“Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”
(1 John 3:9)
Many grapple with the notion of what it means to be “born again,” a biblical truth that is both rich in spiritual significance and a beacon of hope that promises a transformative journey with Christ. But this spiritual rebirth can only occur as a consequence of God’s regenerative power and unbounded grace, which renews and sanctifies us from the inside out… because “what is external is useless unless there is a circumcision of the heart (Jer. 9:26), of the soul.”[1]
The “new birth” (also known as regeneration) is the mystically divine process whereby the Holy Spirit infuses Christ’s work into our soul. This effectual change does not come about merely because of an acquired theoretical understanding of God, but rather, it is a profound renewal of the soul that both enables and fuels our faithful obedience to God and His Christ from a heart of worship, devotion, trust, and love. Scripture uses terms such as the “seed of God” (1 John 3:9) and the “new man” (Col. 3:10) to describe this transformative essence.
When you consider the impassable chasm that exists between God and man due to Adam’s original sin, it is little wonder that every facet of our soul is tainted with deceit and wickedness, and every action arising from our fallen nature is in contradiction to God’s holiness. But God in His infinite mercy provides the opportunity for our fallen nature to be reborn, for the old man to become new. He replaces our “deceitful and desperately wicked” heart (Jer. 17:1) with one that’s aligned with His will. Through this process of regeneration, we’re given a new heart and spirit (Ezek. 36:26-27). We are essentially reborn in Christ, and our new, changed life (Eph. 2:10) is the outward evidence of our fundamental inner renewal.
We ourselves cannot effect this transformation, for Scripture makes it clear this rebirth does not come about from mere moral persuasion or external influences. Rather it is a result of the very same power that raised Christ from the dead (Eph. 1:20), the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us to raise us from dead in sin (the old man) to a new creation in Christ. “That which is born of the Spirit is spirit,” (John 3:6).
Indeed, God’s Word is patently clear on the matter: unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:5, 6, 8). In embracing this profound truth, let us acknowledge our dependence on God’s sovereign grace to effect our spiritual rebirth, this divine transformation within us. And may we ever after seek to know Him more, allowing His Spirit to transform, sanctify, and prepare us for His eternal Kingdom.
Contemplations:
- Reflecting on Rebirth: Whenever I ponder on terms like the “seed of God,” (1 John 3:9) and the “new man,” (Col. 3:10), I am reminded of the degree to which God transforms. I understand that this is not a mere change; instead, it is a complete rebirth into the spiritual family of God.
- Recognizing My Original State: Knowing that my heart, without God, is described as “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked,” (Jer. 17:1) humbles me. I recognize my urgent need for divine intervention, and I yearn for a heart aligned with His will.
- God’s Power in Regeneration: I often marvel at the vastness of God’s power, the same power that resurrected Christ (Eph. 1:20). How fortunate I am that such immense force is available to bring about my spiritual rebirth!
- The Spirit as My Guide: Whenever I contemplate my spiritual journey, the Holy Spirit’s role becomes evident. “It is the Spirit that gives life,” (2 Cor. 3:6). In every step, in every challenge, the Spirit is sanctifying and shaping me for God’s Kingdom.
Further References for 1 John 3:9:
1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 4:7; Psalm 119:3; John 3:3
[1] Jonathan Edwards, “Born Again,” in Sermons and Discourses, 1730–1733, ed. Mark Valeri and Harry S. Stout, vol. 17, The Works of Jonathan Edwards (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 1999), 186.
