:3). The regenerate will persevere (Philippians 1:6). Practical Implications • Evangelism – the gospel must call individuals to trust Christ, knowing only the Spirit can grant new birth (John 6:44). • Worship – regenerate hearts desire God (Psalm 42:1-2). • Ethics – the new nature manifests in love (John 13:35) and holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). Common Objections Answered 1. “Isn’t ‘born again’ psychological?” The causative agent is Spirit (3:8), not autosuggestion; life changes accompany but do not create regeneration. 2. “Can good works substitute?” Jesus indicates necessity, not moral alternative. Works flow from new birth; they do not produce it (Ephesians 2:8-10). 3. “Is this only for first-century Jews?” The universality of “whoever” (3:16) and Jesus’ cosmic mission (1 John 2:2) apply the mandate to all humanity. Conclusion Being “born again” in John 3:7 is the Spirit-wrought regeneration essential for salvation. It grants sight of, entrance into, and inheritance of the kingdom. Rooted in Old Testament promise, confirmed by apostolic testimony, preserved in reliable manuscripts, and validated by transformed lives, the new birth is God’s indispensable means of bringing sinners into saving union with the risen Christ. |
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