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New Life in Christ: What Really Happens When You're Born Again and Why It Matters
The single most important event in a person's life is the new birth. Yet, this is also one of the most neglected doctrines in the church. Many Christians would be hard-pressed to describe exactly what the new birth is, let alone what it means to the rest of their walk with God. What happens when we are born again? Does everything in our lives change immediately? Is it just a kind of spiritual do-over, a chance to get it right this time? What happens when we fail? Does it mean we weren't really born again to begin with?
With a pastor's heart and a professor's insight, Steven Lawson carefully examines the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus found in John 3 to uncover the nature of this spiritual rebirth. He shows you the necessity of the new birth, how God changes our hearts through it, and what follows after, from baptism and involvement in a local church to handling doubts and setbacks. This book is perfect for believers who want to understand what happened when they believed and for non-Christians who are curious about what a new life in Christ is all about.
With a pastor's heart and a professor's insight, Steven Lawson carefully examines the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus found in John 3 to uncover the nature of this spiritual rebirth. He shows you the necessity of the new birth, how God changes our hearts through it, and what follows after, from baptism and involvement in a local church to handling doubts and setbacks. This book is perfect for believers who want to understand what happened when they believed and for non-Christians who are curious about what a new life in Christ is all about.
224 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2020
About the author
Steven J. Lawson
82 books312 followersDr. Steven J. Lawson is the Senior Pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, having served as a pastor in Arkansas and Alabama for the past twenty-nine years. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University (B.B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.), and Reformed Theological Seminary (D. Min.)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 15, 2021
What a great explanation of what it looks like to be Born Again! I loved this. My only small critique would be that at times it was repetitive but I can overlook that because the truth in this book literally will change lives!! So good!!
July 27, 2024
New Life in Christ was an amazing read! It took me way too long to listen to this audiobook, but that was mainly because it's been a busy season and I've been in a slight reading slump. I thought the book was written well and can see myself rereading it (preferably with a text copy so I can highlight quotes). I loved how deeply this explained what it means to be born again and the use of scripture throughout. A great read that I plan on reading again soon!
"The new birth is not like repainting an old house, going over an old layer of paint. Rather, it completely tears down the house and builds an entirely new structure on the same site. Such a person becomes a whole new creation. The old life is taken down and a new life is built in its place." Page 15
"The new birth is not like repainting an old house, going over an old layer of paint. Rather, it completely tears down the house and builds an entirely new structure on the same site. Such a person becomes a whole new creation. The old life is taken down and a new life is built in its place." Page 15
March 3, 2020
Lawson looks at the interaction between Nicodemus and Jesus to explore insights on what new life in Christ means.
Much of the book deals with the order of salvation from a reformed perspective. Saving faith is required for new life in Christ but does not initiate with the individual. God must first initiate the saving faith and only then can one respond to the gospel. (Loc 202/2328) Also, “...God must regenerate us before we can exercise saving faith.” (Loc 1402/2328) He shows from Nicodemus' example, “new birth was completely dependent upon the will of God.” (Loc 1439/2328) Also,”The Spirit is irresistible in His omnipotent movement to cause new birth.” (Loc 1455/2328) And lastly, Lawson reminds us of the permanent nature of regeneration. He follows the reformed order of salvation.
He spends some time on what has happened to a new believer. He or she has a new quality of life only God can give. There is a new mindset and new desires. “We become entirely new beings at the deepest level and have new priorities with new passion. (Loc 329/2328) He does note we retain elements of our old life. (Loc 170/2328) He encourages us to make God our chief pursuit and desire Him above all else. (Loc 321/2328) Interestingly enough, he does not provide any practical strategy for developing the pursuit or desire or how we deal with the elements of the old self we retained.
There is an odd passage near the end of the book. Lawson writes that he has shared the gospel with someone and they did not respond by committing their life to Christ. He suggests the reason might be they were not convinced of the Scripture or they were not ready to forsake sin or they were concerned what others might think. (Loc 2260/2328) What? After all he has previousely said in this book, the only reason someone would not accept Christ is because God has not regenerated them yet. Lawson clearly said no one can accept salvation except they have been regenerated by a sovereign and irresistible act of God. (Loc 210/2328, 202/2328, 1402/2328, 1439/2328)
This book is generally a good exploration of how new life in Christ happens and what it immediately means to the believer. It's a good book for a new believer to understand what happened and what it means. Lawson's writing style is very readable and the book includes frequent requests for the reader to respond to the gospel. How one grows as a result of the new birth is not covered.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Much of the book deals with the order of salvation from a reformed perspective. Saving faith is required for new life in Christ but does not initiate with the individual. God must first initiate the saving faith and only then can one respond to the gospel. (Loc 202/2328) Also, “...God must regenerate us before we can exercise saving faith.” (Loc 1402/2328) He shows from Nicodemus' example, “new birth was completely dependent upon the will of God.” (Loc 1439/2328) Also,”The Spirit is irresistible in His omnipotent movement to cause new birth.” (Loc 1455/2328) And lastly, Lawson reminds us of the permanent nature of regeneration. He follows the reformed order of salvation.
He spends some time on what has happened to a new believer. He or she has a new quality of life only God can give. There is a new mindset and new desires. “We become entirely new beings at the deepest level and have new priorities with new passion. (Loc 329/2328) He does note we retain elements of our old life. (Loc 170/2328) He encourages us to make God our chief pursuit and desire Him above all else. (Loc 321/2328) Interestingly enough, he does not provide any practical strategy for developing the pursuit or desire or how we deal with the elements of the old self we retained.
There is an odd passage near the end of the book. Lawson writes that he has shared the gospel with someone and they did not respond by committing their life to Christ. He suggests the reason might be they were not convinced of the Scripture or they were not ready to forsake sin or they were concerned what others might think. (Loc 2260/2328) What? After all he has previousely said in this book, the only reason someone would not accept Christ is because God has not regenerated them yet. Lawson clearly said no one can accept salvation except they have been regenerated by a sovereign and irresistible act of God. (Loc 210/2328, 202/2328, 1402/2328, 1439/2328)
This book is generally a good exploration of how new life in Christ happens and what it immediately means to the believer. It's a good book for a new believer to understand what happened and what it means. Lawson's writing style is very readable and the book includes frequent requests for the reader to respond to the gospel. How one grows as a result of the new birth is not covered.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
January 10, 2022
Excellent book. Easy to read.
October 14, 2022
I thought this was a great overview of what it means to be born again and how that happens. Lawson takes John 3 and the discussion between Jesus and Nicodemus for the basis of the book and I liked that approach. He also covered assurance of salvation and what if you’ve grown up in the church and never had a life changing conversion. I think I’m going to assign this as reading for my 8th grader this year. (The narrator was the only part of the book I didn’t like.)
February 24, 2021
Steven takes the story of Nicodemus and Jesus in John 3 and expounds on it verse by verse in a chapter by chapter format. Who was Nicodemus? What was he searching for? Why didn't he understand more about who Jesus was?
Steven does a really good job of explaining the plan of salvation and what happens when we accept Christ. He talks about the irresistible power of the Holy Spirit to draw people to Jesus and how unfathomable the Holy Spirit is.
I found the book very easy to read and understand and I think it would be a really good resource for new Christians in understanding the new birth experience and in just answering questions that they might have.
I received this book from Baker Books and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Steven does a really good job of explaining the plan of salvation and what happens when we accept Christ. He talks about the irresistible power of the Holy Spirit to draw people to Jesus and how unfathomable the Holy Spirit is.
I found the book very easy to read and understand and I think it would be a really good resource for new Christians in understanding the new birth experience and in just answering questions that they might have.
I received this book from Baker Books and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 12, 2024
This whole book is based on Christ's conversation with Nicodemus and is an exploration of what it really means to be born again. It had many calls for readers to put their trust in Jesus for salvation.
However, it felt like a 5-page paper that was expanded into a book with repetition and unnecessary reiteration. Around halfway through, I started reading only the first sentence of every paragraph, plus the Bible quotes, and I am confident I didn't miss any points.
Would you like an example? Here is the first paragraph of Ch. 16:
"In the mind of God, there are only two groups of people in the world into which everyone finds themselves. By His estimate, there are not three or four groups into which humankind is divided. Neither are there five or ten groups. As God sees the world, there are only two distinct groups. These two classifications are polar opposites, as radically different as they can be."
^^ It sounds like the holy hand grenade scene from Monty Python
However, it felt like a 5-page paper that was expanded into a book with repetition and unnecessary reiteration. Around halfway through, I started reading only the first sentence of every paragraph, plus the Bible quotes, and I am confident I didn't miss any points.
Would you like an example? Here is the first paragraph of Ch. 16:
"In the mind of God, there are only two groups of people in the world into which everyone finds themselves. By His estimate, there are not three or four groups into which humankind is divided. Neither are there five or ten groups. As God sees the world, there are only two distinct groups. These two classifications are polar opposites, as radically different as they can be."
^^ It sounds like the holy hand grenade scene from Monty Python
March 17, 2020
In this book, pastor Steven Lawson considers the new birth by looking at Jesus’s well-known nighttime encounter with Nicodemus in John 3. I have seen the author preach on numerous occasions, and as Sinclair Ferguson states in the “Foreword”, you may, as I did, hear his voice preaching as you read this book, which reads like a preaching series, and is a nice companion to his Ligonier Ministries teaching series The New Birth.
What does it mean to be born again? The author tells us that being born again means that God implants divine life within our spiritually dead heart. He tells us that there are two sides of the entrance into the kingdom of God. On one side is the person’s activity. The other side involves God’s activity. God must cause a person to be born again, which, in turn, produces saving faith. It is the new birth that enables us to receive Jesus Christ into our life. Similarly, R.C. Sproul would often say that “regeneration proceeds faith”.
The author tells us that regeneration is not a cooperative effort between two parties or a joint project involving two equals. Instead, the new birth is exclusively a divine work of God in the human heart. God must first originate new life within each dead heart. He must create saving faith. Only then are we enabled to respond to the gospel.
The author takes us through the nighttime conversation between the religious leader Nicodemus and Jesus in John 3: 1-21. He then applies his teaching with challenges to the reader about your own life.
The author tells us that Nicodemus was strictly religious and highly successful. He was outwardly moral and supremely regarded. But, unknown to Nicodemus, what he needed was God Himself. He needed the spiritual life that only God can give. Nicodemus stands as a prime example of someone who can cognitively know many facts about the Bible but not personally know God, and can be so close to the kingdom of God yet so far away from it.
As Nicodemus talked to Jesus, he had to address Who exactly was Jesus? Who was this One standing before him? Why should he believe Him? The author tells us that these are also the answers that determine whether each of us accepts Christ’s words. Who really is Jesus? It is the decisive question all of us must face.
This is a well-written, easy to understand book that would be a good one to read with a non-believer or a new believer.
Below are 10 of my favorite quotes from the book:
• Being born from above radically alters us to the very core of our being. Instead of chasing after the allure of the world, our heart is now bent toward the worship of the glorious God.
• The hardest people to reach with the gospel are those who falsely presume they have a right relationship with God. These individuals are often highly moral in their personal life. They never see that they must be born again.
• People can have a head full of doctrinal truths, a biblical worldview, the standing of a model citizen, a reputation as religious, and even church status as a leader. In their own eyes, they are in good standing in the family of God. But here is the sad reality: they do not possess eternal life.
• No one is too sinful to be beyond the saving power of God. Nor is anyone so good that they do not need it.
• Being born again does not mean a good person becomes better or a sick person becomes well. The new birth involves a far greater change than this. It is, more accurately, a dead person coming to life.
• Our obedience does not produce the new birth. Rather, it is the new life from God that causes this obedience.
• Wherever there is regeneration, there will be spiritual growth in sanctification.
• God must regenerate us before we can exercise saving faith. The new birth gives us the spiritual capacity to respond to the gospel.
• There are many things we can risk being wrong about, but we cannot risk being wrong about the state of our soul with God.
• Repentance is a renunciation of all confidence in yourself to commend you to God. It is the denial of your self-efforts in order to trust Jesus Christ with your life and eternal destiny.
What does it mean to be born again? The author tells us that being born again means that God implants divine life within our spiritually dead heart. He tells us that there are two sides of the entrance into the kingdom of God. On one side is the person’s activity. The other side involves God’s activity. God must cause a person to be born again, which, in turn, produces saving faith. It is the new birth that enables us to receive Jesus Christ into our life. Similarly, R.C. Sproul would often say that “regeneration proceeds faith”.
The author tells us that regeneration is not a cooperative effort between two parties or a joint project involving two equals. Instead, the new birth is exclusively a divine work of God in the human heart. God must first originate new life within each dead heart. He must create saving faith. Only then are we enabled to respond to the gospel.
The author takes us through the nighttime conversation between the religious leader Nicodemus and Jesus in John 3: 1-21. He then applies his teaching with challenges to the reader about your own life.
The author tells us that Nicodemus was strictly religious and highly successful. He was outwardly moral and supremely regarded. But, unknown to Nicodemus, what he needed was God Himself. He needed the spiritual life that only God can give. Nicodemus stands as a prime example of someone who can cognitively know many facts about the Bible but not personally know God, and can be so close to the kingdom of God yet so far away from it.
As Nicodemus talked to Jesus, he had to address Who exactly was Jesus? Who was this One standing before him? Why should he believe Him? The author tells us that these are also the answers that determine whether each of us accepts Christ’s words. Who really is Jesus? It is the decisive question all of us must face.
This is a well-written, easy to understand book that would be a good one to read with a non-believer or a new believer.
Below are 10 of my favorite quotes from the book:
• Being born from above radically alters us to the very core of our being. Instead of chasing after the allure of the world, our heart is now bent toward the worship of the glorious God.
• The hardest people to reach with the gospel are those who falsely presume they have a right relationship with God. These individuals are often highly moral in their personal life. They never see that they must be born again.
• People can have a head full of doctrinal truths, a biblical worldview, the standing of a model citizen, a reputation as religious, and even church status as a leader. In their own eyes, they are in good standing in the family of God. But here is the sad reality: they do not possess eternal life.
• No one is too sinful to be beyond the saving power of God. Nor is anyone so good that they do not need it.
• Being born again does not mean a good person becomes better or a sick person becomes well. The new birth involves a far greater change than this. It is, more accurately, a dead person coming to life.
• Our obedience does not produce the new birth. Rather, it is the new life from God that causes this obedience.
• Wherever there is regeneration, there will be spiritual growth in sanctification.
• God must regenerate us before we can exercise saving faith. The new birth gives us the spiritual capacity to respond to the gospel.
• There are many things we can risk being wrong about, but we cannot risk being wrong about the state of our soul with God.
• Repentance is a renunciation of all confidence in yourself to commend you to God. It is the denial of your self-efforts in order to trust Jesus Christ with your life and eternal destiny.
March 12, 2020
The blatantly Calvinist slant completely overshadows what could have been a great book
In his new book, “New Life in Christ: What Really Happens When You’re Born Again and Why It Matters,” Steven Lawson, in the beginning, does a fairly good job of describing what happens when we become born again – until he mentions predestination. That’s when it turns Calvinistic.
Published by Baker Books, his 224-page book, Lawson presents a blatantly Calvinist view of salvation, the most obvious point being predestination – the false claim that God has already determined beforehand who will be saved and who will be damned.
For instance, Lawson falsely claims, “A spiritually dead individual has no moral ability by which he or she can repent. Such a person is incapable of responding to gospel truth. To believe the gospel, we must be spiritually resurrected to life (page 131).”
Yet, an equally erroneous statement Lawson makes is, “The Spirit blows into the lives of those chosen for salvation. The path that the Spirit takes is according to the sovereign will of the Father… This chosen path is completely independent of our will (page 137).”
However, this false teaching of Calvinism goes completely against the Word of God; we have to respond to the preaching of the gospel in order to even be saved. He has to first draw us, but it is up to us whether or not we receive Him or reject Him.
In John 6:44 (NKJV) Jesus says, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Moreover, 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV) says: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH BUT THAT ALL should come to repentance.”
Romans 10:9 (NKJV) says: “… that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, YOU WILL BE SAVED.” Romans 10:13 (NKJV) declares: ‘For “WHOEVER calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”’
According to the Word of God, the Lord does not choose some for salvation, while ordaining others to hell, which would totally nullify the entire purpose of evangelism (Mark 16:15).
Clearly, salvation is for ALL of mankind, not a chosen few. Jesus died for everyone, and no one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them. What Lawson falsely asserts runs totally contrary to the Word of God.
Overall, Lawson actually has some good insights (apart from his claims on predestination). But his blatantly Calvinist slant on salvation and becoming born again completely overshadows what could have been a great book.
I gave it a 1 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received an advanced copy of this book free through the Baker Books Bloggers Program. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2020 by Doug S., M.A.
In his new book, “New Life in Christ: What Really Happens When You’re Born Again and Why It Matters,” Steven Lawson, in the beginning, does a fairly good job of describing what happens when we become born again – until he mentions predestination. That’s when it turns Calvinistic.
Published by Baker Books, his 224-page book, Lawson presents a blatantly Calvinist view of salvation, the most obvious point being predestination – the false claim that God has already determined beforehand who will be saved and who will be damned.
For instance, Lawson falsely claims, “A spiritually dead individual has no moral ability by which he or she can repent. Such a person is incapable of responding to gospel truth. To believe the gospel, we must be spiritually resurrected to life (page 131).”
Yet, an equally erroneous statement Lawson makes is, “The Spirit blows into the lives of those chosen for salvation. The path that the Spirit takes is according to the sovereign will of the Father… This chosen path is completely independent of our will (page 137).”
However, this false teaching of Calvinism goes completely against the Word of God; we have to respond to the preaching of the gospel in order to even be saved. He has to first draw us, but it is up to us whether or not we receive Him or reject Him.
In John 6:44 (NKJV) Jesus says, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Moreover, 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV) says: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH BUT THAT ALL should come to repentance.”
Romans 10:9 (NKJV) says: “… that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, YOU WILL BE SAVED.” Romans 10:13 (NKJV) declares: ‘For “WHOEVER calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”’
According to the Word of God, the Lord does not choose some for salvation, while ordaining others to hell, which would totally nullify the entire purpose of evangelism (Mark 16:15).
Clearly, salvation is for ALL of mankind, not a chosen few. Jesus died for everyone, and no one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them. What Lawson falsely asserts runs totally contrary to the Word of God.
Overall, Lawson actually has some good insights (apart from his claims on predestination). But his blatantly Calvinist slant on salvation and becoming born again completely overshadows what could have been a great book.
I gave it a 1 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received an advanced copy of this book free through the Baker Books Bloggers Program. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2020 by Doug S., M.A.
April 12, 2020
The expressions “born again” and “saved” are commonly used to describe when a person accepts Christ as one’s Savior. What do they really mean? What really happens when an individual receives God’s gift of eternal salvation. Through my almost 40 years as Christian, I have talked to many people. Depending on their background and practicing religion it means very different things and some do not coincide with Scripture. I wanted to read this book because I was excited to see a through scriptural study and explanation on what truly happens when someone accepts Christ. The author uses the story of Nicodemus and Jesus to explore all that occurs when spiritual conversion takes place.
The book is well written, and has many scripture references which makes it an excellent study. I like the detailed and complete view of what changes come about in a person’s spirit and life. Mr. Lawson is very thorough.
But as scripture says in Galatians 5:9, “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” I do not agree with the author’s belief that the Bible teaches God “chooses” who can become a Christian and who cannot. That there are other certain “elect” souls. What a hopeless message this is for the world. This is the teaching of “predestination” which I do not find in the Bible. God’s Word tells us that He sent His Son to die for all and the gift of salvation is there for “whosoever” will take it. The rest of the book is excellent, but because of this I cannot recommend the book to others.
I received this book from Baker Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
The book is well written, and has many scripture references which makes it an excellent study. I like the detailed and complete view of what changes come about in a person’s spirit and life. Mr. Lawson is very thorough.
But as scripture says in Galatians 5:9, “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” I do not agree with the author’s belief that the Bible teaches God “chooses” who can become a Christian and who cannot. That there are other certain “elect” souls. What a hopeless message this is for the world. This is the teaching of “predestination” which I do not find in the Bible. God’s Word tells us that He sent His Son to die for all and the gift of salvation is there for “whosoever” will take it. The rest of the book is excellent, but because of this I cannot recommend the book to others.
I received this book from Baker Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
May 31, 2020
About 2000 years ago, Jesus told Nicodemus, a ‘Teacher of Israel’ that he needed to be born again, and he had questions about what that meant. So where does that leave us today? We have many of the same questions, but we can’t ask Jesus directly what he meant.
It certainly isn’t an easy question, and the answers aren’t always that clear, but because we told that we must be born again to enter the God's Kingdom, we have questions and we seek answers. Steven J. Lawson has gone to considerable effort to try to give scripturally sound answers to that age old question. I had questions before, and even after reading New Life in Christ: What Really Happens When you’re Born Again and Why it Matters (Baker Books, 2020) I still doubt that I could clearly express myself if put on the spot to answer the question of what it means to be born again.
Having said that, I have a better understanding, but still not enough to thoroughly explain it to someone else. But then, other than Jesus, I doubt if anyone can truly explain it. But Lawson does a good job of hitting the major points.
This book is an interesting read for anyone who is really interested in going deeper into the subject matter, but if you’re looking for an ‘easy read’, you might want to look elsewhere. If I were still active in pastoral ministry, I might use this book as a starting point for a sermon series, .
I received a copy of this book as a member of a bloggers’ group. I was not required to post a positive review.
4/5
It certainly isn’t an easy question, and the answers aren’t always that clear, but because we told that we must be born again to enter the God's Kingdom, we have questions and we seek answers. Steven J. Lawson has gone to considerable effort to try to give scripturally sound answers to that age old question. I had questions before, and even after reading New Life in Christ: What Really Happens When you’re Born Again and Why it Matters (Baker Books, 2020) I still doubt that I could clearly express myself if put on the spot to answer the question of what it means to be born again.
Having said that, I have a better understanding, but still not enough to thoroughly explain it to someone else. But then, other than Jesus, I doubt if anyone can truly explain it. But Lawson does a good job of hitting the major points.
This book is an interesting read for anyone who is really interested in going deeper into the subject matter, but if you’re looking for an ‘easy read’, you might want to look elsewhere. If I were still active in pastoral ministry, I might use this book as a starting point for a sermon series, .
I received a copy of this book as a member of a bloggers’ group. I was not required to post a positive review.
4/5
Read
March 9, 2020Born again. We hear and say that word a lot in the Christian community, don't we? But talk about it as we may, it's still quite the confusing concept. What does it really mean for a new believer...or someone questioning if they are ready to take that step? This is just the topic that Steven J. Lawson addresses in his new book, New Life in Christ.
Packed full of biblical wisdom, this book lays it all out for us--- what it truly means to be born again, and perhaps even more importantly--- why it really matters. This again is a topic that can be really hard to understand, but this book really is a great resource to help us gain more understanding. It goes into the story of Jesus and Nicodemus from John 3, really digging into all the details. It helps to explain this story in a way that applies to us now, and helps us really get a better idea of what it all means.
I wouldn't say this is a particularly pleasureful read... but then this isn't the type of book most of us read for pure entertainment, but rather to learn something and grow in our relationship with God. This book can certainly help to do that. Whether you are approaching the decision or are a new Christian with questions, or have been a Christian for awhile and want to better know how to mentor new Christians, this can be a great resource to check out.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
Packed full of biblical wisdom, this book lays it all out for us--- what it truly means to be born again, and perhaps even more importantly--- why it really matters. This again is a topic that can be really hard to understand, but this book really is a great resource to help us gain more understanding. It goes into the story of Jesus and Nicodemus from John 3, really digging into all the details. It helps to explain this story in a way that applies to us now, and helps us really get a better idea of what it all means.
I wouldn't say this is a particularly pleasureful read... but then this isn't the type of book most of us read for pure entertainment, but rather to learn something and grow in our relationship with God. This book can certainly help to do that. Whether you are approaching the decision or are a new Christian with questions, or have been a Christian for awhile and want to better know how to mentor new Christians, this can be a great resource to check out.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
May 7, 2020
Whether you are new in your walk as a Christian, have been a follower of Christ for a long time, or are still wondering if you should take the step of professing Jesus as your Savior, a new book from BakerBooks is certain to answer many of your questions.
“New Life in Christ: What Really Happens When You’re Born Again And Why It Matters” was written by Steven J. Lawson and takes an in-depth look at the Scripture passage in John 3, where an encounter between Jesus and a man named Nicodemus lays the foundation for all believers who would follow. . . This exchange defines and explains the nature of spiritual rebirth, and all that this means in the life of a Christian.
If you are looking for an in-depth look at the concept of being born again as a Christian, this book should definitely be on your to-read list. It tackles tough questions with ease, and is reader-friendly enough so that even those very new to the idea will not have trouble following along. All in all, if you or someone you know has questions about how their life changed (or will change) when they accept Jesus as their Savior, you should definitely find a copy of “New Life in Christ”.
I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
“New Life in Christ: What Really Happens When You’re Born Again And Why It Matters” was written by Steven J. Lawson and takes an in-depth look at the Scripture passage in John 3, where an encounter between Jesus and a man named Nicodemus lays the foundation for all believers who would follow. . . This exchange defines and explains the nature of spiritual rebirth, and all that this means in the life of a Christian.
If you are looking for an in-depth look at the concept of being born again as a Christian, this book should definitely be on your to-read list. It tackles tough questions with ease, and is reader-friendly enough so that even those very new to the idea will not have trouble following along. All in all, if you or someone you know has questions about how their life changed (or will change) when they accept Jesus as their Savior, you should definitely find a copy of “New Life in Christ”.
I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 21, 2020
Steven J. Lawson is a great, conversational writer who in this book is communicating what happens in the life of a new believer. The overall tone of the book is great, it's easy to read and understand, and the language is fairly comprehendible to a baby Christian.
I gave this book 2 stars because there are several things I disagree with theologically that I do not believe people should be taught. First, on page 142, the author speaks of God choosing a certain "elect" to be saved. This is unbiblical and inconsistent with the character of God. This is just one of many Calvinistic references. Second, on page 165 the author tells us, "People who read the Bible the most can often know it the least....The more they learn, the less they live it." I felt like this statement was overgeneralizing and discouraging to Christians. Last, page 192 contains a poor breakdown of John 3:16 saying that "The love of God reaches back to eternity past. That is when He first loved those He chose to save." God loved the WORLD, not just the "elect". God's will is that ALL are to be saved.
In my mind, I cannot reconcile a God who only saves some with the God that I know.
I gave this book 2 stars because there are several things I disagree with theologically that I do not believe people should be taught. First, on page 142, the author speaks of God choosing a certain "elect" to be saved. This is unbiblical and inconsistent with the character of God. This is just one of many Calvinistic references. Second, on page 165 the author tells us, "People who read the Bible the most can often know it the least....The more they learn, the less they live it." I felt like this statement was overgeneralizing and discouraging to Christians. Last, page 192 contains a poor breakdown of John 3:16 saying that "The love of God reaches back to eternity past. That is when He first loved those He chose to save." God loved the WORLD, not just the "elect". God's will is that ALL are to be saved.
In my mind, I cannot reconcile a God who only saves some with the God that I know.
March 21, 2020
New Life in Christ by Steven J. Lawson gives readers a look at the talk between Jesus and Nicodemus. He talks a lot about how Jesus told Nicodemus “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” He teaches about what happens in a person’s life and heart when they are born again. Lawson writes, “Nothing else will satisfy, nothing else will bring peace to the longings of your heart. Every created thing was designed to reflect the greatness of the Creator. He alone is worthy of your heart’s devotion and He alone can bring about this new birth.”
When I started reading this book, I thought it was going to be for new believers. There are some aspects that are for newer believers, but there is some insight for all readers. There were some chapters where it felt like I was reading the same things over and over.
When I started reading this book, I thought it was going to be for new believers. There are some aspects that are for newer believers, but there is some insight for all readers. There were some chapters where it felt like I was reading the same things over and over.
July 7, 2020
Steven Lawson is an amazing expositor if the Word of God. Some of his works are quite scholarly. This one however, is for the layman. It still carries the fire and passion that Lawson has become known for. It is however, in my opinion, not his best work. I feel like this was one sermon that was stretched out. There is a lot of religion, some for emphasis but not all of it is needed. As he goes through John 3, he tells and retells what is going on in a familiar biblical narrative. It is not especially evangelistic and does not match other work he has done on the New Birth. It is written well and contains no errors, I was just expecting better .
November 22, 2020
I have personally met Dr. Lawson and sat under his preaching over the years at several conferences and preaching seminars. He has an amazing gift of squeezing the lemon of a text and showing all the juicy truths as he does so before your eyes. This book is a compliment to his preaching series on the same topic only with more details. I have been teaching I’m the new birth and this books and his teaching series have been a treasure trove of truth and a huge help as I disciple men in this truth. I highly recommend this book to new or seasoned believers. I thank God for Lawson and using the gifting God gave him to impact many for generations to come.
May 17, 2020
Steven Lawson takes one of today’s most overlooked doctrines: regeneration. Through exposition of John 3, containing Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus; Lawson explains the new birth and it’s importance excellently. He keeps the book as meat for mature believers and as milk for the young believers or unbelievers. He maintains emphasis on the monergistic work if God in salvation and I am encouraged by it. A great read!
July 24, 2020
I would say I would give this book a 3.5 stars. I think it is a good conversational style coverage of being born again and the story of Nicodemus from John 3. This is my first time reading one of his books and I think I would prefer his speaking so far. It is a little repetitive at times. Strong reformed teaching on this topic and I was challenged many times throughout.
July 23, 2021
This book is written for new believers. It seems to me though it targets those who have grown up in a Christian religious setting or those who may think they are already followers of Jesus but have never really entered into New Life in Christ. Lawson has an overall evangelistic tone in each chapter.
May 5, 2021
Fantastic book! Steven Lawson is one of my favorite preachers and his book was just as good as his preaching. This book walks through the gospel of John and the story of Nicodemus. Lawson does a wonderful job explaining the gospel and its power to change lives.
June 15, 2021
Steve Lawson is one of the greatest expositors of our day in age today and this book is evidence of my claim. One of the most important chapters on the new birth in the Bible and Lawson breaks it down in an outstanding fashion.
May 4, 2020
Dr. Lawson does it again! This can (and should) be read by all believers and all those that think they are believers.
November 21, 2020
A very simplistic book regarding the conversion of Nicodemus in John 3. Good read for a new believer.
November 26, 2021
A must read for any believer. Easy to read and understand
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