What is new birth
The concept of "new birth" is a theological term that refers to the spiritual transformation that occurs when a person becomes a Christian. It is also known as "regeneration" or "being born again."
In Christian theology, new birth is the process by which a person's heart is changed, and they become a new creation in Christ. It is a radical transformation that occurs when a person places their faith in Jesus Christ and accepts Him as their Lord and Savior.
The idea of new birth is rooted in the Bible, particularly in John 3:3-7, where Jesus says, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. From above, you are already receiving it. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
New birth is often described as a spiritual rebirth, where a person's old nature is replaced with a new nature that is characterized by love, joy, peace, and righteousness. It is a process that is initiated by God's Spirit, who convicts a person of their sin and draws them to Christ.
The effects of new birth include:
- Salvation: New birth brings salvation from sin and its consequences, including eternal separation from God.
- Spiritual rebirth: New birth brings a new spiritual life, characterized by a desire to please God and live according to His will.
- Transformation: New birth brings a transformation of the heart, where a person's values, attitudes, and behaviors are changed to reflect God's character.
- New identity: New birth brings a new identity in Christ, where a person is seen as a child of God and a member of the body of Christ.
- Eternal life: New birth brings eternal life, where a person will live forever with God in heaven.
New birth is not a one-time event, but a process that continues throughout a person's life. It is a journey of growth and transformation, where a person is continually being conformed to the image of Christ.