Master the Bible: How to Get and Keep the Big Picture of the Bible's Story

Chapter 6: Growi ng to Matur i t y , Ser i es 4

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his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, [6] whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, [7] so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

4. Trust in Christ makes us a new creation in God, 2 Cor. 5.17; Gal. 6.15 – For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

5. We were brought forth through our trust in the Word of God.

a. James 1.18 – Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creation.

b. 1 Pet. 1.23 – since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.

6. We are born again to a living hope through Jesus’ resurrection, 1 Pet. 1.3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

C. Why must every spiritual baby receive tender, loving parental care?

1. Scripture uses the analogy of parenthood to speak of the need for loving care to be given to growing disciples.

a. Paul called his converts his “children” in the faith.