YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN by John Byington

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 8, 1856

YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN.

By John Byington

BRO. SMITH:—I see in No. 25, Vol. VII, of the Review, under the heading, "Ye must be born again," the writer has to admit that in 1 John v, 1, where the term "born of God" is used, it has reference to the work of grace here, and not a resurrected or future state. True he says, if the passage were translated rightly, the term, born, would be rendered begotten. Dr. Clarke, who, I believe, is admitted to be a good scholar, in his notes on 1 John ii, quotes an author whom he approves, who says, The term, born of God, should nowhere be used in Scripture, but in every place be rendered, begotten of God.

That the terms, born and begotten are used synonymously in the New Testament, I think there can be no doubt. In Rev. i, 5, we have the term begotten: in Col. i, 18, we have the term born, and both have direct reference to the resurrection of Christ. To my mind it is clear that the following passages have reference to the work of grace here, through the agency of the Spirit, which will prepare us for a glorious resurrection. John iii. 5; i, 12, 13; 1 Pet. i, 22, 23; 1 John iii, 2, 9; v, 5; Titus iii, 5.

I hope my brethren will carefully read these scriptures, and I think we shall all see in them the importance there is attached to the work of grace here. The agency of the Spirit in renewing the mind is one of the most prominent features of the doctrine of the New Testament. Read the following passages. 1 Cor. ii, 12, 14, 15; Rom. viii, 5, 9, 13, 16, 26. We should have to transcribe a large portion of the New Testament should we bring all the evidence on this point. I would ask, If in a strict, literal sense we apply the term, born of God, to the resurrection, do not the wicked experience the new birth, as they have a resurrection? JOHN BYINGTON.

Buck's Bridge, N. Y., Apr. 21st. 1856.

P. S. Our agency is concerned in the work of grace preparatory to a glorious resurrection, but not in the resurrection itself, which makes this an important subject. This is the only apology I have for the few thoughts I have written. J. B.