Evidences of being Born Again by the Spirit of God

The Ministry of Reconciliation

“From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 ESV

The promise of the above scriptural reference is fairly simple. Through the miraculous, supernatural process of the “new birth” Christ takes the old and makes a new life. As a result of that transformation, we are new creatures, ambassadors of heaven, whose sin has been forgiven to show both the creatures of the heavenlies and earthbound humanity the glory of God.

Just what are the evidences of the “New Life”? The Bible is just full of scriptural evidences of the “New Life” in the body and soul of the believer. Take a few moments with me and review these evidences. Consider these words in terms of a “Spiritual Checkup.” How do you “check out” with these proofs of the “New Life in Christ”? The following listing is not exhaustive – but certainly can be educational!

What is Your Faith In?

Abraham Justified by Faith

What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” Romans 4:1-8 ESV

What are some of the ways in which people are trusting to get into heaven? The history of the world is filled with ways in which humanity of the past (and the present) have been secure in their understanding of the path to heaven. Here are just a few that are ongoing and current in our culture:

For Further Reflection: The Book of Romans

No One Is Righteous

What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one;
no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
“Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
“Their feet are swift to shed blood;
in their paths are ruin and misery,
and the way of peace they have not known.”
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. – Romans 3:9-20 ESV

The book of Romans is considered correctly as “the most comprehensive and systematic summary of Christian doctrine anywhere in Scripture” the “Bible within the Bible” sharing and exhorting the reader the beauty and the majesty of God and His work of salvation toward the world. Chapter 3 can be divided into two distinct parts. First is the question “Who is this message for?” and the second “What is the remedy?”

First Responsiblity – My Salvation

The Righteousness of God Through Faith

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:21-23

I was raised in church. I often say that I “grew up” in a congregation of a Southern Baptist church from the time I was 6 lbs and 21 inches long. My parents being faithful Christians and supporters and advocates of Christian fellowship took me and my siblings to church most every time the door was opened. Our home schedule revolved around these meeting times of Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening. My first friends, early socialization, and my first solo were found or conducted inside of that church building among God’s faithful followers.

Introduction

A couple of years ago I started a blog with this title. My intent at that time was to begin a conversation with my church about the need for personal discipleship – the blog would be an appendum to my efforts to continue discussion beyond a teaching time with our church members of Camp Branch Baptist Church. Unfortunately, that purpose never quiet materialized. With the opening of this blog, that first purpose will come to reality. The purpose of this blog is to continue dialogue with the membership of Camp Branch (and any others who wish) into both personal and body discipleship with the Body of Christ, and that local body of believers. My journey will begin with our looking at the Biblical text, as well as following a guided pathway using a resource as a starting place. Our text is the work by Thomas, Curtis C. Life in the Body of Christ: Privileges and Responsibilities in the Local Church (Cape Coral, Florida: Founders Press, 2006). My blog articles will comment upon my reaction to this work, as well as answer for myself the questions found in the back of each chapter. I hope to write here daily, and look forward to interacting with any student (particularly my own) who wishes to further learn their place in God’s Kingdom and in His church.

Grace and Peace,

Rob Ayers