BORN AGAIN OR NEW CREATION?


"Born again," as spoken by Jesus in John 3:3-5, is not directly applied to the Dispensation of Grace. It is crucial to rightly divide the Word of Truth and understanding that different terminologies and doctrines were revealed for Israel and the Body of Christ in their respective dispensations,



Here is a deeper exploration of this IDEA.

1. Born Again in Israel's Program
Context of John3:
Jesus was addressing Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews. . The discussion centered around Israel's spiritual condition and their requirements to enter the Kingdom of God. (3:3)
The "Kingdom of God" here refers to the earthly Messianic Kingdom promised to Israel--a fullfillment of Old Testament prophecies. (Isaiah 9:6; Ezekiel 36:25-27).

The New Birth
Being "born again" involved spiritual regeneration necessary for Jews to inherit this kingdom.
It was part of the new covenant . which God promised especially to Israel:
Ezekiel 36:26-27: "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."
Jeremiah writes that the future New Covenant includes internalization of God's laws and forgiveness of sins (31:31-34).
The requirement to be "born of the water (baptism?) of the Spirit." (John 3:5) connects us with Israel's need for cleansing (thru water baptism) and renewal (by the baptism of the Holy Spirit).

2. No Born Again in the Dispensation of Grace
Paul's gospel and the new creation:
In the Dispensation of Grace, believers are not described as
"born again" but as a new creature
2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
This transformation is not tied to the prophetic promise of Israel but is a result of being placed in the Body of Christ through faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:1-4)

Distinct identity in Christ.
Under grace there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile (Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:14-16). All believers are united un Christ and sealed with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13-14)."The new creation) reflects an unique spiritual position as member sof the Body of Christ, not a national or covenential identity like Israel.

Different Terminology Same Source
The term "born again" is absent from Paul's epistles because the focus is not entering Israel's kingdom but being part of a heavenly calling. (Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 2;6)

3. Why This Matters in Right Division.
Israel's program v. the church's program.
Born Again: Pertains to Israel's future redemption and Kingdom inheritance. .
New Creation: PERTains t the Church's spiritual identity and heavenly calling.
Mixing these terms leads to confusion about GODs' distinct plan for Israel and the Church.

Gospel Differences
The gospel of the kingdom preached by Jesus and the twelve (Matthew 10:5-70) focused on repentance and preparation for Israel's Messianic Kingdom.
The Gospel of Grace, revealed to Paul (Ephesians 3:1-9), emphasizes salvation though faith alone for all who believe in Christ's finished work (Ephesians 2:8-9)

4. Verses to Consider
Galatians 3:28 (the Church)
John 3:3-5 (Israel)
2 Corinthians 5:17 (the Church)
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (Israel)

5. Conclusion
In the Dispensation of Grace, believers are new creatures, not "born again'" The "born again" terminology under the New covenant and relates to their future restoration and entry into the earthly kingdom. For the body of Christ, our position is tied to the heavenly places and distinct from Israel's prophetic hope.
by Levi Judi

edited due to length