Gospel Coalition When Is a Person Born Again

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Have Yous Really Been "Born Once more"?

Religious people often speak nearly the New Nativity and "born again Christians." What does the Bible say is involved in this spiritual rebirth? Does it require hearing, learning, and believing the gospel (faith)? What part do obedience and baptism play?

What are the "h2o" and the "Spirit" in John 3:5? Are yous really "born once again?"

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Introduction:

One of the most common expressions used by some sincere religious people is "built-in again": "born-again Christians," "built-in-once more believers," etc. The way the expression is used sometimes makes i wonder whether folks really understand the Bible meaning of the term.

In this study, let us consider exactly how a person is "born again"

How does a person know whether he has been born again? Is information technology possible to recollect we accept been built-in again when we really have not been? Some will answer that, to exist built-in again you must take Jesus as your personal Savior. Just how does this happen? What does the Bible say?

I. How Important Are Hearing and Believing?

Must One Hear the Gospel?

one Peter 1:22-25 - We are "born again" by the incorruptible seed, which is God's word (v23), the gospel preached to yous (v25).

When a person is born physically, he becomes a child in a family. When one is born over again, he becomes a spiritual child of God, a fellow member of God's family. This process is similar to the nascency of animals or the reproduction of plants. Nascence is the product of seed that is planted, germinates, and produces a new organism.

Spiritually, the seed by which we go children of God is God's word (cf. Luke 8:11). This is planted in men'due south hearts when they hear the gospel. If they so believe and obey the gospel, they become "born once again" equally Christians. (Cf. James ane:18; i Cor. 4:15.)

Galatians 6:7 - Simply seed reproduces afterwards its kind. "Whatever a man sows..."

And then, one must be sure that the seed (message) he hears and believes is really the truthful gospel. If one plants the wrong seed in his garden, he volition non abound the kind of plant he wants. And if one accepts some a spiritual message that is different from the gospel, he would not actually exist born over again, even though he might recollect he had been.

Must One Believe the Gospel?

John 1:12 - To take the power or correct to become a child of God ("born again"), 1 must believe in Jesus.

A popular tract entitled "Take You Been Born Again?" says, "The moment a lost sinner repents of his sins and trusts Jesus equally the only One who tin save Him [sic], he is built-in over again." Merely note that the Scripture does not say that believing immediately makes one a kid of God. It says that assertive gives one the right or ability to get a child of God.

I once bought a ticket to a higher football game, but the weather turned out and so bad I did non go. The ticket gave me the ability to enter the stadium, but did not automatically make me a spectator. Other things had to happen later.

We often receive messages saying we have been approved for accuse cards (or a loan). The blessing gives united states the power to get the card, simply that does not hateful nosotros automatically have the card. Other things take to happen.

So faith gives you the ability to become a child of God, but by itself it does not automatically and immediately brand y'all a child of God. Other things still have to happen after.

John i:13 - We can past born again only past following God's will, not man'southward will.

Remember, God's give-and-take is the seed that makes children of God. Other seeds, especially homo-made doctrines, do non accept the ability to salve.

Information technology follows that the but way you or I can know we are born once more is by knowing what the word of God says about it. If a person was taught and followed doctrine that differs from God's word, he would non be truly built-in once more, no thing what he may think about it.

Note Galatians ane:viii,9; Matthew 15:ix,xiii; 7:21-23; two John 9-11; Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12; 3:5,6.

Other Passages Show the Need to Hear and Believe the Gospel.

These passages may not direct mention existence born again, simply they testify that hearing and believing are necessary to salvation.

John 6:44,45 - Y'all cannot come to Jesus without hearing, learning, and existence taught God'due south word.

John 8:31,32,24 - To be made gratis from sin, you must know the truth and believe in Jesus.

Romans 1:16 - The gospel is the ability of God to salve those who believe.

Romans ten:17 - Faith comes by hearing God'south word.

What about you? Exercise y'all believe you lot take been built-in once more? If and then, yous must exist able to find in the Scriptures where God says to practice what you lot did. Can you detect passages that say you tin exist born again past doing what you did? Accept you considered all that God's word says on the subject field?

[John 6:63; Hebrews 11:6; John 3:3-vii; Gal. 3:26,27]

II. How Important Is Obedience, Including Baptism?

Every bit quoted earlier, a common doctrine teaches that, afterwards a person believes, there is nothing left to do in society to be "born again." In particular, many folks believe that baptism is important just is not essential in order to get a saved kid of God.

Yet nosotros accept learned that believing, though essential, merely gives the right to get a child of God. What else is needed?

How Important Is Obedience?

i Peter i:22-25 said that we are born over again by God's word. But v22 adds that nosotros must obey the truth in guild to purify our souls. Nosotros are built-in again by the word but when we do what it instructs us to exercise!

Many other scriptures confirm that obedience is necessary in order to receive forgiveness by Jesus' claret. Note a few of them:

Romans half dozen:17,18 - We are fabricated free from sin equally a result of obeying the doctrine delivered from God.

Hebrews 5:9 - Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.

2 Thessalonians one:8,9 - Those who exercise not obey the gospel will be punished with everlasting destruction.

Matthew 7:21-23 - Some who believed in Jesus will withal be condemned because they did not do the volition of the Male parent.

So obedience is necessary, in improver to faith, in order to exist born over again.

How Important Is Baptism?

Notice now in particular whether or not baptism is required to go a child of God.

2 Corinthians 5:17 - If anyone is in Christ, he is a new cosmos.

"New cosmos" is another way of saying "born again" (this should be obvious, and nosotros will confirm it as nosotros keep). To exist a new creation, one must be "in Christ" - in a relationship of fellowship and harmony with Christ. Surely no ane can exist born over again if he is still outside Christ. (Note also 2 Tim. 2:10; Eph. 1:vii; i John five:eleven,12; Rom. 8:ane.)

So to know how to exist built-in once again, we demand to know how to come up "into Christ." What does the Bible say?

Romans 6:3,4 - Nosotros are "baptized into Christ."

If then, how could anyone be in Christ without baptism or before baptism? And since we must exist in Christ to exist built-in again, how could one exist born once more without or before baptism? That would be similar saying someone was outside a house but then suddenly was within the business firm without ever coming into it.

Farther, the passage says we are baptized "into Jesus' death." But His death is what saves and forgives us so we can be children of God. Verses 6 & 7 and then add that, when we have been baptized (vv 3,4), the trunk of sin is done abroad and nosotros are gratuitous from sin (vv 17,eighteen).

Verse 4 clinches the conclusion by saying that, equally a result of being buried (immersed) in baptism and rising from information technology, we have "newness of life" (born again!). This does not in whatever way scoff the need for organized religion, repentance, and confession. But essential every bit those are, they are not plenty without baptism.

Baptism is essential in order to come into Christ, into His death, and to have newness of life. Clearly a person must exist baptized in order to be born again.

Galatians iii:26,27 - As many equally are baptized into Christ, put Christ on.

How many are "in Christ"? Equally many equally take been baptized into Him - no more and no less. But remember nosotros are born again (new creations) only when nosotros are in Christ. So how many are born once more? As many every bit have been Scripturally baptized - no more and no less.

This connection is confirmed by v26. Note the verb tenses:

"For y'all are all sons of God through organized religion in Christ Jesus. For equally many of you lot as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

This:
You were baptized into Christ

must come
before

This:
You are sons of God.

This must happen "by faith" because, as we learned earlier, organized religion gives one the right or power to become a child of God. One who lacks faith has no right to be baptized (Mark. xvi:xv,xvi; Acts 8:35-39). But afterward religion has led to baptism - only then is one a child of God (born again).

Other passages also confirm that baptism is necessary in order to be forgiven past Jesus' claret:

Mark xvi:15,sixteen - To be saved, one must believe and be baptized.

Acts 2:38 - Anybody must apologize and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins.

Acts 22:16 - Saul (Paul) had already believed in Jesus, but was still in sin. He was told to be baptized and wash away his sins.

ane Peter iii:21 - Baptism likewise now saves us. This occurs, not by the power of the h2o, but by the ability of Jesus equally manifested in the resurrection. Nevertheless, baptism is necessary to receive that ability.

If people in sin desire to be built-in again, they must believe in Jesus enough to repent of sin, confess Christ, and exist baptized for the forgiveness of sins.

III. A Summary Passage - John three:3-7

Let us summarize what we have learned so far:

1. Hearing and assertive gives one the right to become a child of God (John ane:12).
two. But to be born again ane must withal obey the gospel (1 Peter 1:22-25).
3. One is born again simply when he is in Christ (ii Cor. v:17).
4. But to come up into Christ, he must exist baptized (Rom. half-dozen:3,4; Gal. three:26,27).

With this background, permit us examine the all-time-known text well-nigh the new birth - John 3:3-7. It says that, to enter the kingdom one must be built-in over again. This new birth involves ii elements: the "water" and the "Spirit." Let us examine each.

What Does the "Water" Refer to?

Some say that "water" here refers to physical birth.

But what evidence is in that location for this view? None whatsoever. It is simply speculation. But there are several points against the position:

(1) The gospel never uses the word "water" to refer to physical birth.

(ii) John 3 mentions physical nascency; just it was brought up, not by Jesus, but by Nicodemus, because he was confused and misunderstood Jesus' education. Jesus rebuked Nicodemus for this so contrasted concrete birth and the new nascence, showing they are different (v6). That means that people today, who remember the "water" refers to physical birth, are confused and misunderstand but as surely as Nicodemus did!

(3) Comparing verse three to verse 5 shows that being "born of water and of the Spirit" (v5) is merely another way of maxim "be built-in over again" (v3). Poesy 5 merely clarifies and explains verse 3.

"built-in again" (v3) = "born of water and the Spirit" (v5)

So, the "water" of poetry 5 is part of the new birth; it does not refer to some other birth.

"Water" in John 3:5 must refer to h2o baptism.

Baptism fits perfectly because:

(1) Baptism is the just control in the New Testament that requires the use of "water" (Acts 8:35-39; x:47; John 3:23; Hebrews 10:22; etc.). (So, in the gospel "water" never refers to physical birth, but it oft refers to baptism.)

(2) Equally shown previously, many other passages teach that water baptism is essential to salvation.

(3) In particular, we have shown several passages that expressly include baptism as an essential chemical element of the new nascency.

(4) Nosotros will encounter that many passages tie baptism to the hearing of the gospel, exactly like John 3:five does.

John 3:v just confirms our previous conclusion that water baptism is necessary to the new nascence.

What Does the "Spirit" Refer to?

The "Spirit" can as well exist understood from what nosotros take already studied.

We accept already learned that, before baptism, one must hear and believe the discussion, which is the seed by which we are built-in once more (1 Peter 1:23). Merely the Holy Spirit revealed the word and acquired it to be taught and then people might learn it and be saved (two Peter 1:21; Eph. 3:iii-5; John 14:26; 16:xiii; ane Cor. 2:10-13).

Ephesians half dozen:17 - The word is the "sword of the Spirit." It is the tool or ways the Spirit uses to accomplish His piece of work in conversion.

So one is "born of water and the Spirit" when one learns and believes the gospel message , as revealed by the Spirit, and then obeys that message past being baptized .

Other passages as well necktie the word of the Spirit to baptism in conversion.

Note some parallels:

John three:five - Be built-in of water and the Spirit.

Marking 16:15,16 - Preach the gospel. He who believes and is baptized volition be saved.

Acts 2:41 - Those who gladly received the word were baptized.

Acts 8:12 - People who believed the gospel were baptized.

Acts viii:35-39; 16:32,33; 18:8 - Other examples in which the word was preached and people were baptized.

Ephesians v:26 - Jesus cleansed the church by the washing of water with the word. (1 Cor. 12:13)

So "born of water and the Spirit" ways ane is born over again when he is baptized in water in obedience to the gospel message revealed by the Holy Spirit! That is unproblematic, clear, and agrees with passage later on passage establish elsewhere.

IV. Conclusions and Further Observations

Baptism Must Be Done for the Proper Purpose.

Baptism is not just an outer deed. It has a vital spiritual meaning, as described above. God wants obedience from proper motives (Rom. six:17,18; 1 Cor. four:fifteen; John 4:24).

Compare this to the Lord's Supper. In the communion we outwardly eat the bread and drinkable the cup, only we must inwardly recognize it to be a memorial to Jesus' body and blood. If we fail to recognize this inner spiritual meaning or practise not do it for this reason, we are condemned even though we physically swallow and drink (one Cor. 11:26-29). Also, to receive the intended benefit of baptism, we must do it for the proper purpose.

Suppose a person is baptized assertive the common doctrine that he is born again before or without baptism. Would he be baptized "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38), and then the claret of Jesus could cleanse his sins (Acts 22:16), and to become a child of God (Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. three:26,27; etc.)? No. His baptism would be unscriptural because it is washed for the wrong reasons, even if his outward action was right.

Just now understanding that baptism is necessary to be born again, what is the condition of 1 whose baptism was not valid? Is he born once again? Is he a child of God? How could he be, when he has not obeyed the only truthful seed that tin brand him a child of God (1 Peter ane:22,23; Luke viii:eleven)? He needs to practice what was done by the twelve men in Acts 19:1-v. They had been "baptized" (immersed) but without proper understanding of its purpose. So they needed to exist baptized Scripturally.

Churches Must Teach Truth well-nigh the New Nascency.

Many churches teach that we are built-in over again before baptism or without baptism. What about people who obey the doctrine taught by such groups? They accept not done what Jesus said to do to exist built-in again! Then what is their condition?

Recall that 1 is born again merely if he obeys the proper seed, the true gospel. Should a person proceed to exist part of a group that misleads people about such a basic question as how to get a child of God? Consider again 2 John 9-11; Gal. ane:8,9; Matt. 15:9,14; etc.

A Child of God Must Faithfully Serve His Father.

Romans half dozen:4 - One must "walk in newness of life." Beingness "born again" is not the final goal; it must be just the starting time of a lifetime of obedient service. It is not enough just to be forgiven. I must live a life of faithful obedience.

A child of God must submit to His Father (1 Peter 2:1,ii; Matt. 12:fifty; 2 Cor. half dozen:17,eighteen; 1 John 3:ane-10). He must be active in the work of His Father'south family unit, the church (i Tim. three:15). As a child of God, he must abound up in Christ (2 Peter iii:xviii).

Have yous been truly built-in again? If so, are you serving the Father faithfully. If yous need to make corrections, we urge you to contact the people who gave you lot this tract.

Note: If you would like to learn more about the topics studied in this article, please consider the links below. Nosotros have manufactures virtually the purpose of baptism, the importance of obedience, baptism of babies, sprinkling and pouring vs. immersion, "faith simply," etc.

(C) Copyright 1984, 1998, 2010,David Eastward. Pratte; www.gospelway.com
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Topics for farther Bible study

Why We Need Forgiveness

Jesus as Savior from Sin

The Purpose of Baptism

Should Babies Be Baptized?

Private Responsibility in Salvation

Importance of Repentance

Is Baptism Sprinkling, Pouring, or Immersion?

The Importance of Obedience

Conservancy by "Faith Only" vs. Obedient Faith

Should Alien Sinners Pray for Forgiveness

Eternal Security ("Once Saved, Always Saved")

Election and Predestination

What almost the Thief on the Cross?

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