Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "Creation: The New Birth" is a fundamental doctrine in Christian theology, emphasizing the transformative process by which an individual becomes a new creation in Christ. This spiritual rebirth is essential for salvation and is intricately linked to the work of the Holy Spirit, faith in Jesus Christ, and the grace of God.Biblical Foundation The New Birth is primarily rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the Gospel of John, Jesus explains the necessity of being "born again" to 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). This passage underscores the necessity of spiritual rebirth to enter the kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this concept in his epistles. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, he writes, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" . This verse highlights the transformative nature of the New Birth, where the believer's old self is replaced by a new identity in Christ. The Role of the Holy Spirit The New Birth is a work of the Holy Spirit, who regenerates and renews the believer. In John 3:5-6, Jesus explains, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit" . The Holy Spirit is the divine agent who imparts new life, enabling the believer to live in accordance with God's will. Titus 3:5 also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in regeneration: "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 passage highlights that the New Birth is not achieved by human effort but is a gracious act of God. Faith and Grace Faith in Jesus Christ is the means by which individuals receive the New Birth. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "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" . Salvation, and thus the New Birth, is a gift of grace received through faith, underscoring the unmerited favor of God. Transformation and New Life The New Birth results in a profound transformation in the believer's life. Romans 6:4 describes this change: "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life" . This newness of life is characterized by a departure from sin and a pursuit of righteousness. The Apostle Peter also speaks to the transformative power of the New Birth in 1 Peter 1:23: "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God" . The believer's new life is sustained by the enduring word of God, which continues to guide and shape their spiritual journey. Implications for the Believer The New Birth has significant implications for the believer's identity and conduct. As a new creation, the believer is called to live in a manner worthy of their calling, reflecting the character of Christ. Galatians 2:20 captures this new identity: "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me" . The New Birth also assures the believer of their eternal inheritance. 1 John 5:1 affirms, "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves the one born of Him" . This assurance of being born of God provides the believer with confidence in their relationship with the Father and their place in His family. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 2:10 Library God Rejoicing in the New Creation Necessity of the New Birth. The Old and the New Birth. 1M. *Gaskell. The New Birth. The New Birth Interview of Christ with Nicodcmus. The New-Birth The Believer a New Creature He Then Again Admirably Discusses the Term Prototokos as it is ... Creation and Re-Creation. Resources Why are there two different Creation accounts in Genesis chapters 1-2? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the creation mandate / cultural mandate? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about creation vs. evolution? | GotQuestions.org Creation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Creation by Faith we Believe, to be God's Work Creation: A Subject of Joy to Angels Creation: Daily Renewal of Saints Creation: Effected by the Command of God Creation: Effected by the Holy Spirit Creation: Effected for God's Pleasure Creation: Effected in Six Normal Days Creation: Effected in the Beginning Creation: Effected: According to God's Purpose Creation: Exhibits: God As the Sole Object of Worship Creation: Exhibits: The Deity of God Creation: Exhibits: The Glory and Handiwork of God Creation: Exhibits: The Goodness of God Creation: Exhibits: The Power of God Creation: Exhibits: The Wisdom of God Creation: God Rested From, on the Seventh Day Creation: God to be Praised For Creation: Groans Because of Sin Creation: Insignificance of Man Seen From Creation: Order of Fifth Day, Making Birds, Insects, and Fishes Creation: Order of First Day, Making Light and Dividing It from Darkness Creation: Order of Fourth Day, Placing the Sun, Moon, and Stars to Give Light, Creation: Order of Second Day, Making the Firmament or Atmosphere, Creation: Order of Sixth Day, Making Beasts of the Earth, and Man Creation: Order of Third Day, Separating the Land from the Water, and Making Creation: Renewal of the Earth Creation: The Formation of Things Which had No Previous Existence Related Terms First-begotten (2 Occurrences) |
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