“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6 KJV)
Using the term "flesh" as a description of our human nature, the Lord Jesus drives His point to Nicodemus in poetic metaphor to emphasize the sin-prone quality of our physical being. Our flesh is naturally weak and hostile to God (Romans 8:7). It is the exact opposite to our true being in spirit. Our spirit is from God. He breathed it in us. It is who we are as a man made in the likeness of God (Genesis 2:6). Our flesh is merely a shell made out of the dust, which was cursed by Adam's fall (Genesis 3:27).
This phrase "born again" has been defiled by many. They relegate it to a mere 'cliche'. But, for those who truly value their life now and for eternity, this is a process of existential ramifications. As the Lord Jesus said to Nicodemus, without this rebirth 'no one' can enter into the Kingdom of God. Hence, restoration by rebirth in the spirit is important for us to be put right before God. That rebirth is by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Not by self effort of doing good, nor by religious rituals based on pagan customs and traditions, but by believing in Christ Jesus, the only begotten Son of God.
Apostle Paul reminds in his exhortation the need to be born again in the spirit. It is written: “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,” (Romans 8:13-16 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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