### Bible Prophecy: Born Again at the Resurrection of the Dead
The concept of being "born again" in biblical prophecy refers to the physical resurrection and transformation of believers into immortal beings. According to Apostle Paul, "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God" because "corruption cannot inherit incorruption" (1 Corinthians 15:50). This statement underscores the necessity for a transformation from our mortal, corruptible state to an immortal, incorruptible one to enter God's kingdom. The kingdom of God, described as incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading, is the eternal inheritance of the saints, as referenced in Daniel 2:44 and 7:14, 18, 27. This kingdom, once given to the blessed, will remain their possession forever.
Paul’s assertion that the saints must become "spiritual bodies" (1 Corinthians 15:44) before they can "see" or inherit the kingdom of God underscores the need for a physical resurrection and transformation. This second birth is not a matter of spiritual or mystical rebirth but a physical and divine transformation. Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:5-8 illustrates this point. Jesus states, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). He explains, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:6). The reference to being "born of water and the Spirit" signifies a transformative process necessary to enter the kingdom, aligning with the physical resurrection and change that is required.
The kingdom of God, or the restored kingdom of Israel, is not currently present on earth. Therefore, entering the kingdom is not possible until Jesus returns, resurrects the dead, and judges those who have been called—both the faithful and the unfaithful. At Christ's appearing, those who have been entrusted with knowledge of God's will, including both the obedient and disobedient among them, will stand before His judgment seat to be judged according to their works (2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:1; Romans 2:5-6, 16; 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Revelation 11:18). This judgment will determine their eternal destiny.
The faithful will be granted immortality and exalted to reign with Jesus, co-possessing the earth and administering God's authority among men. Scriptural references affirm this future reality: Matthew 7:26, 8:12, 25:20-30; Daniel 12:2; Galatians 6:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Hebrews 10:26-31; 2 Peter 2:12; Revelation 21:8; Malachi 4:1; Psalms 37:30-38; Proverbs 10:25-29; 1 Corinthians 15:51-55; 2 Corinthians 5:1-4; James 1:12; Romans 2:7; John 10:28; Matthew 5:5; Psalms 37:9, 22, 29; Revelation 5:9; Daniel 7:27; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Peter 1:11; Revelation 3:21; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:10; Psalms 49:7-9; and Luke 22:29-30.
Conversely, the unfaithful will face shame and "the second death" (Revelation 21:8). This "second death" signifies the end of conscious existence, a state where there is no awareness, sensation, or life. According to biblical prophecy, the second death is a complete and final cessation of being, contrasting with the eternal life promised to the faithful. This ultimate consequence underscores the gravity of adhering to God's will and the profound impact of our earthly choices on our eternal destiny. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our lives with divine teachings to avoid the irreversible state of nonexistence and to secure the promised eternal life.
In summary, the doctrine of being born again in this context is intrinsically linked to the resurrection of the dead and the transformation to immortality. Only through this divine process can believers inherit the eternal kingdom of God. This transformative event will occur at Christ's return, culminating in the judgment and subsequent immortality for the faithful, allowing them to enter and reign in God's kingdom forever..
### Understanding the Spiritual Body
The concept of the "spiritual body" is introduced in Paul’s discourse on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. Paul explains to the Corinthians, who lacked understanding, that the resurrection body has a different nature compared to our current physical bodies. He uses the analogy of a seed and its transformation into a plant to illustrate this concept. Just as a seed must die and decompose to produce a plant, our physical bodies must undergo a similar transformation to become spiritual bodies.
Paul elaborates that the physical body is like the seed, which is sown in a state of corruption, dishonor, and weakness. In contrast, the spiritual body will be raised in incorruption, glory, and power. This transformation is akin to how a plant grows from a seed: although the original seed's form is lost, its identity is preserved in the new plant. Likewise, when the dead are resurrected, their bodies will be transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ.
The spiritual body is a material and tangible entity, yet it is purified from the corruption and mortality of our current bodies. It is described as holy and spiritual because it is produced by the Spirit from the dust of the earth, independent of physical decay. Paul contrasts this with the flesh, which is perishable and earthly. He explains that "that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:6), referring to the new, incorruptible nature that believers will receive in the resurrection.
Jesus, who was born of the flesh but became a spiritual being through His resurrection, is the first to exhibit this transformation. As Paul states, Jesus was "born of David's seed according to the flesh, and constituted the Son of God in power by the Spirit of holiness through a resurrection from the dead" (Romans 1:3-4). This transformation underscores Jesus’ exalted status and His role as the first to embody this spiritual nature, which is reflected in His title as "the Lord the Spirit" (Philippians 2:9-11).
In summary, the spiritual body represents a transformation from our current physical state to a new, incorruptible form, empowered by the Spirit, and characterized by its divine and eternal nature.
### Understanding "Born Again" Through Knowledge and Transformation
**Understanding the Role of Knowledge and Faith in Personal Transformation**
The belief that spiritual renewal is exclusively dependent on possessing the Spirit of God is a doctrine we do not accept. We interpret the concept of being "born of water and of the Spirit" as referring not to a mystical spiritual rebirth, but rather to a profound renewal of the mind. This renewal is accomplished through precise and accurate knowledge, which is denoted by the Greek term *epgnosis*.
According to Romans 12:2 speaks about the renewing of the mind, which is not a mystical experience but is achieved through studying the scriptures and gaining accurate knowledge. Genuine faith necessitates a clear understanding of the gospel, as highlighted in Paul's question, "How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?" (Rom. 10:14). This indicates that knowledge must precede faith; one cannot have faith in something unknown.
The principle is unmistakable: "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb. 11:6). Furthermore, it is affirmed that "Ye are saved through faith" (Eph. 2:8) and that "the just shall live by faith" (Heb. 10:38). Biblical faith is not merely an abstract reliance on God’s power but is grounded in trust in specific promises. For instance, Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness (Rom. 4:9). Romans 4:20-21 elaborates on this righteousness-acquiring faith:
"But because of the promise of God he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised. Therefore, 'it was counted to him as righteousness.'"
Some may argue that salvation is through "the renewing of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). However, this does not conflict with the notion that renewal also comes through knowledge (Col. 3:10). Instead, it signifies that the Holy Spirit renews or regenerates an individual intellectually and morally by instilling faith in the truth. Jesus said, "Sanctify them by Your truth; Your word is truth" (John 17:17). He also stated, "You are clean because of the word which I have spoken to you" (John 15:3). God's power manifests through His Spirit, which initiates intellectual, moral, and physical changes. When God aims to effect such changes, it is through the knowledge revealed by His Spirit through the prophets and apostles.
The Holy Spirit operates through Biblical inspiration and the church, emphasizing an external mode of working through scripture and teaching to convert individuals rather than relying solely on internal experiences or operations.
Hebrews 4:12 asserts, "The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Similarly, 2 Corinthians 10:5 states, "Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
When knowledge is received into “good and honest hearts,” it becomes potent, described as “the Knowledge of God” (2 Pet. 1:2) or “the word of truth” (James 1:18). Through this truth, God regenerates sinners as His children. The power of God that saves individuals from sin and guides them to the hope of the kingdom and glory to which He calls them is depicted through various terms such as “the word of the truth of the gospel,” “the gospel of the kingdom,” “the incorruptible seed,” “the word,” “the truth as it is in Jesus,” “the word of the kingdom,” “the word of reconciliation,” “the law and the testimony,” “the word of faith,” “the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God,” “the word of Christ,” and “the perfection of liberty.” The truth is the force that liberates individuals (John 8:32, 36).
Jesus said, “My words are spirit, and they are life.” The prophets, Jesus, and the apostles served as conduits for this knowledge. The Spirit is referred to as the “spirit” because it is through the Spirit that knowledge was revealed to the prophets (Rom. 2:20).
The Spirit and the truth are intimately connected, often referring to one another in their influence on the mind and heart. Thus, being "renewed by the Holy Spirit" is akin to being renewed by faith in the truth testified by the Holy Spirit (John 15:26; 14:13-14).
Paul prayed for the Colossians, who had some knowledge of God’s will and had become Christians, to be “filled with the accurate knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Col. 1:9). This accurate knowledge is crucial for all Christians (Eph. 1:15-17; Phil. 1:9; 1 Tim. 2:3-4), as it is essential for adopting “the new personality” and attaining peace (Col. 3:10; 2 Pet. 1:2).
Is it possible to gain knowledge of the truth without applying it in daily life? Yes, it is. Such knowledge remains purely academic if it is not illuminated by the heart. To be “where Christ is” means being united with Christ and engaged in the Father’s work.
The knowledge of God and goodness comes as we actively express praise, thanksgiving, loving-kindness, and faithfulness. These actions reveal God to us as we practice them.
Colossians 3:10 states, “And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in accurate knowledge after the image of its creator.” This signifies that we embody the characteristics of Jesus by “putting Him on” in baptism (Col. 3:10, 12). We are to live according to how the Lord perceives us by status.
In John 3:5, when Jesus speaks of being "born of water and of the Spirit," it is important to understand the symbolic significance of "water" in this context. From the perspective of biblical interpretation, this "washing of water" is often understood as a metaphor for the cleansing and renewing power of the Word of God. This aligns with Ephesians 5:26, where Paul speaks of Christ sanctifying the church "by the washing of water with the word." Thus, to be "born of water" means to be born through the transformative power of the Scriptures.
The Scriptures serve as the medium through which God’s truth and promises are conveyed to humanity. By engaging deeply with the Bible, individuals gain the precise and accurate knowledge (*epignosis*) necessary for the renewal of their minds. This renewal is not merely an abstract or mystical experience but a concrete process of understanding and applying God's Word in one’s life. The Word of God acts as the agent of spiritual rebirth, cleansing individuals from sin and guiding them toward a life of faith and righteousness. In this way, the phrase "born of water" underscores the indispensable role of the Scriptures in the process of spiritual regeneration and growth.
In summary, being "born again" should be understood as a process of mental and moral renewal achieved through the accurate knowledge of God's will as revealed in Scripture. This renewal involves applying this knowledge in one's daily life, aligning with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The term "Holy Spirit" in this context refers to the scriptures that guide this transformation, rather than a supernatural force. Thus, transformation into the new self, or "putting on the new man," is fundamentally about integrating this knowledge into practice, reflecting Christ’s character in everyday actions
The Process of Divine Sonship and the Role of Knowledge and Baptism
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: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." This passage emphasizes that becoming a child of God is not a human endeavor but a divine act. However, it does not specify the process involved in this transformation. For a clearer understanding, we must look to other scriptural testimonies.
The initiation of one's divine sonship begins with the reception of truth. According to Paul, the preaching of the gospel is God's method for salvation (Romans 1:16). When an individual embraces the gospel, this act of faith marks the beginning of a divine relationship. However, this initial phase must progress to a full birth, as partial development would result in failure.
Jesus links the concept of birth with water in John 3:4 and baptism with belief in Mark 16:16. Baptism is thus seen as a divine ordinance for believers to be fully integrated into the divine family. Skeptics may dismiss the significance of water in this process, but scriptural evidence supports its role. Acts 10:47, Acts 8:36, Hebrews 10:22, and 1 Peter 3:20-21 all underscore the importance of baptism.
While the birth through water can be ascribed to the transformative power of the word, it is essential to recognize that water immersion alone is ineffective without understanding. Ephesians 5:26 refers to baptism as the "washing of water by the word," indicating that the word initiates and brings life, with immersion serving as the act that completes the process legally. Peter elaborates on this by stating that believers are "born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever" (1 Peter 1:23).
Thus, those who accept the gospel and undergo baptism can be said to be born of the word of God. This reflects an intellectual and moral regeneration rather than a mystical spiritual transformation, aligning with the perspective in Romans 12:2, which speaks of the renewal of the mind through precise and accurate knowledge. Therefore, they are born of God, as this encompasses the entire process of intellectual and moral regeneration and divine adoption.
