Are You "Born Again?"

Dear Saints

Yes, we have been “born again” if we have repented of our sins, believed, and put our trust in Jesus Christ who paid the punishment for all our sins; and that He is our Lord and Savior. It is not a phrase coined by the Charismatic, Evangelical, Pentecostal churches, etc.  Jesus was the first to use the term “born again.” He told Nicodemus, “You must be born again.” John 3: 6.

Apostle Peter used the same term “born again” twice; and reminded the Pilgrims in trials of their identity in Christ.  

 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵ who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5. Also, see verse 1 Peter 1:23.

Why do we have to be born again? Our first birth is from our earthly parents. We were born in sin. Nothing sinful and unholy will see God. We, therefore, need a new birth by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, “You must be born again.’” John 3:5-6.

Being “born again” caused Peter to praise God the Father. Are you praising God for being “born again?” God's "abundant mercy" has saved us. Thank you, Lord.

There is only one type of Christians, the “born again” Christians regardless of your church denomination. Are you a “born again” Christian? Some are ashamed to be known as “born again” Christian. Do you want to disagree with Jesus? “You must be born again.” It is a command, not a suggestion. We are born again “to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Because Jesus lives, we live too forever with him.

Our salvation is better than gold that perishes and will last forever. Our salvation is also kept and preserved by the “power of God through faith” in our God. This faith is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9) and sure salvation, so there is no need to fear or boast.

The above scripture reassures us of the certainty of our salvation. When going through stuff, you often think it will not end. We need this assurance that is “reserved in heaven.” Whatever we are going through, there will be a day of complete salvation at the end time and the “appearing of the Lord Jesus.” Hallelujah!

Being born again has had a bad rap in society. Many claiming to be born again are not living as recreated and filled with the Holy Spirit. Some people from denominations that claim Apostle Peter as head of their church, even sometimes deny/disown being born again.

May we live daily by the power/guidance of the Holy Spirit to the praise of God no matter what people say and today's trials. May we live as people "born again" to new creations in Christ by the Holy Spirit. There must be fruits of repentance from sin and former ways lived in ignorance of God's grace.  We are saved by grace for good works and not because of good works.  Amen. Ephesians 2:10.

Many others still need to be “born again” to see God. Will you speak and introduce them to Christ? Some say, ‘well, I will live a good life, and people can see me and come to faith in Christ.’ Pastor Jack Graham said it is like saying, I will go fishing, hoping and wishing that a fish will jump from the water into the boat.

We must tell the Gospel, not allow it to be discovered by the unbelieving in Christ. Who will you pray for and tell today about Jesus Christ, the Savior? May God help us do so. Amen

Now, let’s read more of Peter’s letter to the Pilgrims. 1 Peter 1:1-12:

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, ² elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

A Heavenly Inheritance

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵ who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

⁶ In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, ⁸ whom having not seen you love. 

Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁹ receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

¹⁰ Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, ¹¹ searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 

¹² To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.