This is the next blog in the ongoing series on "The New Birth"
The MIRACLE of the New Birth.
Geoffrey R. Kirkland
Christ Fellowship Bible Church
That the new birth is nothing short of a miracle is clear because it is something that only God can do. A true miracle is something contrary to nature that only God can do. A miracle according to Scripture, is something that defies the laws of nature since God has brought it about by His power and for His purposes. When God says: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezek 36:26, emphasis added), the miracle of the new birth has taken place.
1) An instantaneous miracle. The regeneration event is a mere instantaneous working of God in the soul of man. It is the life of God in the soul of man that the Spirit of God quickens by His sovereignty, for His glory, in a moment of time. Just as the Lord opened Lydia’s heart in a moment’s time as she heard the preached Word and then she believed, this is the working of the Spirit of God who instantaneously regenerates and gives life to dead souls (cf. Acts 16:14).
2) A divine miracle. The new birth happens because God begins and accomplishes and perfects the work. Human workings has no part nor does it have any contribution whatsoever to the salvation-event. It is all of God. James writes that it is by the exercise of His will that He [God] brought us forth (James 1:18). Peter says that God has caused us to be born again (1 Pet 1:3).
3) A received miracle. Regeneration is not merely something that people look at on others but for those who look to Christ and trust in Him they receive and experience the miracle of the new birth. Those whom God quickens, they are then enabled to believe and be justified! Regeneration is not merely something observed; it is received personally by God’s amazing grace.
4) A radical miracle. So radical is this new birth that God effects in the sinner’s soul that Peter describes it as being ‘born again’ to a living hope (1 Pet 1:3). The old nature, old habits, old cravings are gone. Moreover, God removes filthiness and idols and gives a new heart and a new spirit (Ezek 36:25-26). Indeed, He now causes His own to walk in His statutes (Ezek 26:27). Truly, this is a miracle; indeed, a radical working of God!
5) An eternal miracle. The new birth does not fade away. None who receive the new birth can lose it. All whom the Spirit regenerates, He keeps, He preserves, He guards, and He glorifies. No person who has ever been given the second birth has lost it — ever! Paul says that believers have received the washing of regeneration … so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs of the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:5-7). This new birth lasts forever.
6) An irreversible miracle. What God gives life to, nothing can revoke that life ever again. It is an irreversible working of God. We are born again to a living hope to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for believers (1 Pet 1:3-4). Such people are preserved by the power of God for a salvation to be revealed (1 Pet 1:5). This new birth cannot ever be revoked, reversed, taken away. Regeneration is the permanent cementing of new life in the soul of a man. This new life from God produces joy inexpressible and full of glory!
