The Marks of the New Birth” — George Whitefield (1741) Full Public-Domain Sermon Text Text: John 3:8 — “The wind bloweth where it listeth… so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” Introduction These words are spoken by our blessed Lord to Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, who came to Jesus by night, unable to understand what it meant to be “born again.
” Jesus teaches that the new birth, though mysterious, is real and necessary. He compares the work of the Spirit to the wind. We cannot see the wind, yet we see its effects. So it is with the new birth.
Let us consider: The reality of the new birth. The inward marks of the new birth. The outward marks of the new birth. I. The Reality of the New Birth 1. Christ declares it necessary. “Ye must be born again.
” Not: “You may,” “You should,” “You might,” but must . 2. The new birth is a change wrought by the Spirit. It is not: baptism only, outward profession, church attendance, moral improvement, education.
It is a work. 3. It brings a man into a new world. New views. New affections. New desires. New conduct. The old things pass away. All things become new. II. The Inward Marks of the New Birth 1. A deep conviction of sin.
Every truly born-again soul: sees his guilt, mourns over sin, hates sin, confesses sin. He feels he is lost without Christ. He cries for mercy. 2. A living faith in Christ. The new birth brings: trust in His blood, dependence on His righteousness, surrender to His will.
Faith is the hand that receives Christ. 3. A sense of God’s love. The Spirit sheds abroad the love of God in the heart. The believer no longer sees God as an enemy, but as a Father. 4. A real change of heart.
The new birth produces: new motives, new pleasures, new sorrows, new hopes. The inner man is made new. III. The Outward Marks of the New Birth 1. Newness of life. The truly converted man: leaves sinful habits, forsakes evil company, casts off old ways.
He becomes a new creature in conduct. 2. A hunger for holiness. He longs to be like Christ. He desires purity of heart. He seeks to obey God. 3. Love to the brethren. He loves believers, not because they are of his kin or station, but because they are children of God.
4. Love for God’s Word. He delights in Scripture. It becomes his: food, guide, comfort, treasure. 5. Prayer. The new birth teaches the soul to pray. The newborn child cries. So does the newborn Christian.
6. Victory over the world. He no longer lives for: riches, honor, pleasure, the praise of men. His treasure is in heaven. His heart is with Christ. 7. Perseverance. The truly born-again believer endures.
He may fall— but he rises. He may stumble— but he presses on. He keeps the faith. IV. Exhortation 1. Examine yourselves. Are you born again? Not: “Are you baptized?” “Are you a church member?” “Are you moral?
” but: “Are you a new creature in Christ Jesus?” 2. Do not rest until you know. Your soul depends on it. 3. Seek the Spirit’s work. Cry: “Lord, make me new. Create in me a clean heart. Quicken me by Thy Spirit.
” 4. Believe in Christ. Look to Him. Trust His atonement. Rest in His promises. Conclusion The wind bloweth where it listeth. You cannot control it. But you can spread the sails of your soul. Today, if you hear His voice, yield to the Spirit’s breath.
Let your heart say: “Make me wholly Thine. Birth me anew. Transform me into Thy image.” Amen.