WE ARE NOT IN HEAVEN YET

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-13)

Devotion 11 of 37

CAN A REBORN PERSON BE UNBORN?

This question is never posed in Scripture, and the new birth is never addressed in this type of language. This is a question posed by those who do NOT believe one can "depart from the faith," even though Scripture speaks of those who DO (1 Tim 4:1). It is hurled at us by those who do NOT acknowledge one can believe "for a while," even though Jesus spoke of those who DO (Lk 8:13). The postulate they present is simply this. Once a person becomes a child of God, it is not possible to ever lose that status. Or, as some have chosen to put it, "Once a person is reborn, they cannot be unborn."

It is quite true that when a person is thoroughly reborn, there is no possibility of reverting to an alienated state. That is, however, the whole point. Those who are in Christ Jesus, and remain in the body, are "eagerly WAITING for the adoption, the redemption of our body" (Rom 8:23). Everywhere "adoption" is mentioned, it refers to being the children of God. We have "received the Spirit of adoption," and therefore cry "Abba, Father" (Rom 8:15). Jesus died to "redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive adoption of sons" (Gal 4:5). God has, in fact, "predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will" (Eph 1:5). According to the Word of God, that "adoption" is not complete until the "redemption of the body," or the resurrection from the dead. It makes little difference what anyone thinks about the matter. That is what the Spirit, who speaks "expressly," has said.

Why do some Scriptures refer to being a "son" (Gal 4:7; Rom 8:14,19; Gal 4:6; 1 John 3:1-3) or "children" (Rom 8:16-17,21; 1 John 3:10; 5:2) of God, while others speak of being "adopted"? The word "adoption" emphasizes our acceptance by God. We have been received into the "whole family in heaven and earth" that is named after Jesus (Eph 3:15). But our change is not yet complete. In fact, we are presently being "changed from glory unto glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Cor 3:18).

The work of transformation is so arduous that it requires the continual intercession of Jesus (Heb 7:25), the transforming work of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 3:18), the intercession of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:26), and the full ministry of the holy angels (Heb 1:13-14). If heaven does not consider the work completed, how is it that men upon earth do?

Why are believers who are called "the church of God" and "saints," (2 Cor 1:1) told, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye SHALL BE My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Cor 6:17-18)? Our theology must allow us to not only say this, but to think in this way as well. There presently is a part of us that cannot enter into heaven–"flesh and blood" (1 Cor 15:50). That part has NEVER been born again, but to this day continues "to serve the law of sin" (Rom 7:25).

The question, therefore, "Can a person who is reborn be unborn" is a foolish one. It assumes the work is complete, when the Word of God emphatically says that it is not. That question has been shaped by a theological position, not a Divine affirmation. It is like asking: Can a nation delivered from Egypt ever be undelivered? Can God ever be brought to abhor His own inheritance? (Psa 106:40). Can God give a bill of divorce to a nation He has chosen (Jer 3:8)? Can angels leave their proper dwelling place (Jude 6)? Can angels in the presence of God be "cast down into hell" (2 Pet 2:4)? Can someone with no inherent capacity to die be consigned to death (Gen 2:17)? Can a king God has chosen be rejected? (1 Sam 16:1) Can an Apostle called by Jesus fall by transgression, requiring replacement (Acts 1:15-25)? Can a branch in Jesus that does not bear fruit be "taken away" (John 15:2,6)?

There is a "new man" that has truly been ‘born again." The new birth is not a metaphor, as some suppose. It is a glorious reality. But that new nature must be "put on" (Eph 4:24; Col 2:10). The "old man," or unregenerate part of our persons is to be "put off" (Eph 4:22; Col 3:9). For those to whom such admonitions are addressed to argue about whether or not they can be "unborn" is the height of absurdity. It is nothing less than a ploy of the wicked one to draw us away from the "good fight of faith."

Because of our present condition, the new birth is held by faith. That is precisely what the Scriptures affirm. "For ye are all the children of God BY FAITH in Christ Jesus" (Gal 3:26). Faith also moves us to confidently anticipate the appearing of our Lord, when our vile bodies will be changed, and we will be delivered from the bondage of corruption. Until then, the real question is not whether or not the new birth can be undone or reversed. Rather, it is whether or not you will fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life (1 Tim 6:12).

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, help me not to live as though everything about me has been perfected.

-- Tomorrow: THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD --