I grew up watching the Six Million Dollar Man Starring Lee Majors. When Air Force Colonel Steve Austin crashes during a test flight, many of his damaged body parts are replaced by experimental bionic limbs. In this series’ theme song, the voice over explains that modern scientists have the technology to save his life at a cost of six million dollars. The Bible speaks of a different kind of regeneration. A spiritual one.
You have been regenerated (born again), not from a mortal [d]origin ([e]seed, sperm), but from one that is immortal by the ever living and lasting Word of God. 24 For all flesh (mankind) is like grass, and all its glory (honor) like [the] flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower drops off, 25 But the Word of the Lord ([f]divine instruction, the Gospel) endures forever. And this Word is the good news which was preached to you, 1 Peter 1:23-25.
There are plenty of mornings when I wake up that I feel dead tired, unable to function as I should or want. Like rebooting a computer, how you start your day can make a big difference. In the passage above, Peter refers to a supernatural presence that comes from the Bible. The author of Hebrews refers to this book as living and active with an ability to penetrate your soul, Hebrews 4:12.
For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved ([c]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; 9 Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself,] Ephesians 2:8-9.
The first discussion about regeneration leaves Nicodemus curious and confused, John 3:1-17. This first century Pharisee was thinking about being born again from a physical aspect. This is the reason for Nicodemus’ sarcasm. Yet, as the Paul apostle mentions in the passage above, spiritual regeneration is unmerited. This free gift is offered to you, Romans 6:23. However, regeneration doesn’t begin until you accept this as your own, Romans 10:9-11. The more you read and learn, the greater your faith grows,
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 