To be “born of God” means to experience spiritual birth or regeneration by the power of the Holy Spirit. This concept comes from several passages in Scripture:
John 1:12-13 says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” Here, being “born of God” is contrasted with natural physical birth – it is a spiritual birth that comes about when we receive Christ by faith.
1 John 5:1 states, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God…” Belief in Christ is equated with being born of God.
1 Peter 1:3 blesses God for causing us “to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Our new spiritual life comes because of Christ’s resurrection.
1 John 3:9 says, “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.” Here, being born of God is connected to a life of overcoming sin.
1 John 4:7 states, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” Being born of God is associated with the ability to love.
1 John 5:4 says, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.” Being born of God empowers believers to overcome the lures and temptations of this fallen world system.
So in summary, being “born of God” refers to the miracle of regeneration and new spiritual life that takes place at salvation. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are born again of the Spirit of God. This imparts to us a new nature – we become children of God, citizens of heaven. The old has gone, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).
What are some key characteristics of those who are born of God?
– They believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (1 John 5:1). True faith in Christ is the evidence of being born again.
– They possess eternal life and will not face judgment, but have passed from death to life (John 5:24; 1 John 3:14). Eternal spiritual life is a hallmark of those born of God.
– They practice righteousness rather than sin as a pattern of life (1 John 2:29; 3:9; 5:18). Being born again results in a new direction guided by the Holy Spirit.
– They love other Christians – a love that comes from God dwelling in them (1 John 4:7). Love is a primary characteristic of God’s family.
– They overcome the evil influences of this world system (1 John 5:4). Victory over Satan’s lures distinguishes children of God.
– They keep God’s commandments and do what pleases Him (1 John 2:3-6; 3:24; 5:2). Obedience to God’s Word marks those born of Him.
How does this new birth happen? By the will and power of God. John 1:13 says we are born of God not by human means but by God’s will. Jesus said in John 3:5-8 that being born again happens by the Spirit, compared to the wind which blows wherever it wishes. We don’t produce or control spiritual birth; God causes it when we exercise repentant faith.
Furthermore, what are the results and blessings of being born of God?
– We become God’s children, entering His family as dearly loved sons and daughters (Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 3:26; 1 John 3:1-2). We gain an intimate Father-child relationship with God.
– We are given the indwelling Holy Spirit who comforts, guides, teaches, and empowers us to live godly lives (Romans 8:9-17; 1 Corinthians 3:16). The Spirit’s presence is a pledge guaranteeing our eternal inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14).
– We are permanently made right with God – justified and reconciled to Him (Romans 5:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19). Our sins are completely forgiven when we’re born again (Acts 13:38-39).
– We are freed from slavery to sin, no longer under the curse of the law (Romans 6:6-7, 14; Galatians 5:1). Sin’s mastery is broken when we come to Christ by faith.
– We are adopted into God’s family as fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:15-17). We become recipients of all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies (Ephesians 1:3).
– We have a living hope – an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, unfading, kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:3-5). The certainty of eternity with Christ anchors our soul.
– God begins His good work of transforming us into Christ’s image; He will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6; 1 John 3:2-3). Our lifelong sanctification flows from new life in Christ.
In summary, being born of God completely transforms who we are. We go from being spiritually dead in sin to being alive in Christ with an entirely new identity. All because of God’s abundant mercy and amazing grace. This spiritual birth marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. As 1 Peter 2:2 says, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” Our part is to nurture this new life by hungering for God’s Word, denying ungodliness, and being filled with the Spirit.
What are some common misconceptions about being born of God?
1. It is based on our own choice or will. Scripture teaches we are born of God by His will, not our own (John 1:12-13). While faith is exercised on our part, regeneration originates in God.
2. It happens at water baptism. Baptism is an important, obedient step of public identification with Christ and His church. However, the new birth itself comes through faith in Christ, not by rituals (John 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23).
3. It means we become divine like God. To be born of God does make us His children. But we remain finite, redeemed creatures – not little gods (Isaiah 43:10). Sonship does not make us equal to Christ in divinity.
4. It leads to perfection and sinlessness in this life. Being born again gives victory over sin and the ability to obey God. But not sinless perfection until we are glorified in eternity (1 John 1:8; Philippians 3:12).
5. It refers to being born into a Christian family. While a godly upbringing can encourage faith, being born of God requires personal trust in Christ. It’s spiritual, not physical birth (John 1:11-13).
6. It’s essentially a feeling, emotion, or mystical experience. New birth may involve powerful feelings. But essentially it is a legal transfer – from the kingdom of darkness into Christ’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
7. It happens only once. Just as physical birth happens once, so our spiritual birth is a one-time event. But growth and transformation continue through the indwelling Spirit (John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 2:2).
In conclusion, being “born of God” according to the teaching of Scripture refers to the miracle of spiritual life granted when we exercise repentant faith in Jesus Christ. This regeneration makes us God’s beloved children and imparts new desires to know, love, and obey our heavenly Father. All praise and glory to God for causing us to be born again according to His great mercy!
