Deepening Faith - Volume 1: Number 5: The Regenerate Spirit

“The moment the Spirit has quickened us to life in regeneration our whole being sense its kinship to God and leaps us in joyous recognition. That is the heavenly birth without which we cannot see the Kingdom of God.”   - A.W. Tozer

Recently, I viewed a television program in which some Christians were sharing their being "born again." Their testimonials were inspiring and much praise was given to the Lord. It really was a good program, but afterwards I wondered, "How many of us truly understand what it means to be "born again?"

We hear this phrase being used a lot, some, I would say, even toss it about as if they were name-dropping or somehow seeking approval from others. Is this what Christ meant by one being "born again?" Are we somehow wearing our conviction to faith like a badge hanging from our necks on a lanyard for the world to see?

In search of some answers, I began with John 3:1-7. Here we find a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus; an educated, upstanding member of the Jewish Sanhedrin. The learned Pharisee was obviously intrigued enough about the "signs" which Jesus had performed to seek a private meeting with him.

After Jesus mentions one being "born again" before he can see the kingdom of God (John 3:3 KJV), Nicodemus asks: "How can a grown man ever be born a second time?"  His question is perfectly understandable, after all, it is impossible for a second "physical" birth. I can only imagine what must have been running through Nicodemus' mind. But, what was Jesus hinting at?

We know at least this much. We are natural, first-born sinners brought into a sinful world. It's not the fault of our biological parents, or grandparents; all are born this way. Without going into great detail, the reason for our predicament can be traced back to Adam and Eve.

When one becomes "born again," we think of this as the change, or transformation by the Holy Spirit in the life of a repentant sinner after being converted to Christ. This signifies that the sinner has "died to sin" and is now "born again," or renewed into righteousness (John 1:12-13; 2 Peter 1:1-4).

The doctrine of regeneration, or the "new birth" is one of the fundamental doctrines of Christian faith. And, it is not limited to the initial act of renewal when we are first converted to Christ. It is the Holy Spirit continually working within us, renewing and transforming our very lives as we submit to the authority of Christ, and His word over the course of our journey with him (Romans 12:2).

We can understand what Jesus was attempting to explain to Nicodemus. It is not a physical rebirth, but a spiritual one. He has taken us back to the beginning from where we stand now. Our old, sinful life has been shed like a cocoon, revealing a beautiful, renewed spirit that has been bathed in the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Sin has been forgiven; our spirit regenerated. Our lives, now being firmly committed to God, are no longer conformed to the Godless world system. Truly belonging to God, we are forever changed. Our hearts and minds are renewed and transformed to the standards of God's kingdom. We are absolutely "born again!"

Scripture: Leviticus 20:7-8; Ezekiel 18:30-31; John 17:17-19; Acts 26:18; Titus 3:3-6

Prayer: Dear Lord, I worship You with all that I am, with my undivided adoration. Please give me a heart only for You, and a constant longing after you. Arouse within me a deep passion for You. Amen

May you have a blessed weekend,

Constance