Are You Born Again?

7 Biblical Evidences of Regeneration by Martyn Lloyd-Jones

In his classic sermon "The New Birth", the great 20th century preacher Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones exposits the biblical doctrine of regeneration, or what it means to be "born again." Drawing from Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus in John 3 and other key Scripture passages, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains the supernatural, momentous change that takes place in a person's soul when they are saved by grace through faith in Christ. Following are 7 essential evidences that demonstrate a person has been born again:

Sermon: "The New Birth" [ LISTEN NOW ]

1. A Change in the Fundamental Disposition

Regeneration is not a superficial change, but a profound transformation in the core disposition and nature of a person. The old self ruled by sin dies and a new creation emerges. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

2. Holiness is Implanted

The new birth implants the seed of holiness in the heart. There is a new desire and ability to live a righteous life that was absent prior to conversion. Holiness is not optional but essential. Hebrews 12:14 says, "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."

3. Enmity with Sin

In the flesh we were lovers of sin. But the new birth brings a new nature that is at enmity with sin. There is now a war within as the Spirit battles against remaining sin. Galatians 5:17 explains, "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

4. Spiritual Perception

Prior to the new birth, a person lacks the capacity to truly see and savor spiritual realities. But regeneration opens blind eyes to behold the glory of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned."

5. Love for God's People

A sure sign of regeneration is a new love for the people of God. Those who formerly despised Christians now delight to be in their presence. To love the Father is to love His children. 1 John 3:14 states, "We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death."

6. Perseverance in Faith

Regeneration is an enduring, irreversible work of grace. Those born again may falter but will never finally fall away. The seed of eternal life cannot be uprooted. Philippians 1:6 assures, "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

7. Christlikeness

The ultimate aim and outcome of the new birth is to conform us to the image of Christ. Regeneration marks the beginning of a progressive transformation where we grow in holiness and Christlikeness until we see Him face to face. 2 Corinthians 3:18 proclaims, "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another."

Conclusion

In these sermons, Dr. Lloyd-Jones penetrates to the heart of what regeneration truly entails. It is nothing less than God performing spiritual resurrection in a dead soul through the power of His Spirit. The 7 evidences outlined serve both as a diagnostic to evaluate our spiritual condition and as a description of the kind of new life purchased for us through the blood of Christ.

The stakes are eternally high. As Jesus solemnly told Nicodemus in John 3:3, "Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." The new birth is not a peripheral doctrine but the very fountain from which the Christian life flows.

Has God worked the miracle of regeneration in your soul? Do you demonstrate the biblical evidences of the new birth? May the Lord grant us grace to examine ourselves and rejoice with wonder if we have been born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.