Day 56 "Our Spiritual Birthday Through Faith in Jesus"

Today is Robyn's birthday. Not too long ago, my wife did the DNA test with ancestry.com which determined that her percentage of being Greek was not as high as she had always thought, much to her disappointment. Nevertheless, she is still part Greek as determined by her birth, along with a combination of other nationalities. She is who she is based on the genetic combinations that came together at her conception without any help from her.

Our spiritual identity is a different matter all together. It is established by a choice. The Bible states that we are spiritually dead when we are born due to the sin of Adam-again, not by our choosing.

"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned." Romans 5:12

"For if the many died by the trespass of the one man," Romans 5:15

"Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin: The judgement followed one sin and brought condemnation." Romans 5:16

"Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men," Romans 5:18

So, then, spiritually we were dead because of Adam at the time of our birth. Before we even started living, we were already condemned to a spiritual separation from God due to sin. We were born into it, cast by birth and not by choice. But our salvation and reconciliation back into a relationship with God was redeemed through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross. and is, now, available to us to choose. Unlike the one act that brought condemnation to all men, Jesus' act upon the cross brought God's righteousness to us. By placing our faith in what Christ did, we become reborn spiritually.

"but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification." Romans 5:17

"how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ." Romans 5:17

"so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men." Romans 5:18

"so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." Romans 5:19

In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." John 3:3

"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 the Spirit gives birth to spirit."

John 3:5-6

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

A great price and sacrifice was expended for both you and I. A second chance, a rebirth you may call it, on the scale of eternity was established. Here are a couple of profound truths that Steve McVey brings out in his book, Grace Walk:

Christianity is not built around our success (different than in the world) but Jesus' success on the cross for us.

Christianity is not based upon our performance, but upon a personal relationship with God.

Sinners who feel they are forgiven stay on the defensive, whereas, those who believe that they are now saints through Christ go on the offensive.

Our spiritual identity is determined by our spiritual rebirth by faith, not anything to do with our behavior. However, our behavior as a Christian will largely be determined by our spiritual rebirth

"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15

There is a profound peace that comes when we perceive our life here on earth as one that is transitioning and preparing for God's kingdom ahead. Limited to only this world, you will experience the full thrust of all that which is temporary in nature. Nothing that your eyes behold is permanent in its nature. Everything passes. And with that knowledge comes the embodiment of fears, mostly the fear of losing what we have. But becoming spiritual reborn changes our perspective from the temporal to the eternal. The greater we rest upon the eternal, the more unshackled we become from our fears and the changing circumstances around us. This is not a call to freedom, to lay aside all responsibility and care that one would extend to this world and live totally for self. In fact, the exact opposite is true. There is even a higher calling upon your life to give of yourself more since your fears, including the fear of not getting for yourself, has been diminished with the presence of Jesus in your life. Only god loves and accepts unconditionally. Thus,

"Perfect love casts out all fear." 1 John 4:18

In Christ, we are spiritually rich and have been already prepared for moving on into his kingdom. With that in mind, live with inner peace and joy despite the disruptions that the world unveils and displays around you. This is not your permanent home. So, give life your best knowing that your future is assured.

********************************************************************************

I was spiritually reborn April 5, 1972. My life has never been the same.

“I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” Etienne de Grellet QUAKER MISSIONARY

In his love, see you tomorrow.... "Carpe Momentum in Love"