Often misunderstood part of the Bible (1 John 1:8-19)

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Jul 22, 2014
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How can a person be in a struggle between the Spirit and the flesh if they do not yet have the Spirit?
Nowhere does it say in Romans 7 he had the Spirit when he struggled with sin. Also, we have to understand that Paul is talking to Christians who were wrongfully trying to be justified by the Law. Also, people of all religions today struggle within the inward man to do what is right all the time without God. Even unbelievers strive in the inward man to do what is good and right for the benefit of their lives and their familes.

Anyways, this doesn't resolve the contradiction that I brought up (If you believe Paul did struggle with sin as a Christian), too. Are you just like ignoring that?
 
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Jul 22, 2014
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Think of a sinless moment in your life.

Not only are you likely wrong (to be realized at a later, more mature time) but also now you likely just commited the sin of pride... Oh! this body of flesh!
So you don't believe it is possible for a believer to stop committing sin? What verse makes you think that? For if what you say is true, then why did Paul say that we used to sin like the world but we are not that way anymore in Ephesians 2:2-3 and Colossians 3:7? Why does Paul say in Galatians 5:24 that they that are Christ's have crucified the affections and lusts?
 
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Sophia

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Nowhere does it say in Romans 7 he had the Spirit when he struggled with sin. Also, we have to understand that Paul is talking to Christians who were wrongfully trying to be justified by the Law. Also, people of all religions today struggle within the inward man to do what is right all the time without God. Even unbelievers strive in the inward man to do what is good and right for the benefit of their lives and their familes.

Anyways, this doesn't resolve the contradiction that I brought up (If you believe Paul did struggle with sin as a Christian), too. Are you just like ignoring that?
Did you read from verse 22-25? How could this be anyone but a Believer?
Can anyone seek God without New Life and the Spirit?
 
Jul 22, 2014
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I don't think you comprehend how often human beings sin, even when they think they are good.
As I mature, I realize more and more sins that I have within me that I never recognized before.
As I find new ones, I confess those new ones, I fight those new ones, and eventually give them over to God and overcome them... but then another unrecognized sin pops into my "radar" of conviction (usually something g I had done for years, but felt justified in doing, or even "righteous" about doing).

Get an understanding of how pervasive sin is, and exactly how the the conviction of the Spirit works, and then tell me about confession of sin.
If you think you are not sinning right now, wait a few years and look back on this convo, and you will likely see sins in your present self that you have not yet recognized.
But are we talking about sins that lead unto death or sins that do not lead unto death? (1 John 5:16-18). Unintentional sin is not a sin that leads unto death because you are not intending to sin or do evil against God. But sins like murder, hate, lust, stealing, idolatry, and drunkenness are all types of sin that will lead unto the Second Death (i.e. the Lake of Fire).
 
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Sophia

Guest
So you don't believe it is possible for a believer to stop committing sin? What verse makes you think that? For if what you say is true, then why did Paul say that we used to sin like the world but we are not that way anymore in Ephesians 2:2-3 and Colossians 3:7? Why does Paul say in Galatians 5:24 that they that are Christ's have crucified the affections and lusts?
All I ask, is to analyze yourself. If you fail your own test, then how can you teach it?
If you say you pass, then we know you a liar... as is said by the Apostle John.
 
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Sophia

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But are we talking about sins that lead unto death or sins that do not lead unto death? (1 John 5:16-18). Unintentional sin is not a sin that leads unto death because you are not intending to sin or do evil against God. But sins like murder, hate, lust, stealing, idolatry, and drunkenness are all types of sin that will lead unto the Second Death (i.e. the Lake of Fire).
What of the person who is not convicted of the addiction of coffee, yet has a heart condition and dies from severe heart palpitations. Sin of addiction... leading to death. Unconfessed.
Your definition of sins that lead to death is manmade.
 
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cmarieh

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I don't believe being addicted to coffee is a sin. The only time it can be a sin is if the coffee comes before a relationship with Christ then it becomes an idol which is a sin.
 
Jul 22, 2014
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Did you read from verse 22-25?
Yes. Many times.

How could this be anyone but a Believer?
Paul’s only positive description of the “me” in this chapter is elsewhere applied to Jews, not Christians. “I agree with the Law, that the Law is good” (Romans 7:16) and “I delight in the law of God in my inner man” (Romans 7:22). But this is more in line with Paul’s description of Jews: “If you call yourself a Jew and rely on the Law” (Romans 2:17). In Romans, Christians have “died to the Law” (Romans 7:4) and thus “delight in the Law” is not most naturally applied to Christians.

Verse 22-24 deals with Paul as a Jew struggling to keep the Law after the inward man (Who is a wretched and enslaved to sin) like all religionists strive to do these days. However, what these religionists have failed to do is surrender to Jesus Christ and allow Him to work with them instead which is what verse 25 is all about.

In fact, most people are confused when they read Romans 7:25.

However, the Good New Translation clears up the confusion on this one.

Romans 7:25 GNT

​"Thanks be to God, who does this through our Lord Jesus Christ! This, then, is my condition: on my own I can serve God's law only with my mind, while my human nature serves the law of sin."

In other words, it is saying apart from Jesus Christ one serves the Law with their mind, and the law of sin with their human nature. It is only in Jesus Christ who shall deliver them. The Old Law is not something that applies to Christians. Romans 8:1 says there is no Condemnation who are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. That is the solution. The solution is not thinking you can obey the law and your sinful nature at the same time (If that is what you believe). The solution is in Jesus Christ and walking after the Spirit and not walking after the flesh.


Can anyone seek God without New Life and the Spirit?
Many people can appear to seek God in their own way (with false religions). But this is not seeking God in Spirit and in truth, though.
 
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Jul 22, 2014
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What of the person who is not convicted of the addiction of coffee, yet has a heart condition and dies from severe heart palpitations. Sin of addiction... leading to death. Unconfessed.
Your definition of sins that lead to death is manmade.
Did you ever read 1 John 5:16-18 before? It talks about two different types of sins. Sins that lead unto death and sins that do not lead unto death. Also, John mentions that there are those who fall under a certain list of committing certain sins in Revelation 21:8. He says that they will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Which is the Second Death). Paul mentions several times to believers about a list of sins that will cause one to not inherit the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21) (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Paul says be not deceived in regards to this topic. So this can only be to the believer and not to the unbeliever because unbelievers are already deceived.

As for drinking coffee: Uh, well, Paul and John do not list drinking coffee as per the types of sins that will not cause one to either not inherit the Kingdom of God and or to be cast into the Lake of Fire (i.e. the Second Death). Besides, Jesus said it is not that which goes in the body that defiles a person but it is that which comes out of the body that defiles them.
 
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Jul 22, 2014
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All I ask, is to analyze yourself. If you fail your own test, then how can you teach it?
If you say you pass, then we know you a liar... as is said by the Apostle John.
Well, people have destroyed their lives for revealing intimate details about their personal life (Like with Facebook, etc.). So I don't believe one should reveal their life's diary to the world. However, not to boast, what I can say that it is possible to not sin from my personal experience. However, what makes you think it is impossible to not sin? Is there a Bible verse that makes you think otherwise? Oh, and no. 1 John 1:8 is misquoted by Antinomians (or those who dont' believe the moral law applies to a believer's right standing with God). 1 John 1:8 is a warning to the brethren about the false believers who were trying to deceive them into a false way of thinking, which was to say one had no sin whatsoever since they accepted Christ. Meaning, that their sin was forgiven them past, present, and future and they had no more sin debt. So sin (on a spiritual level) does not exist for them because it is taken away in Christ. So when they sin, they are saying they don't have sin because it is forgiven (All of it) versus say.... Confessing your sin so as to be forgiven of it (1 John 1:9).
 
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Jul 22, 2014
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If you read Romans 7 again, without making excuses for your preconceived doctrine, you will find that the conclusion is that a person is justified from the inside, not from the outside.

It is the struggle that is sanctification.
Those who are not set apart (sanctified) do not struggle, nor do they overcome, nor do they have peace.
Those who are set apart (sanctified) DO struggle against sin, and do overcome (perfected at the Resurrection), and do have peace.

Interestingly enough, this understanding of perfection coming through death and resurrection is the very manifestation of the Baptism that we preach.
All religionists struggle with moral issues on an inward level. They struggle with it in the heart. But they cannot keep the Law because they do not have Jesus Christ.
 
Jul 22, 2014
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If you are still in fear and doubting, read Romans 8:15-17
I am not in any type of fear or doubting. I walk after the Spirit in Christ Jesus (and not after the flesh) where there is no Condemnation (Romans 8:1).
 
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Jul 22, 2014
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If you are still hung up on a legalistic version of confession,
read Romans 8:24-30,
Then read verse 26-27 a few times.

Do we intercede for ourselves? Or does the Spirit, knowing the heart and mind, intercede on our behalf.

Then keep reading the chapter.
What does verse 34 say? Christ Himself intercedes on our behalf.
Infirmities is in context to the external challenges that a believer faces. For the end of Romans 8 deals with external things that cannot separate us from the love of Christ. Nowhere does it mention how we and or our sin cannot separate us from the love of God. 1 John 1:9 still says, if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In other words, if a believer has faith in 1 John 1:9 they will be cleansed of all unrighteousness.

Verse 34 is in view of sin that is confessed and repented of. It is not talking about sin that someone holds onto and or refuses to admit before God with a Godly sorrow. That doesn't make any sense. When has God ever forgiven a sinful and rebellious people?
 
Jul 22, 2014
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The fear you preach, Jason, is for the unbeliever.
The assurance given in Christ, is for the true Believer only.

Many claim to believe, yet remain in fear,
because either (1) their belief rests in their own effort for salvation,
or (2) that they secretly know that they have not received New Life.

There are both many Arminianists and many Calvinists within these two groups of unbelievers.
Perfect love casts out fear. What did Jesus say in regards to loving Him? If you love me, keep my commandments. Now, this is not Works Salvationism (of which I do not believe). This is about Relationshipism. For anyone who repents and accepts Christ for real will have a walk with the Lord and He will do the good work within them.
 
Jul 22, 2014
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So in the Old Testament, prior to Jesus being glorified and the New Covenant being established (John 7:38-39) you are saying that men were sealed in the body of Christ with the Holy Spirit?
Well, first, you did not address any of the passages I brought up about how the Old Testament saint's hearts were circumcised by God here. This is important to understand because Romans 4:11 says circumcision is a seal. Meaning, the OT saint's hearts were sealed (marked or circumcised) by the Lord. To suggest so otherwise means Romans 3:25 does not mean anything. For it essentially says the OT saints sins were covered by the blood of Jesus just as much as the NT saint. For the blood of goats and bulls never took away sin. The only way they were truly going to be forgiven was by Jesus Christ (i.e. the Messiah).

Second, even if you were to to render Ephesians 1:14 as talking about a "guarantee", we have to ask ourselves...

What is a guarantee?

Guarantee receipts normally have conditions which you can normally read in the
”fine print”. If you get a guarantee receipt for a certain product and you would like to make a claim, the store might request that you bring both the product and the receipt with you before they are willing to look at your claim. They might also request that you do this within a certain time frame and that you state what’s wrong with the product. Another example could be if someone buys you a bus ticket which guarantees you to get to a certain city PROVIDED that 1) you don’t throw away your ticket, 2) that you embark the right bus on the right time, and 3) that you STAY ON the bus until it arrives at the city. The BUS will arrive at the city as promised, but the question is if YOU will choose to be among the bus passengers.

Samuel 16:14
But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evilspirit from the LORD troubled him.


Psalm 5:11
Cast me not away from thy presence;
and take not thy holy spirit from me


Again, circumcision was a ”seal”
for those under the old covenant.

Romans 4:11
And he received the sign of circumcision, a
SEAL of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also


This seal WAS broken and guaranteed nothing when those who were circumcised broke the covenant and were cut off from the people of God.

Romans 2:25-27
25 For circumcision verily profiteth, IF thou keep the law: but IF thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?


As you can see, this seal was conditioned on continued faith and obedience. The Holy Spirit marks us as God’s children of the new covenant but if we abandon the faith, and/or live in disobedience then the Spirit of God no longer remains in us and we are no longer sealed. Circumcised (sealed) jews were broken off through unbelief.

Acts. 5:32
And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.


John 14:15-16
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever


Romans 8:9-10
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, IF so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And IF Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.


God speaks of the Israelites who ”grieved” His Holy Spirit in their rebellion
. These Jews were cut off from the promise of entering God’s rest and they became God’s enemies.

Isaiah 63:10
But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: THEREFORE he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. —

Isaiah 63:14
As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.


In the NT the ”rest” is the eternal rest that all believers will attain. The book of Hebrews continually speak of the promise of eternal rest, in combination with WARNINGS to believers not to miss out on this promised rest through hardening their hearts in unbelief, just as the Israelites did who rebelled against God during the Exodus.

Hebrews 3:6-19
3
But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we,
if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. 7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ,if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.


Hebrews 4:1-11
1
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preachedentered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.


Hebrews 6: 11-12
11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of
them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.


Jude 1:5
I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not


Source Used:
Sealed UNTO the day of redemption, but a seal can be broken Eph. 4:30 | Bjorkbloggen
 
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drjshow

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Don't you think that you give here like two kind of fruits?

We should be holy as God is holy.

Do you really believe that you, in your human form, are capable of being "holy"? If so, is that not the same thing that got Eve in trouble in her conversation with the serpent? God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God.
 
Jul 22, 2014
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Old Testament Experience of Regeneration

If it be admitted that all men born of ordinary generation in the Old Testament period were unregenerate in their natural state; if in the same breath asserted either that Old Testament believers were not regenerated by the Holy Spirit, or that no positive assertion can be made concerning Old Testament regeneration; then certain problems arise in regard to New Testament statements about the unregenerate state when compared to Old Testament characterizations of the state of the Old Testament believer.

For example, the New Testament states that the unregenerate man perceives the things of God as foolishness and does not receive them (1 Corinthians 2:14a); whereas the Old Testament believer is said to delight in the Law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2), to meditate in it day and night, to hide God's Word in his heart (Psalm 119:11), to love God's Law (Psalm 119:97), to take God's testimonies as an heritage forever (Psalm 119:111), to rejoice in God's Word (Psalm 119:162), and to eat God's words (Jeremiah 15:16). The New Testament states that the unregenerate man's understanding is darkened and characterized by ignorance, and that he cannot know the things of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:14b); whereas the Old Testament believer is said to have light and understanding through the entrance of God's words (Psalm 119:130), to be enlightened and made wise by the testimony of the Lord (Psalm 19:7-8), and to understand all things (Proverbs 28:5). The New Testament states that the unregenerate man is an enemy of God (Romans 5:10) and at enmity with God (Romans 8:7a); whereas the Old Testament believer is spoken of as loving the Lord (Psalm 116:1), blessing the Lord and praising Him (Psalm 34:1), magnifying and exalting the Lord (Psalm 34:3). And Abraham is called the friend of God (Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23). Again, the New Testament states that the unregenerate man is not subject to the Law of God, and is not able to be (Romans 8:7); whereas the Old Testament believer is spoken of as keeping God's Law, seeking His precepts, inclining his heart to perform God's statutes (Psalm 119:44-45), loving God's commandments above gold, and esteeming His precepts to be right (Psalm 119:112-13). Furthermore, the New Testament states that the unregnerate man cannot please God (Romans 8:8); whereas the Old Testament believer is spoken of as pleasing the Lord (Proverbs 16:7) and though faith pleasing God (Hebrews 11:5-8,20-23,31-33).

Now frankly, I find these contrasts between New Testament statements about the unregenerate state and Old Testament statements about the state of the Old Testament believer to be irreconcilable. There is abundant evidence that Old Testament believers manifested great faith, exemplified sincere repentance, pleased God, and brought forth the fruit of the Spirit in their lives (imperfectly, of course, as we do today). If all natural descendants of Adam are spiritually dead, and if the only way they can become spiritually alive is through regeneration, the Old Testament saints had to be regenerated in order to become spiritually alive. If only those who are spiritually alive can manifest spiritual life, and if the Old Testament believers manifested spiritual life, then Old Testament believers must have been spiritually alive.


Source:
http://www.ibri.org/RRs/RR025/25regen.htm
 
Jul 22, 2014
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Do you really believe that you, in your human form, are capable of being "holy"? If so, is that not the same thing that got Eve in trouble in her conversation with the serpent? God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God.
Matthew 19:22-26
"But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
 
Jul 22, 2014
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Christians are not their own gods (whereby they serve themselves and their sin), but they are conforming to the image of Christ (By being obedient to Him instead of themselves; Making the Lord their God and Savior alone).
 
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Old Testament Experience of Regeneration

If it be admitted that all men born of ordinary generation in the Old Testament period were unregenerate in their natural state; if in the same breath asserted either that Old Testament believers were not regenerated by the Holy Spirit, or that no positive assertion can be made concerning Old Testament regeneration; then certain problems arise in regard to New Testament statements about the unregenerate state when compared to Old Testament characterizations of the state of the Old Testament believer.

For example, the New Testament states that the unregenerate man perceives the things of God as foolishness and does not receive them (1 Corinthians 2:14a); whereas the Old Testament believer is said to delight in the Law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2), to meditate in it day and night, to hide God's Word in his heart (Psalm 119:11), to love God's Law (Psalm 119:97), to take God's testimonies as an heritage forever (Psalm 119:111), to rejoice in God's Word (Psalm 119:162), and to eat God's words (Jeremiah 15:16). The New Testament states that the unregenerate man's understanding is darkened and characterized by ignorance, and that he cannot know the things of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:14b); whereas the Old Testament believer is said to have light and understanding through the entrance of God's words (Psalm 119:130), to be enlightened and made wise by the testimony of the Lord (Psalm 19:7-8), and to understand all things (Proverbs 28:5). The New Testament states that the unregenerate man is an enemy of God (Romans 5:10) and at enmity with God (Romans 8:7a); whereas the Old Testament believer is spoken of as loving the Lord (Psalm 116:1), blessing the Lord and praising Him (Psalm 34:1), magnifying and exalting the Lord (Psalm 34:3). And Abraham is called the friend of God (Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23). Again, the New Testament states that the unregenerate man is not subject to the Law of God, and is not able to be (Romans 8:7); whereas the Old Testament believer is spoken of as keeping God's Law, seeking His precepts, inclining his heart to perform God's statutes (Psalm 119:44-45), loving God's commandments above gold, and esteeming His precepts to be right (Psalm 119:112-13). Furthermore, the New Testament states that the unregnerate man cannot please God (Romans 8:8); whereas the Old Testament believer is spoken of as pleasing the Lord (Proverbs 16:7) and though faith pleasing God (Hebrews 11:5-8,20-23,31-33).

Now frankly, I find these contrasts between New Testament statements about the unregenerate state and Old Testament statements about the state of the Old Testament believer to be irreconcilable. There is abundant evidence that Old Testament believers manifested great faith, exemplified sincere repentance, pleased God, and brought forth the fruit of the Spirit in their lives (imperfectly, of course, as we do today). If all natural descendants of Adam are spiritually dead, and if the only way they can become spiritually alive is through regeneration, the Old Testament saints had to be regenerated in order to become spiritually alive. If only those who are spiritually alive can manifest spiritual life, and if the Old Testament believers manifested spiritual life, then Old Testament believers must have been spiritually alive.


Source:
http://www.ibri.org/RRs/RR025/25regen.htm
Jesus plainly says this to Nicodemus which points to the fact that the old testament saints were ALSO BORN AGAIN.

John 3

3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. [SUP]2 [/SUP]He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
[SUP]3 [/SUP]
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[SUP][a][/SUP]
[SUP]4 [/SUP]“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
[SUP]5[/SUP]
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. [SUP]6 [/SUP]Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[SUP][b][/SUP] gives birth to spirit. [SUP]7 [/SUP]You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[SUP][c][/SUP] must be born again.’ [SUP]8 [/SUP]The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[SUP][d][/SUP]
[SUP]9 [/SUP]“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]“You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? [SUP]11 [/SUP]Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. [SUP]12 [/SUP]I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? [SUP]13 [/SUP]No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.
[SUP][e][/SUP] [SUP]14 [/SUP]Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[SUP][f][/SUP] [SUP]15 [/SUP]that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”[SUP][g][/SUP]