Out With Our Old Spirit... In With the New!

"The God who made us also can remake us."  - Woodrow Kroll

If my car had an engine that was ready to give out, I'd replace it with a new one. Since I cannot do the work myself, I would take my car to a mechanic who would replace it for me. Now, suppose when I got my car back, it ran just as poorly as it did before. I'd start to wonder if the old, original engine really had been replaced, or just cleaned up to appear new.

It's not different with our new lives in Christ. First, let me clarify what I mean by our "new lives." Obviously, we have only one "physical" life. And though there may be times we wish we could, we cannot exchange the life we have for a new one like we would a car engine.

We come into this world by way of a "physical" birth. Along with being conceived physically, we inherit our sin nature. Unfortunately, in this natural state we are dead in offenses and sins until we are made alive, or regenerated by Christ. This transpires when we put our faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:1).

Now, our new life, or "new birth" is a spiritual and holy birth. The result of this heavenly birth, if you will, is our being made alive, or receiving a new life, spiritually. This "regeneration" truly is a profound change (Ephesians 2:6).

A physical birth produces a new individual who enters this earthly dominion. On the other hand, spiritual birth results in a new person who is admissible to the heavenly kingdom. This new person is now capable of seeing, hearing, and seeking or following after divine things. They embark on a life of holiness and faith.

Why is regeneration necessary? Our sinful, human flesh is not worthy of standing in God's presence (John 3:3, 7). In our lowly state, we wouldn't get past the front door! It (regeneration) is not an option, it's the only way. If we want to be suitable for heaven, then spiritual rebirth is necessary (1 Peter 1:23; John 1:13; 1 John 3:9).

When we experience spiritual rebirth, or regeneration it really is like getting a brand new engine! Though the outside may appear the same, our inside has been totally transformed and updated. Christ is formed in our hearts. We are partakers. or partners of the divine nature; becoming a "new creature," as well (2 Corinthians 5:17).

There is an important point to mention, however. God, not man, is the source of this transformation (Ephesians 2:1; 8). Regeneration is a sovereign act of God. Like our hypothetical car engine, only God can fix us. We have no role in this. Unless he acts first, we will never be reborn in the first place.

In case you might be thinking of finding any loopholes in this matter of rebirth, forget about it. There's no amount of good works, keeping the Law, or holding your breath while standing on your head that will get you there. Only God can regenerate your heart (Romans 3:20).

If all of this sounds confusing, don't be discouraged. We have dealt with spiritual rebirth only superficially today. I highly recommend that you explore the topic of regeneration further on your own. It's a very interesting topic, to say the least.

In closing, Only Christ possesses the remedy for the total corruption of the human heart. We must remain faithful to his finished work on the cross.Spiritually, we don't need to be renovated, reformed, or even reorganized. What we do need is regeneration, or rebirth.

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26; Titus 3:5; John 5:24; 1 John 2:29; James 1:18

Prayer: Holy Father, hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Amen  - Psalms 51: 9-12

May your day be blessed!

Ashleigh