| How We Are Saved, Part 14: God's Viewpoint - God Made Us Alive (Conclusion) |
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| Written by David Lawrence |
| Monday, November 17 2008 05:15 |
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Jesus spoke of it as a new birth from above, a birth of the Spirit, that would enable us to see the kingdom of God, but without it we would never understand (John 3:3). Peter wrote, "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" (1 Pet. 1:3). We read in Titus 3:5, "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." And we find many other passages referring to our new birth or regeneration. As we were not able to control our physical birth, neither can we control our spiritual birth. Jesus said it was like the wind that blows where it will and you can't tell where it's coming from or where it's going: that's being born of the Spirit (John 3:8). But you can know if you have been re-born. If the gospel is offensive to you or foolishness to you, you are dead. But if it is attractive and compelling, if you know you need a Savior, you are indeed born of the Spirit! But are the calling and the new birth not the same? Something happens to us that enables us to hear the gospel and to desire Christ. Something awakens us to our spiritual need and desperate circumstances. Something has told us we need what Jesus has to offer. Yes, the calling and the new birth are Biblical terms that speak of a radical change in our nature, a spiritual enabling, a new creation within us, a great transformation. Think of Lazarus (John 11). He was a friend of Jesus who died. Jesus came to his tomb and called his name, "Lazarus! Come out!" (John 11:43). Did Jesus' call awaken him from death? Or did Jesus make him alive so as to hear the call? We cannot tell. And neither can we tell whether calling or new birth comes first or they are simultaneous. What is important is that it happens, and the result is glorious! |
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