InstaStudy

The New Birth: Experiencing God's Transformation

A study exploring the biblical understanding of being born again, examining the essential steps and spiritual realities involved in receiving new life in Christ.

1. The Necessity of the New Birth

1.1 A Spiritual Requirement

Verses: John 3:3; John 3:5; Romans 8:7-8
  • Entry into God's kingdom requires a spiritual transformation.
  • Human nature is inherently separated from God.
  • Mere religious observance is insufficient for salvation.

1.2 From Death to Life

Verses: Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13; 1 John 3:14
  • Before the new birth, humanity is spiritually dead.
  • God's grace provides the means for spiritual quickening.
  • The new birth signifies a transition from spiritual death to life.

2. Understanding God's Nature in the New Birth

2.1 One God, One Savior

Verses: Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 45:21-22; 1 Timothy 2:5
  • There is only one true God, the Creator of all.
  • This one God is also our only Savior.
  • Jesus Christ is the manifestation of this one God in flesh.

2.2 Jesus: God Manifested

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • Jesus is the Word, who was God, and became flesh.
  • In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • He is the visible image of the invisible God.

2.3 The Name Above All Names

Verses: Philippians 2:9-11; Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:17
  • God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him the name above every name.
  • Salvation is found in no other name than Jesus.
  • All things should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.

3. Water Baptism: A Burial and Resurrection

3.1 The Command and Example

Verses: Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Acts 10:48
  • Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize.
  • The early church consistently baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • Baptism is an act of obedience to God's word.

3.2 Identification with Christ's Death and Resurrection

Verses: Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:27
  • Baptism symbolizes our death to sin and new life in Christ.
  • We are buried with Him in baptism and raised to walk in newness of life.
  • Through baptism, we put on Christ.

3.3 For the Remission of Sins

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Mark 16:16
  • Baptism in Jesus' name is for the remission of sins.
  • It is a washing away of sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
  • Belief and baptism are connected to salvation.

4. The Spirit's Indwelling: Power for New Life

4.1 The Promise of the Spirit

Verses: Joel 2:28-29; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:38-39
  • God promised to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh.
  • The Spirit empowers believers for witness and service.
  • The promise of the Spirit is for all who believe and obey.

4.2 Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:5-6
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Spirit is speaking in other tongues.
  • The Spirit falls upon those who hear and believe the word.
  • Believers are filled with the Holy Spirit as a distinct experience.

4.3 The Spirit's Work in the Believer

Verses: Romans 8:9-11; Galatians 5:22-23; John 14:26
  • The Spirit of God dwells within those who are born again.
  • The Spirit produces fruit in the life of the believer.
  • The Spirit guides, teaches, and comforts us.

5. Living the New Life

5.1 Walking in Righteousness

Verses: 1 John 2:6; Romans 6:11-13; Ephesians 4:22-24
  • Those born again should walk as Jesus walked.
  • We are to present ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness.
  • The old self is put off, and the new self is put on.

5.2 Continual Growth and Transformation

Verses: 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 1:6; 2 Peter 3:18
  • Believers are continually transformed into the image of Christ.
  • God, who began a good work, will complete it.
  • We are called to grow in grace and knowledge.

5.3 Bearing Fruit

Verses: John 15:5; Matthew 7:17-20; Galatians 5:22-23
  • Abiding in Christ enables us to bear much fruit.
  • A good tree produces good fruit, reflecting the new nature.
  • The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of God's life within.