In his sermon titled "A New Birth Example - He Must Needs Go Through Samaria," Rowland Wheatley elaborates on the doctrine of the new birth as exemplified through the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4). He emphasizes that the new birth is not a uniform experience; rather, it is a unique work of God's grace that manifests differently in individual lives. Wheatley outlines how God sovereignly orchestrates circumstances leading to conversion, as seen in the various interactions the woman has with Jesus, which ultimately highlight His control and the necessity of recognizing one’s sinful state before salvation can occur. Key Scripture references include John 3, which lays the groundwork for understanding the new birth, and John 4, where specific examples illustrate this doctrine, particularly the need for personal faith and testimony in Christ. The practical significance of this teaching is twofold: it encourages believers to reflect on their own unique conversion experiences while underscoring the sovereignty of God in salvation, as no one can claim credit but must acknowledge God's initiative in their spiritual rebirth.
Key Quotes
“There must be a spiritual birth between the time of your natural birth and the time that you die. There's no other way, there's no other way of salvation but that which is begun.”
“The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah's cometh... But when he is come, he will tell us all things.”
“It is the Lord that instigates it. He begins the good work, he carries it on, he finishes it.”
“If the Lord brings a real conviction of one sin, and brings this sin as guilty, we are guilty of all.”
The Bible teaches that the new birth is necessary for salvation, emphasizing that one must be spiritually born again to enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:3).
The concept of the new birth is foundational in Christian theology, particularly captured in John 3, where Jesus states, 'You must be born again.' This signifies that salvation involves not just a physical birth but a spiritual transformation initiated by God. The necessity of this new birth highlights the divine work in the believer’s life; there is no pathway to salvation without it. The new birth represents a sovereign act of God's grace, whereby He instills spiritual life in the dead soul. Without this spiritual rebirth, individuals remain separated from God and unable to embrace the truth of the Gospel.
John 3:3, John 4:4
The truth of the new birth is supported by Jesus' teaching in John 3 and illustrated through His interactions, such as with the Samaritan woman (John 4).
The doctrine of the new birth is affirmed through Scripture, particularly in John 3 where Jesus emphasizes its necessity for entering God's Kingdom. Jesus uses examples and teachings, like His conversation with Nicodemus, to illustrate the spiritual regeneration required for salvation. The account of the woman at the well in John 4 further exemplifies this doctrine, wherein through her encounter with Christ, we observe the transformative nature of the new birth. The personal testimonies and the experiential nature of conversion in the lives of believers throughout biblical history corroborate the doctrinal assertion of the new birth as a vital aspect of authentic faith.
John 3:3, John 4:4
The new birth is essential for Christians as it signifies spiritual regeneration and the initiation of a personal relationship with God (John 4).
The significance of the new birth cannot be overstated for Christians as it denotes a radical transformation in one’s spiritual state. It marks the beginning of a believer's relationship with God, allowing them to experience His grace and understand spiritual truths. In John 4, Jesus demonstrates that the new birth leads to a living faith that bears witness to Christ; it is through this regeneration that believers are drawn to share their experiences with others. Moreover, the new birth enables believers to grow in their faith and pursue holiness, aligning their lives with God's purposes. Without this divine intervention, one remains spiritually dead and separated from God, highlighting the urgency and necessity of this doctrine for all who seek to follow Christ.
John 3:5, John 4:29
God is the initiator and sustainer of the new birth, controlling every aspect of the spiritual awakening in individuals (John 4:4).
In the context of the new birth, God plays a crucial role as both initiator and sustainer of the process. As expressed in the sermon, God actively prepares the heart, cultivates faith, and draws individuals to Himself. The sovereign grace of God is evident in how He arranges circumstances and orchestrates encounters, such as Jesus’ meeting with the Samaritan woman, illustrating that He meticulously controls the work of grace in each believer’s life. This divine sovereignty underscores that it is not man who births himself spiritually but rather it is God who brings about this transformation, showcasing His power and mercy. By recognizing God's role in the new birth, believers can take comfort that their faith is sustained by His unwavering grace throughout their spiritual journey.
John 4:4, Philippians 1:6
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