SPECIAL TOPIC: BORN AGAIN

SPECIAL TOPIC: BORN AGAIN (from 1 Peter 1)

This is the same root (anagennaō, cf. 1 Pet. 1:23)
is used in Jesus’ discussion with Nicodemus in John 3:3,7,8 (gennaō).
It is an
aorist active participle, which
speaks of a decisive act. The NT also uses other metaphors to describe our
salvation:

1. “quickened” (cf. Col. 2:13; Eph. 2:4-5)

2. “new creation” (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15)

3. “partaker of Divine Nature,” (cf. 2 Pet. 1:4)

4. Paul is fond of the familial metaphor “adoption”
(cf. Rom. 8:23; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5), while John and Peter are
fond of the familial metaphor “new birth”

Being “born again” or “born from above” is a biblical emphasis on the need
for a totally new start (cf. Ezek. 36:26-27), a totally new family (cf. John
1:12-13; Rom. 5:12-21). Christianity is not a reformation or a new morality; it
is a new relationship with God. This new relationship is made possible because
of

1. the Father’s mercy and grace (cf. Exod. 34:6; Neh.
9:17)

2. the Son’s sacrificial death (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21) and resurrection from the dead
(cf. 1 Corinthians 15)

3. the work of the Spirit (cf. John 3:6; 6:44,65; 1 Pet. 1:2)

This divine will (see
Special Topic: YHWH’s Eternal Redemptive Plan) and action gives believers a new life, a living hope, and a
sure inheritance.