THE NEW BIRTH? by steve finnell

What is the new birth and when does it occur?

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said him, "Most assuredly , I say to you, unless one is born again,  he cannot see the kingdom of of God."(NKJV)

In order for someone to be spiritually reborn; there of necessity has to be a death occur. When does the death and rebirth occur?

Romans 6: 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (NKJV)

When believers in Jesus Christ are buried literally and symbolically in water baptism with Him, they die and are raised to walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:6 know this, that our man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.(NKJV)

The old man dies when repentant believers in Christ are buried in water baptism and then the new birth occurs.

Romans 6:7 For he who who died has been freed from sin (NKJV)

Believers in Christ are not freed from sin until they are buried with Jesus Christ in water baptism. Yes, water baptism is a literal burial, an immersion in water and a symbolic burial as well.

YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN

John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.(NKJV)

This rebirth takes place when a repentant believer in Jesus Christ is immersed in water.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)

Born again of water-----baptized. Born again of Spirit----the gift of the Holy Spirit.