Did Jacob experience the new birth in the Old Testament?
Yes. When Jacob wrestled with the Lord and would not let Him go until blessed, this is identified as Jacob's true salvation and the point where he experienced what today is called the new birth, receiving the new name Israel.
Les explains that when Jacob wrestled with the Lord, Jacob understood who he was wrestling with and refused to let go until he was blessed. The Lord asked his name, and he answered Jacob. Then the Lord changed his name to Israel because as a prince he had power with God and with men and prevailed. Les says God saw that faith in Jacob and by it transformed him. This, Les teaches, is Jacob's true salvation and the point where Jacob experienced what today we call the new birth. Since he became a new man in God, in Christ, even back there, God gave him a new name. He was no longer Jacob the deceiver, the natural, but Israel the prince with God, the spiritual. Les also reminds us not to lose sight of those two names and his rule of thumb: first the natural, then the spiritual, as with Cain the natural and Abel the spiritual.
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.