Have You Been Born Again?

Have You Been Born Again?

Lesson 2

(outline by: Pastor Frank Damazio)

Introduction:

Whenever a child is born today, he is given a birth certificate. This certificate validates the time, proper name, and even a description of the infant. Foot Prints and SSN can be some of the IDs included.

As in the natural world, so in the spiritual. Christians should be able to examine their birth certificate to validate their birth. Did you have a proper Christian birth?

The purpose of this lesson is examine the need, process, and finally whether the evidence supports that you have properly been born into the kingdom of God.

Is your name in the book of life?

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. -- Rev 20:11 (KJV)

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. -- Rev 20:12 (KJV)

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. -- Rev 20:13 (KJV)

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. -- Rev 20:14 (KJV)

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. -- Rev 20:15 (KJV)

Is believing in God enough proof?

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. -- James 2:19 (KJV)

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? -- James 2:20 (KJV)

I believe that President George Bush is a real person?

But does that mean that I KNOW George Bush

Keeping the law does not mean you are going to heaven!

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: -- Eph 2:8 (KJV)

Not of works, lest any man should boast. -- Eph 2:9 (KJV)

Going to church does not get you into heaven!

Macdonalds Hamburger

You are not saved by being a good person

there is none that doeth good, no, not one. -- Rom 3:12 (KJV)

not saved by being a bad person

The Bible says we have a SIN NATURE from birth

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: -- Rom 5:12 (KJV)

(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. -- Rom 5:13 (KJV)

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. -- Rom 5:14 (KJV)

But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. -- Rom 5:15 (KJV)

And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. -- Rom 5:16 (KJV)

For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) -- Rom 5:17 (KJV)

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. -- Rom 5:18 (KJV)

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. -- Rom 5:19 (KJV)

The verdict from God is simply stated

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; -- Rom 3:23 (KJV)

All except one according to 1 Pet 2:23

OUTLINE

I. The Need To Be Born Again

A. Biblical concept of Original Sin

1. Sin of I Will

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! -- Isa 14:12 (KJV)

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: -- Isa 14:13 (KJV)

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. -- Isa 14:14 (KJV)

Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. -- Isa 14:15 (KJV)

B. Biblical concept of Actual Sin

We all recognize the sad state of man

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. -- 2 Tim 3:1 (KJV)

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, -- 2 Tim 3:2 (KJV)

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, -- 2 Tim 3:3 (KJV)

Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; -- 2 Tim 3:4 (KJV)

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. -- 2 Tim 3:5 (KJV)

How did we get this way? - Adam and Eve

II. The Variety Of Terms Used To Describe Salvation

A. Transformed

To change the condition, nature and even character of something.

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. -- Rom 12:2 (KJV)

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. -- 2 Cor 11:14 (KJV)

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. -- 2 Cor 11:15 (KJV)

B. Justified

remission of sin, guilt and punishment, act by which a sinner is freed through faith from the penalty of sin and is accepted by God as righteoues and worthy of being saved.

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. -- Rom 3:20 (KJV)

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: -- Rom 3:24 (KJV)

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. -- Rom 3:28 (KJV)

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: -- Rom 5:1 (KJV)

C. Converted

to turn or change into something different.

For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. -- Mat 13:15 (KJV)

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. -- Mat 18:3 (KJV)

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; -- Acts 3:19 (KJV)

D. Regenerated

to form or bring into existence again, a spiritual renewal

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. -- Eph 2:10 (KJV)

If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: -- Eph 4:21 (KJV)

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; -- Eph 4:22 (KJV)

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; -- Eph 4:23 (KJV)

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. -- Eph 4:24 (KJV)

E. Redeemed

whenever men by their own fault or through some superior power have come under the control of someone or something else and have lost their freedom, they need a third party to fulfill the work of redemption

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, -- Luke 1:68 (KJV)

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: -- Gal 3:13 (KJV)

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; -- 1 Pet 1:18 (KJV)

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: -- 1 Pet 1:19 (KJV)

F. Reconciled

to retsore to original state, complete healing of relationships, bringing two parties together who were at enmity

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. -- Rom 5:10 (KJV)

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; -- 2 Cor 5:18 (KJV)

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled -- Col 1:21 (KJV)

In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: -- Col 1:22 (KJV)

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; -- Col 1:23 (KJV)

G. SAVED

to deliver from, to heal so as to make whole

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) -- Eph 2:5 (KJV)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: -- Eph 2:6 (KJV)

That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. -- Eph 2:7 (KJV)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: -- Eph 2:8 (KJV)

Not of works, lest any man should boast. -- Eph 2:9 (KJV)

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; -- 1 Cor 15:1 (KJV)

By which also ye are saved , if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. -- 1 Cor 15:2 (KJV)

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; -- 1 Cor 15:3 (KJV)

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: -- 1 Cor 15:4 (KJV)

III. The Process Of The New Birth

A. The term BORN AGAIN is used more in the Johannine writings than any other book. The Apostle John delivers to us the true New Testament theology on being born again. This term is used 10 times in the Gospel of John and 6 times in John's epistles.

B. Natural Birth compared to Spiritual Birth

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. -- 1 Cor 15:45 (KJV)

Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. -- 1 Cor 15:46 (KJV)

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: -- John 3:1 (KJV)

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. -- John 3:2 (KJV)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man BELIEVE IN GOD - NO

OBEY THE COMMANDMENDTS - NO

ATTEND THE LOCAL CHURCH - NO

BE A GOOD PERSON - NO

NOT WATCH DIRTY MOVIES - NO

WHAT DOES HE SAY ???

Except a man

be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. -- John 3:3 (KJV)

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? -- John 3:4 (KJV)

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. -- John 3:5 (KJV)

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. -- John 3:6 (KJV)

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

1. Seed

1. Word of God

2. Blood

2. Blood of Jesus

3. Water

3. Work of The Spirit

4. Breath of Life

4. Release of the Holy Spirit

5. Travail

5. Repentance, Confession, and Faith

C. Examining Repentance

1. Definition of Repentance (Greek) "to think differently, to care or regret, reversal of actions"

2. Repentance is not conviction of Sin, worldly sorrow, belivism, or pleasing others by your changing

3. Repentance must touch your mind, will, and emotions

Prodigal Son

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, -- Luke 15:18 (KJV)

And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. -- Luke 15:19 (KJV)

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. -- Luke 15:20 (KJV)

4. Repentance must bear fruit in the life of the believer

IV. The Evidence Of The New Birth

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: -- Mat 3:8 (KJV)

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. -- Mat 3:9 (KJV)

They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? -- John 8:33 (KJV)

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. -- John 8:34 (KJV)

And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. -- John 8:35 (KJV)

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. -- John 8:36 (KJV)

I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. -- John 8:37 (KJV)

I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. -- John 8:38 (KJV)

They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. -- John 8:39 (KJV)

But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. -- John 8:40 (KJV)

Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. -- John 8:41 (KJV)

Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. -- John 8:42 (KJV)

Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. -- John 8:43 (KJV)

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. -- John 8:44 (KJV)

And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. -- John 8:45 (KJV)

Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? -- John 8:46 (KJV)

He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. -- John 8:47 (KJV)

Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? -- John 8:48 (KJV)

Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. -- John 8:49 (KJV)

And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. -- John 8:50 (KJV)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. -- John 8:51 (KJV)

Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. -- John 8:52 (KJV)

Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? -- John 8:53 (KJV)

Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: -- John 8:54 (KJV)

Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. -- John 8:55 (KJV)

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. -- John 8:56 (KJV)

Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? -- John 8:57 (KJV)

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. -- John 8:58 (KJV)

Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. -- John 8:59 (KJV)
A. The evidence of righteous deeds

Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. -- John 8:41 (KJV)

If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. -- 1 John 2:29 (KJV)

B. The evidence of love for God in your heart expressed in worship and works

Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. -- John 8:42 (KJV)

C. The evidence of Spiritual Understanding in the Word of God

Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. -- John 8:43 (KJV)

He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. -- John 8:47 (KJV)

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, -- Luke 24:45 (KJV)

D. The evidence of Hunger for the Word of God

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: -- 1 Pet 2:2 (KJV)

E. The evidence of not continuing in old habits and sins of the flesh

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. -- Prov 28:13 (KJV)

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. -- 1 John 3:9 (KJV)

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 (KJV)

F. The evidence of a Godly sincere love for yourself, others, and even your enemies.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. -- 1 John 4:7 (KJV)

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. -- 1 John 4:8 (KJV)

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. -- 1 John 4:11 (KJV)

No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. -- 1 John 4:12 (KJV)

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. -- 1 John 3:16 (KJV)

G. The evidence of obedience to the commandments of Christ

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. -- 1 John 5:1 (KJV)

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. -- 1 John 5:2 (KJV)

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. -- 1 John 5:3 (KJV)

H. The evidence of a desire and a God given strength to overcome the world.

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. -- 1 John 5:4 (KJV)

QUESTIONS

1. Explain in your own words the interpretation of Rom 5:12

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: -- Rom 5:12 (KJV)

2. What are the four steps involved in being born again?

1. Word of God

2. Blood of Jesus

3. Work of The Spirit

4. Release of the Holy Spirit