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Introduction to Spiritual Rebirth
In our spiritual walk, one of the most profound concepts we encounter is the idea of being "born again," a term that Jesus Himself introduces to us in the book of John. As we unfold this mystery, it's essential to start from the beginning. In Genesis 2, we see the Lord's craftsmanship as He forms man from the earth's dust, breathing life into him. This divine breath is more than oxygen; it's the very essence of life that sparked the human spirit.
The Fall and Its Consequences
But, there's an extraordinary twist in this creation story. The instant that heavenly breath touched the dust, something new was born—a living soul. This isn't merely about physical life; it's about the soul that contains who we are, our personality, our essence. James 1:21 and 1 Peter 1:9 talk about the soul in ways that make us understand it's our unique, God-given identity. Yet, we faced a turning point with the fall of man. Adam and Eve's decision to eat from the Tree of Knowledge marked a tragic shift from a life in harmony with God to one led by personal desires. This pivotal moment in Genesis explains why our spirits need that second birth, that fresh start Jesus spoke about.
The Spiritual Need for Rebirth
The Apostle Paul knew the gravity of this fall. He spoke in Romans 8:16 and Hebrews 4:12 of the vital distinction between soul and spirit. Our spirit, which should have been in tune with God, became buried under the weight of our independent souls and our own flesh. Death, in its deepest sense, is this loss of spiritual connection with the Lord. And so we come to the heart of our topic: being born again. This isn't about mere self-improvement or physical change. It's a revival of our spirit by the Holy Spirit, infusing life into what was once dead in sin. This spiritual rebirth transcends the realms of soul and body, ushering us into a direct relationship with God.
The Essence of Being Born Again
This necessity of rebirth isn't just a suggestion—it's a lifeline. Without it, our spirit can't bridge the gap back to God. Jesus made this clear when He contrasted eternal life with everlasting punishment in Matthew 25:46. The rebirth He offers is our only way back to the life God intended for us. What happens when we're born again? Our spirits are rejuvenated reclaiming their God-given role to lead our souls and bodies. We're called to walk in the Spirit, not gratify our fleshly desires, as Paul encourages in 1 Corinthians 6:18 and Galatians 5:16. This is the divine order restored. And there's a beautiful promise here for us. As born-again believers, we hold something truly extraordinary—eternal life through God's Spirit, a gift even Adam didn't possess. This changes everything, transforming our entire being and aligning our soul and body with God's perfect will.
Conclusion: A Continuous Transformation
In conclusion, being born again isn't just a one-time event; it's a life-transforming process that begins deep within our spirit and flows outward, impacting our soul and body. It's the inside-out work of God, as He originally intended. We're called to worship in spirit and truth, a worship that's only possible with a spirit that's been made new.
(This post was adapted from the teaching of Brother Keith Adcock at NLC)
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