BEING BORN AGAIN

TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2022

The new creation in Christ knows that they are born of God, who is their heavenly Father. Therefore, nothing else but "faith" could have led them to believe that Jesus is the Son of the living God. And they practically live by this faith, trusting in the Lord. Let's find out more!

Reference: 1 Peter 1:23 New International Version (NIV) "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."

Firstly, in considering and discussing the notion of being born again which is of paramount significance, we must understand that it has an eternal purpose. And we must identify the purpose, in order to grasp the weight of the seriousness. So the right question is: What is the purpose of being born again? Jesus has the answer which is of utmost gravity. The Bible says, "Jesus replied to Nicodemus, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again" (John 3:3 NIV). Beloved, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again.

If you have been born again, you are extremely blessed, and it means that you're reborn from above, that is, you're born of the Spirit. It means that you've received the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and all the grace from Him. You now have a pardon of sin, a justifying righteousness, a glorious new life and everlasting inheritance in Christ because you're spiritually transformed, renewed and set apart for God's purpose, and its not of perishable seed but from that which is imperishable and immortal, through the living and everlasting Word of God. Simply put, you are now a new creation, walking in righteousness and in newness of life. Hallelujah! However, the born again Christian will continue to be perfected by the Spirit till the day of Jesus Christ, which is the day of His appearance. This also means that practical righteousness will be constantly produced in his life by the Holy Spirit as he yields himself to His governing influence.

The born again Christ is born of the Word and of the Spirit because Jesus said, "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit" (John 3:6 NIV). Besides, God's Word can never change or die, and this is the reason Peter stressed the point that we are not born of perishable seed, but of imperishable - the living Word that endures forever. So the Word is eternally potent as the fruit-bearing seed in us. Therefore we must always be confident and certain that God, who began the good work of salvation within us, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6 NLT). Shalom!

Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 1:3.

Exuberant Declaration: I am born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the Word of God that lives and abides forever. The Spirit of God perfects my faith in Christ as I live my daily life according to the Word. I function by the light of the Word and I live in the radiance of God's presence daily. Praise God!