THE NEW BIRTH by William Covert

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 28, 1892

THE NEW BIRTH.

By William Covert

BY ELDER WM. COVERT.

IN a former article it was shown that man, considered apart from Christ, is not the same kind of being that God placed in the Garden of Eden. That man was “upright” and “very good;” but Satan perverted him through sin, until the good man perished out of the earth. This perverted condition makes the new birth necessary in order that God’s design may be carried out. Therefore it is written, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” 2 Cor. 5:17.

About the mysteries of this birth, the learned Rabbi Nicodemus became much confused when Jesus said to him, “Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. “How can a man be born when he is old?” he asked, his mind all the while resting on the thought of fleshly generation and birth. Jesus explained to him that the man who is born of flesh is flesh; so if it were possible for his birth of the flesh to be repeated, he would yet be flesh, and therefore none the better for it. But the birth that he must have is from above, and of the Spirit of God. Being thus born anew as to the attributes of his mind and character, he becomes essentially a new creature.

Although Nicodemus was a master in Israel, his mind was not then prepared to grasp the truths of this subject. It is a theme whose source is in the springs of everlasting life, and the mind must be connected with this life-giving current before it can discern these things of the Spirit. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” As we have noticed this before, we will now further inquire into the agencies used in bringing this about.

Of the new birth it is written: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” 1 Peter 1:23. From this it is seen that God’s word is made the channel through which this life reaches the heart with its quickening power. It is not the printed words, as seen and read with the organs of sight, that quicken into life; but God associates with the gospel truths in the human mind the Spirit of life, and through this mysterious process imparts his mind to the believer. So the apostle says of the Christian, “We have the mind of Christ.” 1 Cor. 2:16. Again he exhorts, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:5.

By letting the mind of Christ have possession of our mind, his Spirit takes charge of the affections. This really places us en rapport with heaven. Christ’s words to such an one are spirit and life. John 6:63. “This is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:25. The mind that is not of the Lord Jesus is of the flesh, earthly, sensual, and devilish. That received from above is “pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits.” James 3:17.

Paul, in writing to those who have experienced the new birth, says: “Ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” Col. 3:9, 10. Again he writes of this change, saying, “Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Eph. 4:24. He also says, “You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Eph. 2:1.

This quickening is imparting life. It is effected by being cut loose from the Satanic vine of darkness, death, and sin, and engrafted into Christ, where there is light, life, and righteousness. It is equivalent to a new creation. Thus he writes: “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Verse 10.

Being thus created anew as to the mental and spiritual nature, but left still the same as to the physical attributes, the constant attendance of the power of God is essential that his child may be kept faithful. “The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” in the new birth makes the individual free from the law of sin and death. Rom. 8:2. But the object of this work wrought for man is “that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us.” Verse 4.

It now becomes of all things the most important to keep the fleshly mind deadened because of what sin would do if the flesh should rule. Therefore the apostle writes: “If Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” Verse 10. That is, the body is kept under to keep sin subjugated, and the Spirit imparts the life to perpetuate the righteousness. The new birth only brings forth a babe in Christ. But this child, being of heavenly birth, is a partaker of the divine nature, and longs to feed on the life of the Lord, that he may grow up into him in all things.

Sinner, do you not long for something that you do not possess? If so, it is the tender Spirit of Jesus drawing you to the Father. All heaven is yearning over you. “I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God; wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” Eze. 18:32. The Lord with outstretched arms is waiting to receive you. Your sins, that have been like loads unbearable, he will take away. Matt. 11:28. That hard heart, that has been so hardened by sin that you could not love or obey God, will be removed, and a heart sweet and tender will be given you. Eze. 36:26, 27. David prayed, “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Ps. 51:7. Nothing else in the world is as white as snow. But the heart purified by the Spirit of the Lord is even whiter than snow.