Scripture Reading:

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. — John 3:3 

Summary:

All humanity is under the sentence of death because of sin. Entry into the kingdom of God necessitates a spiritual awakening of the soul, a transformation wrought by God’s power. This spiritual birth purifies the soul from sin and empowers us to be partakers of the divine nature.

I. Spiritual Death

A. Romans 5:12 Death passed upon all men.

B. Romans 3:23-24 All have sinned.

C. Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death.

II. Conversion

A. Acts 3:19 Repent be converted.

B. Matthew 18:3 Except ye be converted.

III. Born Again

A. John 3:1-8 Except a man be born again.

B. 1 Peter 1:23 Be born again of incorruptible seed.

IV. A New Creature

A. 2 Corinthians 5:17 A new creature in Christ.

B. Isaiah 1:18 Cleansed from sin.

V. Regeneration

A. Titus 3:5 Washing of regeneration.

B. Ezekiel 36:24-27 A new heart and new spirit. 

VI. Spiritual Birth Is by God’s Will

A. John 1:12-13 Born not by the will of man.

B. Ephesians 2:8-10 Salvation is the gift of God.

VII. Redemption

A. 1 Peter 1:18-19 Not redeemed by things. 

B. Galatians 6:15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision.

VIII. The Spiritual Man

A. 2 Corinthians 4:16 Inward man is renewed.

B. Colossians 3:9-11 Put on the new man.

IX. Divine Nature

A. 2 Peter 1:3-4 Partakers of divine nature.

B. Ephesians 4:24 New man is created in holiness.

C. Galatians 5:19-24 Works of the flesh vs. works of the Spirit.

X. Evidence of the New Birth

A. 1 John 3:9 Does not commit sin.

B. 1 John 5:4 Overcomes the world.

C. 1 John 2:29 Doeth righteousness.

XI. Identity and Growth in Christ

A. Ephesians 3:14-17 Family is named after the Father.

B. Ephesians 4:15 Growth in Christ.

Conclusion

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. —Ephesians 2:1