NEWNESS OF LIFE

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Rom 6:4-6)

Devotion 6 of 11

REBIRTH AND REGENERATION

The necessity of the new birth is itself proof that reformation is not possible. Our understanding of this truth must go beyond mere academics. It was our Lord Himself who said, "Verily , verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God . . . Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again" (John 3:3,7). Neither entrance into the Kingdom nor an understanding of it can be achieved in a state of nature. There must be a rebirth from above. If it were possible to salvage " the flesh," a rebirth would not be necessary!

Viewed from the standpoint of obedience, our rebirth involved the "washing of regeneration." "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). Regeneration is recreation--it is starting over with a new life-principle. This is the truth taught in 2 Corinthians 5:17. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor 5:17). It is not possible to be "in Christ" and not be a new creation.

The contrast is so sharp between flesh and spirit that everything becomes "new" in Christ. Old things "pass away" in both emphasis and value. Those in Christ are motivated differently. Their affection is set "on things above" (Col. 3:1-3, which provides a more powerful incentive than ever could be produced at Sinai.

The Gospel is not a message of mere information. It is a message of power--moral power--transforming power. The fact that such transformation does not generally characterize the contemporary church only confirms its alienation from God. This is not a message of popularity, but we must come to grips with it. Speaking on a very general basis, we are faced with what appears to be an unregenerate church. I find myself becoming more confirmed in this opinion. What I see reminds me of Ezekiel's valley of dry bones after his first prophecy. Sinews and flesh were upon them, "but there was no breath in them" (Ezek 37:8). Spiritual life cannot be emulated. Further, until it is possessed in Christ, it is not possible to please God!

Proclaim it!

The people of God must not be negligent in their proclamation of the necessity of a new birth. There is all too little of this kind of preaching today. Most preaching that I hear is a call to reformation rather that to regeneration. Unlike this approach, God calls us to renewal and resurrection. "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Eph 4:23). "Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light" (Eph 5:14). If people possess a new nature, it must often be awakened with a clear summons from on high!

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, grant me strength to refuse conformity to this world, and be renewed in the spirit of my mind.

-- TOMORROW: PUT OFF THE OLD, PUT ON THE NEW --