Fifth Sunday of Easter (Epistle) - 1887

The fact that man born in sin must be born again is generally accepted in Christianity. But it is not believed by all that this new birth is God's work alone. There has been many at all times, and there are still many today, who teach that man could do something and be involved in the work of conversion and rebirth. This is a dreadful false doctrine. May God give grace that we are preserved from it. In today's Epistle, etc. James 1:16-21 What does James teach about rebirth? 1. God has given us new birth, a. every good and perfect gift comes down from above, from the Father of lights1, b. only God Himself can accept us as His children2, only God gives faith, new life, new heart, etc.3; 2. God has given us new birth according to His will, a. not because of our merit or our worthiness, b. but according to His free grace and mercy.4 "Not out of your own will or power and doing ..; but from or through His will. For this comes neither in the heart nor mind of man that we therefore should be God's children; it is not grown in our garden, etc."5 3. God has given us new birth by the Word, a. not by the Law, b. but by the Gospel6 that works faith7, the Word of Truth8, that it truly gives the goods that it promises9, the living Word10 - therefore also through the water bath with the Word, Baptism11; 4. God has given us new birth to His glory, a. His good, gracious will12 is done when a man is reborn, b. the regenerate are firstfruits of His creatures, consecrated and sanctified to Him, as the firstfruits in the Old Testament13, new creatures14, His work, created in Christ Jesus15; therefore they live a life pleasing to God and with earnest guard themselves against sins.16

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James 1:17. James 1:18. 3 Colossians 2:12; Psalm 51:12 ("Create"). 4 1 Peter 1:3; Titus 3:4-5. 5 Luther, Erlangen Ausgabe 8:275-276. 6 Romans 1:16. 7 Romans 10:17. 8 James 1:18. 9 Ephesians 1:13, Colossians 1:5. 10 1 Peter 1:23. 11 Ephesians 5:26; John 3:5; Titus 3:5; Luther E.A. 8:275. 12 James 1:18. 13 John 15:19; 1 Peter 2:9. 14 2 Corinthians 5:17. 15 Ephesians 2:10. 16 James 1:19-20; 1 John 5:18.