As a passing from death to life. I John 3:14 states, "We know
that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He
that loveth not his brother abideth in death."
Becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus. II Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore
if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new."
Being born again. John 3:5 states, "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."
A renewal of the mind. Romans 12:2 states, "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."
A resurrection from the dead. Ephesians 2:6 states, "And hath
raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ
Jesus:"
A being quickened. Eph 2:1,5 states, "And you hath he quickened,
who were dead in trespasses and sins; 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath
quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)"
This change is ascribed to the Holy Spirit. It originates not with man
but with God.
1) John 1:12,13 states, "But as many as received him, to them
gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his
name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor
of the will of man, but of God."
2) I John 2:29 states, "If ye know that he is righteous, ye
know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him."
3) I John 5:1-4 states, "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. 2 By this we know that we love the children
of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the
love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not
grievous. 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this
is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."
As to the nature of the change, it consists in the implanting of a new
principle or disposition in the soul; the impartation of spiritual life to
those who are by nature "dead in trespasses and sins."
The necessity of such a change is emphatically affirmed in Scripture.
4) John 3:3 states, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily,
verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the
kingdom of God."
5) Romans 7:18 states, "For I know that in me (that is, in my
flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to
perform that which is good I find not."
6) Romans 8:7-9 states, "Because the carnal mind is enmity
against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can
be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are
not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell
in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of
his."
7) I Corinthians 2:14 states, "But the natural man receiveth
not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him:
neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
8) Ephesians 2:1 states, "And you hath he quickened, who were
dead in trespasses and sins;"
9) Ephesians 4:21-24 states, "If so be that ye have heard him,
and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off
concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according
to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness."