Christians are BORN not made
The born-again experience spoken of more than a dozen times in the New Testament is often grossly misunderstood. To many, it is simply believing in Jesus. To others, accepting Jesus as Saviour is to be born-again. To still others, baptism by immersion equals being born-again.
May I suggest that the new birth is such a dynamic, vitalizing experience, as pictured in God's Word, that many people find it difficult to accept literally what the Scriptures teach. The man who is really God's son does not practice sin, for God's nature is in him, for good, and such a heredity is incapable of sin. 1 John 3:9, Phillips.
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
1 John 5:4. And 1 John 5:1, N.I.V.
We can see that being born-again is where the power of the Christian life resides. Now we must discover what makes this power a real experience to us personally. John declares, and this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 1 John 5:11, 12.
Could it be that in our eagerness to learn what is truth we have neglected to see who is the Truth In our search for truth there may be something that is blinding us to truth. We shall try to discover what it is that blinds, so effectively, honest searchers and thus learn how to clear the way for this marvelous experience of the new birth.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20. Apparently these words are addressed to God's Laodicean church of today, for they are a part of the special message of Jesus to His last church. It is, therefore, imperative that we know the answer to the oft repeated question, How am I born again? Or is this merely a verbal experience? Is it literal? If literal, how much of my life does this give Jesus access to? My religious life? My business life? My recreational life? Just how much is necessary before He will enter my life?
Every thought is to be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. All animal propensities are to be subjected to the higher powers of the soul. The love of God must reign supreme; Christ must occupy an undivided throne. Our bodies are to be regarded as His purchased possession. The members of the body are to become the instruments
of righteousness.
Obviously, this experience involves much more than being willing to part with our bad habits, our evil natures, our love of the world, and our earthly possessions. Every thought must be under His control. All natural inclinations and members of the body itself must reflect His righteousness.
In order to accomplish this, Jesus says, I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see.
Revelation 3:18.
"Remember only we can change our evil behavior."
"And He gives us the power to do so."
"And He gives us the power to do so."
Author: FRANK B. PHILLIPS.