When was Jacob saved or born again?
Jacob experienced salvation, or the new birth, when he wrestled with God and refused to let go until he received a blessing. At that moment God changed his name from Jacob the deceiver to Israel the prince with God, marking his transformation as a new man in God.
Les explains that Jacob's true salvation occurred when he wrestled with the Lord and declared, 'I will not let you go until you bless me.' God saw Jacob's faith and transformed him, giving him a new name, Israel, meaning prince with God. Les notes this is where Jacob experienced what we call the new birth, becoming a new man in God. He also points out the pattern of first the natural, then the spiritual, as with Cain and Abel.
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
More Questions
Why was Jacob's name changed to Israel according to Genesis 32:28?
God renamed Jacob Israel because as a prince he had power with God and with men and prevailed, which Les explains as hanging tough, not giving up, and not failing God.