By Ronald Bartanen
Did you ever think that you would like to begin life all over again? Maybe you wouldn’t make the same mistakes that you have made the first time around. The fact is, God gives us that opportunity. Jesus taught that this new life is the result of a new birth—not physical, but spiritual. Jesus, in conversation with Nicodemus, a Jewish teacher, said, “Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.... Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, 5).
The new life is accomplished through the gospel, “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16), the incorruptible seed, “the word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). The gospel calls us to accept this new birth provided through the blood of Christ in our response of a trusting faith, repentance and baptism (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38). Paul speaks of the coming forth from the waters of baptism as a resurrection to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4)
Have you yet begun the new life? If so, are you still walking in it?
The new life is accomplished through the gospel, “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16), the incorruptible seed, “the word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). The gospel calls us to accept this new birth provided through the blood of Christ in our response of a trusting faith, repentance and baptism (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38). Paul speaks of the coming forth from the waters of baptism as a resurrection to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4)
Have you yet begun the new life? If so, are you still walking in it?
- Ronald Bartanen preaches for Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL. He may be contacted at ron33dor@yahoo.com or via the congregation's website at http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com
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