Born again intimates a new source, a fresh commencement of life altogether different in character and origin from birth of the flesh (John 3:6). The life imparted in the new birth is divine and eternal. New birth is an act of divine, sovereign power (John 1:13), yet is not dissociated from faith (v. 12).

There can be no amalgamation of "flesh" and "Spirit." In character and results they are diametrically opposed, are contrary powers (Galatians 5:17-23). Thus the man born of God has within him two totally distinct natures; the one wholly corrupt, the other absolutely impeccable. While every act and word flows from the nature of which it is the source, it must be borne in mind that the man, not the nature, is born of God, and he, not it, is responsible for the activities of either nature.

The new birth is not a process of improvement, nor is it a sanctification of, or even subjugation of, the corrupt nature—a sheer impossibility (Romans 8:7). It is an absolutely new work of God in which eternal life is communicated through faith in Christ. The new birth is not to be confounded with regeneration, the change resulting from new birth. Believers in Old and New Testament times are equally born of God; in this there can be neither degree nor measure.

—Walter Scott