293. JOH 3:3. REGENERATION
Joh_3:3. Regeneration
"Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."’97Joh_3:3.
Observe the occasion of these words. The application of Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, to Jesus. See his complimentary address to Christ, "Rabbi, we know," &c., ver. 2. The reply of Jesus forms the text, For he said unto him, "Except a man," &c.
Let us consider The Nature, and Necessity of Regeneration.
I. The Nature of Regeneration.
What is it to be born again? It cannot mean a second natural birth, as Nicodemus supposed. It does not mean merely the baptism of water. See ver. 5. It does not mean external reformation. Nor yet a correct creed, and a public profession of religion. It is obvious that regeneration includes an entire change of heart. The renewal of the soul in the likeness of the divine image.
Observe then,
1. The propriety of the metaphor.
(1) As by our first birth we become partakers of human nature; by the second, we are made partakers of the divine nature. Children of God. Sons of God, &c.
(2) As by our first birth, we are introduced into the natural world: so by our second birth, into the world or kingdom of grace.
(3) As by our first birth we receive the image of our natural parents: so by the second, we receive the image of the second Adam, the Lord from heaven.
(4) As in our first birth, we possess all the powers and faculties of manhood, in embryo: so in the spiritual birth, we have all the essential parts of the new man.
(5) As in our natural birth, we pass through a great and astonishing change: so in the spiritual birth, all old things pass away, and all things become new.
Let us then notice,
2. The characteristics of this change.
(1) Regeneration is a divine change It is beyond the power of any created agent to effect it. It is God who must take away the heart of stone, &c. It is the Spirit that quickeneth. Born of the Spirit.
(2) Regeneration is an instantaneous change. There will be a preparatory process; but there is no medium between life and death. God says, Let there be light and life, and light and life are at once produced.
(3) Regeneration is a mysterious change. It is not visible in its operation. Likened to the wind. Resembles the power of vegetation, &c.
(4) Regeneration is an entire change. The understanding is enlightened. The judgment made sound. The will subjugated. The affections spiritualized. The conscience cleansed. The soul becomes the seat of light, and harmony, and goodness.
(5) It is a visible change. It will be manifest to those around. The tongue’97the temper’97the life’97all will exhibit it.; "Living epistles read and known," &c. Now fruits of righteousness to the glory of God.
Notice,
II. The Necessity of Regeneration.
1. It is necessary to communion with God.
There can be no fellowship between light and darkness, sin and holiness, a depraved heart, and immaculate Deity.
2. It is necessary to an interest in the promises.
The promises are made to believers, to God’s children. They are the patrimony of the household of faith. Without regeneration we have therefore no lot or part in them.
3. It is necessary to holiness.
We cannot be holy until we are made partakers of a new and holy nature. We must be God’s children, before we can grow in the divine likeness.
4. It is necessary to acceptable obedience.
Prayer’97praise’97meditation’97works of goodness, &c., can only be offered acceptably by those who are renewed in the spirit of their minds. The fountain must be made good, before the streams can be so.
5. It is necessary to our entrance into heaven.
Heaven is a holy place. God’s holy presence. Holy pleasures. Holy services. And nothing that defileth can possibly enter. "Without holiness," &c. The carnal mind is utterly incapable of its pleasures and enjoyments. Therefore, except a man be born again, he cannot enter into the kingdom of grace here, or the kingdom of glory hereafter
APPLICATION
1. Let the subject lead to serious and careful examination. How necessary it is strictly to search and try ourselves. Prove your own selves, &c.
2. Let formalists especially avoid deception here. A name. A creed. A profession. A decent life is not enough, "Ye must be born again."
3. Appeal to the unconverted, as to the great necessity of seriously reflecting upon this subject. By faith in Christ, we become the sons of God. Joh_1:12.
4. The regenerated are required to grow in grace. To pass from the state of child hood to youth, then to maturity’97then to a rich and golden old age, so as to be fully ripe for everlasting glory.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS