Chris Bailey III - Born of God

What does it me~an to be born of God?  Before we answer that, let's understand why both this question and answer are so important.  To be born of God is so important because it is the ONLY way to overcome!  More specifically, it's the only way to overcome this world.  It is the one way to be in the world, but not of the world.  What exactly does the Bible mean by "the world"? 

1 John 2:16 KJV - 16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Essentially, whatever is "not of the Father" is "of the world."  That kind of cuts it straight doesn't it?  So how can we escape the world while walking in it?  Yes, we can escape -

2 Peter 1:4 KJV - 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.''

But our escape is the realization of a promise; even, "exceeding great and precious promises" to be born again!  The first time we came onto the scene we were born of flesh from our mother and father, and all that is in them is in us.  But when we are born again, or born of the Spirit of God, all that is in Him is in us!  Talk about a miracle of life!  What happens everyday in delivery rooms throughout the world is a miracle.  But what happens everyday in classrooms, churches, cars, break rooms, bedrooms, closets, or on the street when someone is born again, is miracle of eternity!

So how are we born again? 

John 3:16 KJV - 16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1 John 5:1 KJV - 1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth Him also that is begotten of Him.

To be born of God is to believe in Jesus.  Born of God = Believe in Jesus.  Born of the Father = Believe in His Son.  By God, through Jesus - this simple pivot in our faith both re-routes and re-roots us.  Trusting in God through His Son not only changes the trajectory or direction of our experience, but it re-roots our whole existence in the life, death, and resurrection of the Son of God, the sacrifice for sin and our sins.  In that instant of surrender, we no longer operate by our own will, but live by the power and presence of God, the Spirit of God, by believing in His Son!

John 1:12-13 KJV - 12 But as many as received [Christ], to them gave He power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on His name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

New birth is the result of new belief!  Accepting what God has already offered, and what Jesus has made available by His offering.  When we believe His promise fulfilled, we can walk in His promises fulfilling...

1 John 3:9 KJV - 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

1 John 4:7 KJV - 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

1 John 5:4 KJV - 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.

1 John 5:18 KJV - 18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

To keep is to be kept.  To be born is to believe.  Being loved, we love.  We aren't the author, but the echo of what God has done; for by His Spirit is the only way we can continue to do.  God doing continually in us, what through Jesus He has done for us.  Born, again!