Born Again

"A recent poll indicated that one in every three adults in America confesses to being born again. Some fifty-nine million people thus claim to have had a life-changing experience. If that poll is even close to being accurate, it means that one of history's greatest revivals has not had much effect on society" (The Lord is Near 1999). In the past months, several prominent persons from the sports world, political arena, and entertainment circles have publicly stated they have been "born again." We praise the Lord for all who have truly been born of God, born from above, from every walk of life.

When our newborn grandson arrived recently, there was much joy in our family. By looking at his picture on the cover of this magazine, you can understand why we think he is a "grand" baby, and why we are delighted to have him in the family! Yet, his being born of Christian parents and grandparents does not make him a child of God, and it is our prayer that early in life he will be born again through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

In John 2:23-25 we read that "Many believed in [Jesus'] name, when they saw the miracles which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself unto them, because He knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man; for He knew what was in man." Their profession of faith was not genuine. It was based on miracles they saw, and not on the One who wrought the miracles. It was mere head knowledge, lip profession, and not the work of God in the heart by His Word and Spirit, which alone makes man a new creation in Christ. Another has appropriately said, "To seem to be a Christian, and yet not to be, is the deadliest delusion possible."

We seem to be living in a world of widespread and worthless profession. Millions say that they "believe," "have faith," and yet their actions do not agree with the words they profess with their lips. Unfortunately, the expression "born again" has been brought into disrepute by pseudo-Christians whose lives belie their profession. In most cases, the reason is that the one professing to be born again has little comprehension of its meaning. They may have merely agreed to some religious principles, or recited some words, or raised their hand, or been confirmed or baptized, without ever truly repenting of their sins and trusting in Christ personally as Saviour.

Unfolded in John chapter three is the clear and comprehensive teaching needed by all in the world--how a man can be born again. We commend to you the following articles on the new birth, the one essential to enter the kingdom of God. Nicodemus was at first only a professor, not a possessor. As we enter this new epoch in time, make sure your profession is real and living in your life. It is better to never be born than to never be born again.

From Moments For You Magazine, Q1 2000