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Basic Bible Study Course

BORN AGAIN

LESSON #7

Before you are saved, you are of the world. When you get saved, "born again," you are born into the kingdom of God (John 17:16). Colossians 1:13 tells us that God has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. It is a spiritual birth, not a worldly rebirth. Jesus said that his kingdom was NOT of this world.

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. John 18:36.

(13) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: Colossians 1:13.

1. YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN

We must be "born again" to be saved. To be saved is to know that you enter into the kingdom of God, and have obtained eternal life. If we were not changed by the Spirit of God, we could not live an overcoming life for Jesus. When you truly repent of your sins and get saved, you are born into the family of God.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. John 3:7.

2. SPIRIT DRAW

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44.

John 4:24 says God is a Spirit. God draws and convicts you of sin, to show you that you can have light instead of darkness, and know the only true way to eternal life. You can come to an altar of repentance and he will give you the great joy of salvation.

(3) O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. (4) Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. Psalm 43:3-4.

You get saved because the Spirit of God draws you to come to him and be forgiven of your sins, to make a change, and live according to God's Holy Word. Then, when you have been baptized in water to show the world you have made a commitment to live for Jesus, you should seek the Holy Ghost.

Repentance is sometimes quickly followed by that person being filled with the Holy Ghost, as in the example of Cornelius and those that were with him (read Acts chapter 10, especially verses 44-48). Then they were baptized in water. Some teach that the Holy Ghost baptism takes place automatically and at the very same time as when you get saved. This is not so. Repentance, when Jesus saves you, is separate from the Holy Ghost baptism. Acts 5:32 tells us that the Holy Ghost is given by God to them that obey him. One evidence of the Holy Ghost baptism is speaking in tongues by a believer.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4.

3. SPIRIT IN YOU (when you are baptized in the Holy Ghost)

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:17.

(38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (39) For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:38-39.

4. BLOOD, WATER, AND SPIRIT

When a woman bears a child, her "water" breaks and BLOOD AND WATER come forth, along with the birth. When we are "born again", it is a spiritual birth into the kingdom of God. God draws us to him to be saved by his Spirit. When we accept Jesus as our Saviour and decide to follow and serve him, we are spiritually COVERED IN THE BLOOD of JESUS and are commanded to be BAPTIZED IN WATER. The disciples in Acts 1:4 were commanded to wait for the promise of the Father (read Acts Chapter 1 and 2). The Spirit of God had already drawn them to God to be saved. Then he promised that the SPIRIT would be IN them when they got baptized with the Holy Ghost. We must also seek God for the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

(1) Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. (2) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. (3) For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (4) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (5) Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (6) This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. (7) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (8) And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 1 John 5:1-8.

(9) If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. (10) He that believeth on the son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar: because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (11) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (12) He that hath the Son hath life: and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (13) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1 John 5:9-13.

When Jesus died to redeem us on the cross, blood and water came out of his side. Jesus said if he did not go away the Comforter (the Holy Ghost) would not come (John 16:7). See how we start our walk with Jesus with the Spirit (drawing) and finish with the Spirit (being filled with the Holy Ghost) and cannot leave out the blood of Jesus (atonement on the cross) and the water baptism. Read all of John, Chapter 3.

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. John 19:34.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:16.

(3) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (4) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (5) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:3-6.

There are scriptures in the Old Testament where the priests used blood and water for cleansing. They are types of the blood of Jesus and water baptism of the New Testament. Read Leviticus 14:6 & 51-52, Hebrews 9:19. Sometimes they used oil in the Old Testament as a type of the anointing of the Holy Ghost. Read also in the Old Testament of the prophecy of the Holy Ghost (Isaiah 28:11 and Joel 2:28-29). Read Acts 2:17-18.

WASH

Jesus doesn't force you to get saved. God draws you to be saved. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that the Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. God will help you but YOU have to make the effort to come to God willingly to be saved. YOU have to make the effort to quit sinning. YOU have to forsake your sins. YOU must repent, changing your way of life. Read 2 Corinthians 7:1, Jeremiah 4:14, and Proverbs 28:13.

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Isaiah 1:16.

YOU must put away sin from you, YOU make the decision to follow Jesus. YOU must make that commitment to make Jesus your Savior. YOU must do your part, BUT it is the BLOOD OF JESUS shed at Calvary that covers you and reconciles you to God, making you saved. Read James 2:20-22. Faith without works is dead. You must believe Jesus and you must act on that faith, showing forth the fruits of repentance (read Matthew 3:8). Read Jeremiah 2:22 & Colossians 1:14.

BORN (a natural body) AND BORN AGAIN (a spiritual body)

Read 1 Corinthians the entire 15th chapter. We are born a natural body. When we are born again we have life eternal because of Jesus Christ. These scriptures are given in particular but be sure to read the whole chapter.

(44) It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. (45) And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. (46) Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 1 Corinthians 15:44-46.

(47) The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. (48) As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. (49) And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 1 Corinthians 15:47-50.

Verse 50 says that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. That is why we have to be born again so that we may obtain eternal life. We are made like the first Adam but must be changed to be like the last Adam, Jesus Christ. God delivered us from sin when we got saved. He requires us to conform to the image of Jesus. Read Romans 12:1-2.

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Philippians 3:21.

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:23.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Cor. 15:53. Read all of 1 Cor. Chapter 15.

When God created man, it was in his own image. The first Adam sinned and so death passed upon all men (Romans 5:12). Jesus came that we might live. God desires that we be reconciled to God, being born again, conforming to the image of his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Romans 5:18.

We were created in God's image, but Adam sinned and all his seed were made sinners.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:27.

Jesus came and reconciled us to God. By one judgment came on all and by one all have the opportunity to have eternal life.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3.

Jesus was made flesh and he conformed to the image of God while he was flesh. Read Hebrews 4:15. We must be conformed to his image. Read Romans 8:16-23.

(16) For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. (17) Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (18) For in that he himself hath suffered

being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Hebrews 2:16-18.

(12) Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: (13) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (14) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (15) Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Colossians 1:12-15.

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:24.

HOW CAN WE DO THIS?

How can we change from the (1) natural body to the spiritual body, (2) old man to the new creature, (3) image of the first Adam to the image of the last Adam? BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD. It is a spiritual birth, done by the Spirit of God. It is God's plan for mankind.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

(9) Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which correcteth us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? (10) For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. (11) Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peacable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Hebrews 12:9-11.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2.

(9) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; (10) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Colossians 3:9-10.

We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 1 John 5:18.

God's born again children, (The church), are to be without spot and without wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27). By the Holy Ghost purging us we can become perfect before God. Read Philippians 3:8-15 and Colossians 1:21-23.

(14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (15) Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Philippians 3:14-15.

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:14.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, Jude 1:24.

NEW CREATURE

God included all people in his plan for salvation. Jesus told his disciples to preach to every creature (Mark 16:15). That includes all nations, all colors, and all races of people, Jews and Gentiles. Read Ephesians Chapter 2 & Gal. 6:15.

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and that determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; Acts 17:26.

When we come to Jesus and repent of our sins, he makes us a new creature. This is how we overcome the devil. All sins are forgiven and gone and we start all new. Because you are a new creature in Christ Jesus, you are changed.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Romans 6:6. Read Ephesians 4:22.

You must continue in the Lord, and let his Spirit change us more and more into His image and likeness. We renew our minds by prayer, by washing of the word (Eph. 5:26), and by the Holy Ghost. Read Romans 12:1-2 & Hebrews 4:13.

Read all of Romans Chapter 8. Read John Chapter 17. Note particularly verses 15-20. Before Jesus was betrayed, he prayed for the disciples and for US. Whosoever will, can still become the children of God.

When you are born again, you are born into the family of God. God is our Father, Jesus is our Savior, and the others that are saved are also the children of God, and therefore our sisters and brothers in the Lord.

HOW CAN WE KNOW THAT WE ARE BORN AGAIN?

If you have doubts about your salvation, seek God! Maybe you have sinned and need to repent, or maybe a lying devil is trying to discourage you so you will backslide. Pray till you pray through to victory; don't delay. Read 1 John 3:18-24, Ephesians 5:1, and Galatians 3:26.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Romans 8:16.

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 1 John 3:10.

Remember, when you are born again, you are translated into the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:12-15). You now have eternal life (1 John 5:11-13) IF you endure to the end (Matthew 10:22).

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