Meaning of Being Born in a Spiritual Sense
The concept of being born in a spiritual sense is rooted in the biblical notion of spiritual rebirth, where an individual is transformed by the power of God. The Greek term "γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν" (gennēthē anōthen), translated as "born again" or "born from above," is central to this concept [8].
In John 3:3, Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be "born again" to enter the kingdom of God. This spiritual rebirth is not a physical or natural process but a divine one, facilitated by the Holy Spirit [8]. The phrase "born of God" is used in 1 John 3:9 to describe those who have undergone this spiritual transformation, becoming partakers of the divine nature and new creatures in Christ [7].
The Hebrew term "רוּחַ" (ruach), translated as "spirit," is crucial in understanding the spiritual dimension of this rebirth. It encompasses various aspects, including breath, wind, and the animating principle of life [3, 4]. In the context of spiritual rebirth, the Spirit is seen as the agent of transformation, enabling individuals to be "born of the Spirit" (John 3:6) [6].
The biblical account of spiritual rebirth is closely tied to the concept of adoption, where believers are brought into the family of God, receiving the privileges and blessings associated with being children of God [2]. This adoption is not merely a legal or positional change but a profound transformation that affects the individual's very being.
The early Church Fathers, such as John Chrysostom, understood spiritual rebirth as a momentous event that occurs instantaneously, in contrast to physical birth, which is a gradual process [9]. This spiritual birth is characterized by its perfection from the outset, reflecting the instantaneous and complete nature of God's work in the believer.
The spiritual body, as opposed to the natural body, is a key aspect of this rebirth. In 1 Corinthians 15:44, Paul contrasts the natural body with the spiritual body, highlighting the transformation that occurs through spiritual rebirth [1].
The understanding of spiritual rebirth has been interpreted in various ways across Christian traditions. The Eastern Orthodox tradition, as represented by John Chrysostom, emphasizes the instantaneous and perfect nature of spiritual birth [9]. The Reformed tradition, as seen in the writings of John Gill, underscores the role of God's grace in regeneration and the believer's new status as a child of God [7].
The biblical concept of spiritual rebirth is intricately linked with the work of the Holy Spirit, who is seen as the agent of this transformation. The Spirit is described as the "earnest" of the believer's inheritance, a guarantee of the future blessings that await them [5].
Sources
- 1 Corinthians “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is also a spiritual body. -- 1 Corinthians 15:44”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Adoption — The giving to any one the name and place and privileges of a son who is not a son by birth. (1.) Natural. Thus Pharaoh's daughter adopted Moses (Ex. 2:10), and Mordecai Esther (Esther 2:7). (2.) National. God adopted Israel (Ex. 4:22; Deut. 7:6; Hos. 11:1; Rom. 9:4). (3.) Spiritual. An act of God's grace by which he brings men into the number of his redeemed family, and makes them partakers of all the blessings he has provided for them. Adoption represents the new relations into which the believer is introduced by justification, and the privileges connecte”
- STEPBible TBESG “[H7307] H7307I = a Meaning of (H7307G) — : side<br>1) wind, breath, mind, spirit<br>1a) breath<br>1b) wind<br>1b1) of heaven<br>1b2) quarter (of wind), side<br>1b3) breath of air<br>1b4) air, gas<br>1b5) vain, empty thing<br>1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation)<br>1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour<br>1c2) courage<br>1c3) temper, anger<br>1c4) impatience, patience<br>1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented)<br>1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse<br>1c7) prophetic spirit<br>1d) spirit (of the liv”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Spirit — (Heb. ruah; Gr. pneuma), properly wind or breath. In 2 Thess. 2:8 it means "breath," and in Eccl. 8:8 the vital principle in man. It also denotes the rational, immortal soul by which man is distinguished (Acts 7:59; 1 Cor. 5:5; 6:20; 7:34), and the soul in its separate state (Heb. 12:23), and hence also an apparition (Job 4:15; Luke 24:37, 39), an angel (Heb. 1:14), and a demon (Luke 4:36; 10:20). This word is used also metaphorically as denoting a tendency (Zech. 12:10; Luke 13:11). In Rom. 1:4, 1 Tim. 3:16, 2 Cor. 3:17, 1 Pet. 3:18, it designates the divin”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Earnest — The Spirit is the earnest of the believer's destined inheritance (2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5; Eph. 1:14). The word thus rendered is the same as that rendered "pledge" in Gen. 38:17-20; "indeed, the Hebrew word has simply passed into the Greek and Latin languages, probably through commercial dealings with the Phoenicians, the great trading people of ancient days. Originally it meant no more than a pledge; but in common usage it came to denote that particular kind of pledge which is a part of the full price of an article paid in advance; and as it is joined with the fi”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 3:7: Marvel not, &c.--If a spiritual nature only can see and enter the kingdom of God; if all we bring into the world with us be the reverse of spiritual; and if this spirituality be solely of the Holy Ghost, no wonder a new birth is indispensable. Ye must--"Ye, says Jesus, not we" [BENGEL]. After those universal propositions, about what "a man" must be, to "enter the kingdom of God" (Joh 3:5) --this is remarkable, showing that our Lord meant to hold Himself forth as "separate from sinners."”
- 1 John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 John 3:9: Whosoever is born of God,.... In a figurative and spiritual sense; who are regenerated, or born from above; who are quickened by the grace of God, and have Christ formed in them; who are made partakers of the divine nature, and new creatures in Christ; which spiritual birth is not owing to men, to the power and will of men, but to the grace of God; and is sometimes ascribed to the Father, who of his own will and abundant mercy begets souls again to a lively hope, and saves them by the washing of regeneration; and sometimes to Christ, who quickens whom he will, whose gr”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 3:3: 3:3 born again: Or born from above. John’s expression “from above” (3:31; 19:11) means “from God.” To experience spiritual rebirth, a person must be completely renewed through God’s power. • Nicodemus interpreted Jesus’ words physically; he demonstrated that those in darkness, who do not have spiritual rebirth, cannot understand Jesus or other “heavenly things” (3:12). Jesus sometimes used ironic misunderstanding as a teaching strategy.”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: out of his chamber” ( Ps. xviii. 6 ), we may now rather say of the faithful, for they send forth rays far brighter than he. That which is fashioned in the womb requires time, not so that in water, but all is done in a single moment. Here our life is perishable, and takes its origin from the decay of other bodies; that which is to be born comes slowly, (for such is the nature of bodies, they acquire perfection by time,) but it is not so with spiritual things. And why? Because the things made are formed perfect from the beginning. When Nicodemus still”