What is the new birth?
Introduction. Jesus discussed the new birth with Nicodemus in John 3: 1-9. Jesus emphasized to Nicodemus the importance of the new birth when he said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" and "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit; he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3: 3, 5).
The new birth is spiritual as opposed to physical. Not a few confuse the spiritual and the physical. Many attempt to make the kingdom physical (earthly reign of Jesus, fun and frolic, etc.), but Jesus said, "...my kingdom is not of this world..." (John 18: 36). Nicodemus thought Jesus was referring to a physical new birth (John 3: 4). Man must understand the difference between the spiritual and physical.
The new birth consists of being born of water and of the Spirit. This is precisely what Jesus told Nicodemus in explaining to him the spiritual nature of the new birth (vs. 5). When we think of "water", we immediately think of baptism. Baptism is for the remission of sin (Acts 2: 38, 22: 16), not an outward sign to show we have already been forgiven and saved. It is in the act of baptism (immersion) that the old man is put off or crucified, symbolically buried, and the new man is raised to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6). The Holy Spirit is responsible for the teaching which results in the new birth (cf. 1 Cor. 2: 13-14). Moreover, involved in this new birth is belief, repentance, and confession (John 8: 24, Luke 13: 1-5, Rom. 10: 9, 10).
Conclusion. As mentioned, the new birth is not optional. Jesus stated: "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again" (John 3: 7). Paul wrote, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5: 17). One is baptized via water into Christ where this newness is experienced (Gal. 3: 26-27). Kind reader, have you been born again?
The new birth is spiritual as opposed to physical. Not a few confuse the spiritual and the physical. Many attempt to make the kingdom physical (earthly reign of Jesus, fun and frolic, etc.), but Jesus said, "...my kingdom is not of this world..." (John 18: 36). Nicodemus thought Jesus was referring to a physical new birth (John 3: 4). Man must understand the difference between the spiritual and physical.
The new birth consists of being born of water and of the Spirit. This is precisely what Jesus told Nicodemus in explaining to him the spiritual nature of the new birth (vs. 5). When we think of "water", we immediately think of baptism. Baptism is for the remission of sin (Acts 2: 38, 22: 16), not an outward sign to show we have already been forgiven and saved. It is in the act of baptism (immersion) that the old man is put off or crucified, symbolically buried, and the new man is raised to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6). The Holy Spirit is responsible for the teaching which results in the new birth (cf. 1 Cor. 2: 13-14). Moreover, involved in this new birth is belief, repentance, and confession (John 8: 24, Luke 13: 1-5, Rom. 10: 9, 10).
Conclusion. As mentioned, the new birth is not optional. Jesus stated: "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again" (John 3: 7). Paul wrote, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5: 17). One is baptized via water into Christ where this newness is experienced (Gal. 3: 26-27). Kind reader, have you been born again?