Summary: God begets Christians to a new life with the Holy Spirit.
Discussion: God calls some to follow Jesus. “He (Jesus) said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Mark 8:34 (NKJV) The Apostle Paul wrote, “…the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling,” 2 Timothy 1:8-9 (NKJV).
When a person recognizes he is a sinner, believes Jesus died for him, and gives his heart and life over to do the will of God, God may then beget (1 John 5:1) him to a new life with the holy Spirit. Romans 12:1-2, “… present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God…And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." If a Christian obeys God, develops the fruit of the spirit, and is faithful, he will receive a heavenly resurrection.“Beloved, . . . when He (Jesus) is revealed, we shall be like Him (spirit beings), for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2
Spirit-begettal for followers began at Pentecost. Read Acts 2. The blood of Jesus opened up "a new and living way" (Hebrews 10:20), “…and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” 2 Timothy 1:10 (NKJV). Spirit-begettal with its reward for faithfulness began only after Jesus died for our sins.
Before this, God did pour out his spirit upon some, but they were not begotten to a new spirit life. For example, the prophets were directed by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21 (NKJV), “…holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” Jesus said, “…among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Matthew 11:11.
There are many good people in this world. But just because a person has a good character does not mean he has the Holy Spirit. God created man in His image and wrote His law in our hearts. Romans 2:15 (NLT), "They demonstrate that God's law is written in their hearts…”
We look forward to the time when God will pour out His Holy Spirit (not spirit-beget) upon all mankind in the kingdom. Joel 2:28 (NKJV), "And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.” Then the Holy Spirit will work to help mankind learn righteousness and to love God.
