Evidence of new birth
Here are some evidence of new birth:
Scriptural Evidence
- John 3:3-7: Jesus says, "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." This passage emphasizes the necessity of new birth for salvation.
- Romans 6:4: Paul writes, "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 live a new life."
- 2 Corinthians 5:17: Paul states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Experiential Evidence
- Personal Testimony: Many people have experienced a transformation in their lives after accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They report feeling a sense of peace, joy, and freedom that they had not experienced before.
- Changed Behavior: New believers often exhibit changed behavior, such as:
- A desire to live a more righteous life
- A willingness to forgive others and themselves
- A greater sense of compassion and empathy for others
- Spiritual Sensitivity: New believers often report experiencing spiritual phenomena, such as:
- A sense of God's presence
- A desire to pray and read the Bible
- A greater awareness of sin and a desire to avoid it
Circumstantial Evidence
- The Church's History: The early Christian church was characterized by a sense of new birth and transformation. The apostles and early believers experienced a radical change in their lives, which led to the spread of Christianity throughout the world.
- The Lives of Believers: Many believers throughout history have reported experiencing a new birth, including famous Christians such as Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Wesley.
- The Fruit of the Spirit: When believers are born again, they often exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and humility (Galatians 5:22-23).
Scientific Evidence
- Brain Chemistry: Studies have shown that the brain chemistry of believers can change after they experience a new birth. For example, the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward, is released in the brain when believers experience spiritual experiences.
- Neuroplasticity: The human brain has the ability to reorganize and adapt itself in response to new experiences. This process, known as neuroplasticity, can lead to changes in the way believers think, feel, and behave.
- The Placebo Effect: The placebo effect is a phenomenon in which people experience real changes in their bodies and minds in response to a perceived treatment or intervention. This effect can be seen in the way that believers experience physical and emotional healing after they are born again.
While these forms of evidence are not definitive proof of new birth, they can provide compelling evidence that a transformation has taken place in a person's life.