Topical Encyclopedia The term "Born Again" is a foundational concept in Christian theology, referring to a spiritual rebirth and transformation that occurs when an individual accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This concept is primarily derived from the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John.Biblical Foundation The most explicit reference to being "born again" is found in John 3:3-7, where Jesus converses with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council. Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (John 3:3). Nicodemus, puzzled by this statement, questions how a person can be born again when they are old. Jesus explains, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit" (John 3:5). This passage highlights the necessity of spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit, distinct from physical birth. Theological Significance Being born again signifies a profound transformation and renewal of the individual. It involves repentance from sin, acceptance of Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This spiritual rebirth is seen as essential for salvation and entry into the kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul echoes this transformation in 2 Corinthians 5:17, stating, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" . Regeneration and Justification The concept of being born again is closely linked to the doctrines of regeneration and justification. Regeneration refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in imparting new life to the believer, enabling them to live in accordance with God's will. Justification, on the other hand, is the act of God declaring a sinner righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. Titus 3:5-6 emphasizes this work of the Spirit: "He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior" . Evidence of New Birth The evidence of being born again is manifested in a transformed life. This includes a growing love for God and others, a desire for holiness, and the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" . The Apostle John also emphasizes that those who are born of God will not continue in habitual sin (1 John 3:9). Role of Faith Faith plays a crucial role in the experience of being born again. Ephesians 2:8-9 underscores that salvation is by grace through faith: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" . This faith involves trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross and His resurrection, leading to a personal relationship with Him. Conclusion The concept of being born again is central to the Christian faith, representing the transformative work of God in the life of a believer. It is a spiritual rebirth that marks the beginning of a new life in Christ, characterized by a renewed mind, heart, and spirit. Topical Bible Verses John 3:1-8There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: Topicalbible.org 1 Peter 1:23 Ephesians 2:8-9 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Born AgainBORN AGAIN See REGENERATION. Greek 313. anagennao -- to beget again ... 313 ("born again, from above") is used twice in the NT (1 Pet 1:3,23) -- both times referring to God a believer (giving a supernatural, ). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/313.htm - 7k 3962. pater -- a father Strong's Hebrew 935. bo -- to come in, come, go in, go... associate (4), attacks (1), attain (4), befalls (1), border (1), born (1), bring ... against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, X doubtless again, + eat, + employ ... /hebrew/935.htm - 8k Library SM Bulfinch. Born Again. SM Johns. Thou must be Born Again. The Wicked and the Unbelieving are not Made Clean by the Giving of ... That Unless a Man have Been Baptized and Born Again, He Cannot ... Our Lord Has Said this Absolute Truth, that Unless we be Born ... This, Academicus, is Angelic Goodness; and is the Goodness of ... Bunyan's Last Sermon --Preached July 1688. Rejection of Errors Introduction The Word as a Means of Grace Resources Is everyone born an atheist? | GotQuestions.orgAre we all born sinners? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Jesus is the 'first-born' over Creation? | GotQuestions.org Born: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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