The spiritual rebirth
At the heart of the Christian faith lies the new birth, a profound spiritual reality. Jesus answered a question that Nicodemus had not even asked. He recognized what was in Nicodemus' heart and addressed the very core of his problem - the need for spiritual change and rebirth by the Holy Spirit: "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 1:14). 3,5-6).
Peter reinforces this truth in his letters by addressing them to communities suffering persecution because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Rebirth is thus a twofold process: a new beginning in the spirit and a letting go of the old, worldly life. Peter highlights this spiritual reality by encouraging believers not to long for their former existence. He underlines the importance of rebirth with the words: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away" (1. Petrus 1,3-5).
These verses make it clear that being born again gives us a living hope - a life marked by Jesus' resurrection from the dead. It is a step out of the old existence, symbolized by death, and an entry into a completely new life. A newborn baby cannot continue to live in the womb - this idea is absurd.
For Christians, spiritual rebirth also means a constant struggle against temptation and sin. A hostile society intensifies this struggle, often making us feel like strangers in the world. To be born again means to be born into something, into a living hope. It also includes being born out of something—from the dead. Like a newborn baby, the new life it has after birth will be completely different from the life it had in the womb. Can you imagine a baby trying to live as if it were still in the womb? That would be absurd. This does not underscore our homelessness, but affirms our belonging to our heavenly Father and our new family in faith. The life we now live in freedom and in the light is priceless compared to our former, limited existence.
Dear reader, if you sometimes feel like a stranger in this world, do not be discouraged, but hold on to hope. Spiritual rebirth is a fundamental part of our journey of faith. Let us grow together in this trust and celebrate the overwhelming hope we have through Jesus Christ.
from Greg Williams
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