From Religion to Relationship, Chapter 3

From Religion to Relationship, Chapter 3
By John Woodward
Undated

The New Birth
By John Woodward

I recall when our neighbors became parents for the second time. To make it even more memorable, their son arrived on his dad's birthday. What a joy to celebrate new life!

This reminds me of the conversation Jesus had with a sincere Jewish leader (John 3:1-21). Nicodemus had come by night to inquire personally of the message and identity of Jesus. He said, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him" (v.2). Jesus answered Nicodemus with the famous words: "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." The inquirer responded, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" (v.4). [At this point all mothers exclaim "ABSOLUTELY NOT!!"]

So the Lord clarifies the nature of this second birth: "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (vv.5-6). Later in the passage is the most-quoted verse in the Bible: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

From this portion of Scripture we learn several truths about gaining salvation: 1) a spiritual rebirth is required to attain eternal life; 2) this birth is identified as of "water and Spirit"; 3) the condition to attain this new birth is personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The phrase "new birth" is used commonly in some denominations, but it has picked up various connotations from the media. We notice in this study that the phrase is from Jesus Himself, and therefore should be of the utmost importance to every professing Christian.

The biography of Andrew Murray, the beloved devotional writer from South Africa, states that his father was a minister who prayed for revival and preached the necessity of personal salvation. However, it was not until Andrew was completing his seminary studies that he personally received Christ and was born again. His testimony reminds me of a fellow believer in our area who was a deacon in a Church for many years before he understood the plan of salvation and was born again.

At this point we should clarify some issues regarding this birth and the conditions for it. Jesus stated that this birth is "of water and of Spirit". This phrase is a bit ambiguous, so we should consider how the rest of the Bible sheds light on it. Some have suggested that "born of water" relates to water baptism. Although baptism is an important testimony of faith, it is not part of God's conditions for salvation (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 1:14-17; Acts 10:34-47). Others have suggested that "born of water" speaks of the first, natural birth. When a baby is born, the amniotic fluid pours forth as well. If this is what Jesus meant, He would be stating the need to be born physically (first birth) and spiritually (second birth). Another possibility is that "born of water" refers to the agency of the Word of God in the process of conversion. Ephesians 5:26 speaks of Christ saving His people "with the washing of water by the word".

What is unmistakable is the necessity of this spiritual rebirth. The need for this is explained by further references to regeneration: "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins . . . God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ" (Eph 2:1, 4, 5; Cf., Titus 3:4-7).

This "new birth" is often thought of as a dramatic, crisis event, and it often is (Acts 9:1-19). Yet those raised in a Christian home can come to receive Christ and this new birth in a less sensational way, like Timothy did (2 Timothy 3:15). Eventually Nicodemus believed in Jesus as his personal Messiah and Savior (John 19:39).

This should lead all to examine themselves to be certain that they are "in the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5). Christ promised "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life" (John 5:24). In the next chapter we will explore in more detail the aspects of saving faith.

A wonderful testimony of salvation comes form the life of Edward Mote, who "knew nothing about God or the Bible as he grew up in London, England, the child of poor innkeepers. At the age of 16 he was genuinely converted to Christ. Mote later settled in a suburb of London where he became known as a successful cabinet maker and devoted church layman." (Amazing Grace, by Kenneth Osbeck, p. 187). As he grew spiritually, Mote became a faithful preacher of God's word and composed more than 150 hymns. One of my favorites is The Solid Rock. Alluding to Matthew 7:24-27, it clearly describes the nature of salvation in Christ.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name

When darkness veils His lovely face
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my hope gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

When he shall come with trumpet sound
O may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

refrain:

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand--
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

Can you remember if and when you experienced this spiritual re-birth? If not, now is the time to accept the testimony of God and personally receive Christ by faith. John 1:12 promises: "As many as received Him [Christ] , to them God gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name."

by John Woodward

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Since faith is the condition to be reconciled to God, it becomes crucial to know what is ...

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