New Life

Week 48, Tuesday
Ellen Olford
 
Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “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 3:3-6

A new life with Jesus Christ begins when we realize our need for forgiveness, repent of our sins, and ask Jesus to come into our lives as Lord. Praise God!

Christ lives in us in the person of the Holy Spirit. Once His Spirit takes up residence in our lives, we have been “born again” (see John 3:1-15).

First John 3:9 says, “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’sseed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God” (esv). Why would we go on living in sin after being forgiven? We must trust in the Spirit.

The Spirit is our guide: “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13-14, esv). He leads our hearts to desire what pleases the Father (see Romans 8:9-14).

At the time of salvation, our sins are forgiven, we are born of the Spirit, and the old things (our sins and passions of the flesh) have passed away. Second Corinthians 5:17 reads, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (esv). This spiritual birth brings us to new life in Christ; a life that desires the things of God.

Father, thank You for giving me the opportunity to be born again. Thank You that the Holy Spirit lives within me. Thank You that I am never alone. Guide me by your Holy Spirit today to live as a new creation in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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