James 1:18: “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”
What is this new birth? The fancy theological term is regeneration. I love how the 1828 edition of Webster’s Dictionary defines it: “that change by which the will and natural enmity of man to God and his law are subdued, and a principle of supreme love to God and his law, or holy affections, are implanted in the heart.”
1 Peter 1:3-4: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.”
One of the greatest gifts God gives us is freedom from death. He bestows upon us new life, here in this world, and in the one to come. Eternal life begins the moment you believe Jesus died for your sins. 2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
This new birth comes about through the word of truth. Jesus is the word of truth! In John 1:14, we see that the “Word become flesh and dwelled among us.” This is Jesus! We see later in John 14:6 that Jesus, the word, says He is “the way, the truth, and the life.”
Some questions to consider:
How does 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 help you understand your new life after your new birth?
Where are you getting your identity? Job? Family? Wealth? Christ?
Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash
Scott Maxon 