InstaStudy

What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?

This study explores the biblical meaning and experience of being born again, examining its necessity, components, and the transformative life it brings.

1. The Necessity of New Birth

1.1 Why It Is Essential for Salvation

Verses: John 3:3; John 3:7
  • A spiritual transformation is required to see and enter the kingdom of God.
  • It is not a choice but a divine imperative for eternal life.

1.2 The Condition of Humanity Without It

Verses: Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-3
  • All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, resulting in spiritual death.
  • Humanity is born into a state of sin, separated from God and His life.

2. The Components of New Birth: Water and Spirit

2.1 Born of Water: Repentance and Baptism

Verses: John 3:5; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4
  • Repentance is a change of mind and heart, turning from sin to God.
  • Water baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ is for the remission of sins and burial of the old self.
  • Through baptism, we are identified with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

2.2 Born of Spirit: Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: John 3:5; Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • The infilling of God's Spirit is a vital part of the new birth experience.
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
  • This empowers believers for a new life and spiritual walk.

3. The Identity of God in the New Birth

3.1 Jesus as the Source of Life and Salvation

Verses: John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Colossians 2:9
  • Jesus is the only way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Him.
  • There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
  • In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, revealing Him as the one true God.

3.2 The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Jesus

Verses: 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:9-10; Philippians 1:19
  • The Lord is that Spirit, indicating the oneness of the Spirit with the Lord Jesus.
  • To have the Spirit of God is to have the Spirit of Christ dwelling within us.
  • The supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ provides strength and deliverance for believers.

4. The Evidence and Experience of New Life

4.1 A Changed Life and New Creation

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22-23
  • When one is in Christ, they are a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.
  • The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance—becomes evident.
  • This transformation is an internal and external manifestation of God's work.

4.2 Power to Live Righteously

Verses: Romans 6:11-14; Philippians 4:13
  • Believers are to reckon themselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
  • The Spirit within provides the power to overcome sin and live a holy life.
  • We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

5. Living the New Life

5.1 Continued Growth and Sanctification

Verses: 2 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 12:14
  • Believers are called to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
  • Sanctification is an ongoing process of being set apart for God's purposes and becoming more like Him.
  • Pursuing holiness is essential, for without it, no one will see the Lord.

5.2 Witnessing and Discipleship

Verses: Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8
  • The born-again believer is commissioned to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them.
  • The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses of Christ to the ends of the earth.
  • Sharing the good news of salvation is a natural outflow of the new life.