Being "born again" is really being "born of God" (1 John 5:1). That is, we partake of the life and nature of Him who gave us new birth.
It is not the re-enthronement of man's spirit nature, nor is it the old nature improved or governed by a new life.
John 1:12 declares that we become the children of God when we believe on His name.
This new life is manifested by having God as its object.
It walks in the light. That is, it has now the knowledge of God revealed in the Son. (1 John 1:7.)
Its fruit is obedience-(1 John 2:3-5)and righteousness (1 John 2:29); and those divine affections that have God as their object, and love to all the children of God as its character (1 John 3:14).
When the new life is manifested, the world knows us not: because such live with wholly new desires—new objects-new pleasures. We joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 John 3:1-3; Rom. 5:11.)
May this life be seen in all His children!
HOW solemn are the words,
And yet to faith how plain,
Which Jesus uttered while on earth—
"Ye must be born again."
"Ye must be born again!"
For so has God decreed;
No reformation will suffice
'Tis life poor sinners need.
"Ye must be born again!"
And life in Christ must have;
In vain the soul elsewhere may go
'Tis He alone can save.
"Ye must be born again!"
Or never enter heaven;
'Tis only blood-washed ones are there—
The ransomed and forgiven.
"Ye must be born again!"
Then look to Christ and live!
He is "the life" and waits in heaven
Eternal life to give.