This post was adapted from F.E. Marsh’s article entitled “Born of God” from his book Five Hundred Bible Readings.
Seven marks of the new creature who is born of God
What is the evidence that we are “born of God?” This question is answered in John’s first epistle. Seven times, we find the words “born of God”:
1. Righteousness of life.
“If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.” (1John 2:29 NASB)
Righteousness of life is a natural fruit of placing one’s faith in Christ.
2. Not practicing sin.
“No one who is born of God practices sin…” (1John 3:9 NASB)
When the gospel is present in the Christian’s heart through the work of the spirit, the believer cannot continue in the habit of unrepentant sinning.
3. New nature implanted.
“…because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” (1John 3:9 NASB)
His seed refers to the Word of God, which brings about new birth in the believer, and the Spirit of Truth, who abides with an ongoing and transforming presence.
4. Loving one another.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” (1John 4:7 NASB)
When one is born again and made anew by the God of love, that person loves others the way Christ does.
5. Faith in Christ.
“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God….” (1John 5:1 NASB)
Those whose hearts have been regenerated by God the Holy Spirit will place their faith and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.
6. Victory over the world.
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4 NASB)
New creatures in Christ are not defeated by the world or swayed by its temptations. In Christ, we can claim His ultimate victory over sin.
7. Kept by Christ.
“We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.” (1John 5:18 NASB)
Christ is the One who was “born of God” in two unique ways: He was conceived by the Holy Spirit at His incarnation, and He is the “firstborn from the dead (Col. 1:18). Now, those who place their faith in Him are kept firmly in His grip from the evil one (John 10:28).
