MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Titus 3:5
Romans 1:18-32

“In all thy ways
acknowledge him…”

“YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN” (II)

A great “born again” movement has been sweeping around the world. A term which once would have embarrassed its wearer, today has become acceptable and almost fashionable. Film stars, celebrities, night club singers and entertainers, famous athletes and politicians and even casino operators claim to be born again. In some circles almost everybody is born again.

What does it mean to be “born again”? First, let us say what it does not mean. It is not joining a church, or identifying oneself with a certain group, or getting baptized, or being able to speak in “tongues.” None of these can cause a person to be born again. Neither is it giving a sum of money to a church or engaging in charitable works. As the Apostle said, “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 Ghost” (Titus 3:5).

Recall our Lord’s words to Nicodemus: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit” (John 3:5). “Water” signifies the washing of regeneration, the cleansing of sins and the purification of the soul by the precious blood of Jesus. “Spirit” signifies the Holy Spirit of God working the miracle of the new birth, implanting the life of God into the believer’s heart, giving him new life.

John 3:16 and 3:36 convey the same message: whosoever believes on the Son of God has everlasting life, “which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13). It is of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and it must show in the “newness of life” which every born again person must manifest in his daily living. Without this “newness of life,” this changed life, wearing the label means nothing.

THOUGHT: Am I simply “wearing a label” or have I been truly born again?
PRAYER: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”