“The Marks of the New Birth”- John 3:8 [Regeneration]

Oct 3, 2024

Sermon 18: The Marks of the New Birth

Key Concepts

  • Born of the Spirit: Refers to being born again, born of God. It implies becoming a child of God with the spirit of adoption.
  • New Birth: Not explicitly defined in Scripture but crucial for salvation as stated in John 3:8.

Marks of the New Birth

  1. Faith

    • Fundamental mark of being born of God.
    • Not just intellectual assent; it's a sure trust and confidence in God through Christ.
    • This faith is active and involves a disposition worked in the heart.

  2. Power Over Sin

    • An immediate fruit of faith.
    • Encompasses power over both outward and inward sin.
    • Purifies the heart from every unholy desire and temper.
    • Referenced in Romans 6 by Apostle Paul.

  3. Peace

    • Result of justification by faith.
    • Peace given by Jesus, surpassing all understanding.
    • Not disturbed by worldly turmoil as it's grounded on faith.

  4. Hope

    • A lively hope as described by Apostle Peter.
    • Implies a testimony of one's spirit and the testimony of the Spirit of God.
    • Hope is associated with being heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.

  5. Love

    • The greatest mark of new birth.
    • Love of God shed abroad in hearts by the Holy Spirit.
    • Necessarily leads to love of neighbors and universal obedience.

Characteristics of the Spirit-born

  • Universal Obedience: Includes obedience to all God's commandments, and a zealous pursuit of good works.
  • Joy and Contentment: Regardless of circumstances, a content heart rooted in faith.

Challenges and Misinterpretations

  • Habitual Sin: God's word does not accommodate habitual sin for those born of God.
  • Dead Faith vs. Living Faith: Emphasis on the importance of a living faith which leads to righteous actions.

Concluding Thoughts

  • Examination: Encourages self-examination to determine if one is truly born of God.
  • Continual Growth: Urges those baptized but living in sin to seek renewal and true new birth.

This summary captures the essence of a sermon discussing the spiritual marks and characteristics that define being born of God or born again according to Christian belief, specifically drawing from Scripture.