In considering being born again, some may think we have forgotten the distinctness of this present dispensation from that of the former. Being born from above is a concept introduced in Scripture by our Lord in the Gospels but Paul, the Apostle of our "dispensation" never used the phrase. As we have seen, one who was born from above during Christ’s ministry became a son of GOD, so the question before us now is, can one be born again in this present age, or is there a different way for us to become sons of GOD?

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he reminds them that they were "begotten" by him, "through the gospel" (1 CORINTHIANS 4:15). As we know this is not their original birth, we suggest that this refers to their second birth, by spirit. Being born from above is by the word of GOD. We ask, what else could being "begotten by the gospel" indicate? It is the same as being born from above by the word of GOD. We see then that during the period of ACTS Paul considered being born again as a concept that communicated the way one becomes a son of GOD.

But what is the truth about being born again in this present dispensation? In writing to Philemon concerning his runaway slave Onesimus, Paul repeats the same phrase that he used in his letter to the Corinthians, that "I have begotten" him (PHILEMON 10). Paul had come across Onesimus while he himself was in bonds. As a result of what exchanged between them, it is evident that Onesimus was born again and became a son of GOD. Let us read ourselves from this most unique and personal letter.

According to Paul’s letter, Onesimus was to be received "forever," as a "brother" and "in the Lord". It is evident that here we see the continuation into our present dispensation of the concept of being "born again".

Now let us consider what similarities there are between a born again son of GOD and the "new man" of which Paul also wrote? We have first to consider "the old man".

Whatever the old man is, we are to know that he is in our past. "Henceforth", we are to leave him there. He was crucified that "the body of sin might be destroyed". "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (ROMANS 6:11).

Along with being described as a dead body of sin, the old man is also likened to a garment, which is to be "put off".

Again, the old man is of our "former behavior". It is corrupt because of deceitful desires. And where are the desires of the flesh realized but in our minds? That is why we are to be "renewed in the spirit of our mind" (EPHESIANS 4:23). The thoughts we dwell on is how our minds are renewed, and those thoughts come from concepts that are generated by words, words of truth. It is this "old man" that we are to "put off". As one would remove and discard a filthy garment, so we are to discard this old man and his ways, his thoughts even his desires.

What then? Are we to stand naked? No, we are to put on the new.

COLOSSIANS 3:9,10  Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new [neos] man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Again, this new man is renewed in knowledge. How is knowledge acquired but by words which transmit concepts? Put off the old garment with his deeds and put on the new. Receive the words of truth, then think the thoughts and finally do the deeds of the new man.

When one is born from above, it means that GOD has created life in a new son. The "new man" from above however, is the character of that son as he renews his mind to think as GOD directs. Wisdom from above is the result of that character of the son of GOD.

The only use in the Scriptures of "new man" that we have not considered is in EPHESIANS 2.

EPHESIANS 2:15  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new [kainos] man, so making peace;

What enmity has been abolished? "Even the law of commandments contained in ordinances". Why were all those feasts, festivals, sacrifices and the Mosaic Law abolished? "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (ROMANS 8:7). The carnal mind of the old man is always at enmity with GOD and cannot understand or comprehend the things of GOD. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the spirit is spirit.

It is the words of faith that we require, so as to be able to put off the old and put on the new, not "the law of commandments contained in ordinances". Those corrupt thoughts feed the old man and work against the new. The words that GOD sows in our hearts create in our minds, thoughts. Those thoughts from GOD we either accept or reject.

The new man is put on while the old man is put off. This is an exercise in mental discipline. Each thought, each concept must be measured against Scripture, not our already established concepts. In this way we are able to flush out the old man and become clean through GOD’s word. Putting on the mind of Christ is a mental exercise. This is "continuing in His word". This is "keeping" His word.

We are instructed to make a conscious effort to control our minds to think along certain lines. We are to quit thinking as the "old man" did and continue thinking as the "new man" does. Those lines of thought are aptly described in Scripture. One example is in Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

"Think" on these things!