The apostle John does not point out in his first epistle how new birth can take place because he had already done so in his gospel, particularly John 1:12,13, and chapter 3. In his epistle he gives the characteristics that will be exhibited by one born from above.

1. Faith is both the condition and the proof of regeneration. "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God" (5:1).

2. Love. "Every one that loveth is born of God" (4:7).

3. Life. "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin" or, no one who is a child of God is habitually guilty of sin (3:9). This means that one of the clearest proofs of the new birth is to be found in the fact that a new life is begun. Not a life of sin as before, but a life of victory—there may be, especially in the early days, lapses into sin, but no longer a life of sin.

4. Overcomes. "Whosoever is born of God overcometh the world" (5:4).

5. Kept. "We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but He that is begotten of God keepeth himself" (5:18). What is the result?

6. Personal holiness. "Every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him" (2:29).

—Handfuls of Purpose