What happens when we are Born Again as followers of Jesus?

[Marisol Pareja]

Being a true Christian is not something that can be easily observed. It is an internal, spiritual reality that becomes evident over time. Mere claims of being a Christian do not necessarily indicate true faith. However, for those who have genuinely experienced spiritual rebirth, there are several immediate and incredible benefits to enjoy.

Firstly, all your sins are forgiven. Every wrong you have ever committed is wiped away from your permanent record. God no longer holds them against you, and all your debts are completely forgiven (1 John 1:9).

Secondly, you are justified before God. To be "justified" means to be declared righteous in the sight of God. One might question how God can justify allowing sinners into heaven. The answer lies in the fact that, through the work of Christ, our faults are not counted against us. Therefore, our right standing with God is justified (Romans 5:1).

Moreover, you are adopted into God's family. Only those who are brought into His family can call God their Father. Every believer who repents and places their faith in Christ enjoys this extraordinary status as a beloved son or daughter of God. The King of the universe becomes your heavenly Father (John 1:12).

Additionally, as a born-again believer, you transition from darkness to light. There are two opposing kingdoms at war: the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. When we experience spiritual rebirth, we are transferred from the dominion of Satan to the rulership of Christ. We are rescued from the clutches of the devil and become participants in God's kingdom (Colossians 1:13).

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit fills you. God's Spirit dwells within every believer, granting them faith and empowering them to live a new life. The evidence of this indwelling is seen in the fruit of the Spirit, as God's transformative work in our lives gradually molds us to be more like Christ (Ephesians 1:13).

Moreover, you inherit eternal life. While we often think of eternal life as a future experience, the Bible teaches that we receive eternal life at the very moment of conversion. Whenever eternal life is mentioned for Christians, it is described in the present tense, indicating that it is a current reality, not merely a future hope. Although our physical bodies may perish, our spirits are alive forever and will eventually be reunited with our resurrected bodies (John 3:36).

Additionally, you escape from God's wrath. As sinners, we all fall under God's just wrath. Our sins greatly offend Him and provoke His anger. However, through faith in Christ, we are delivered from God's wrath and enter into His eternal blessing. God becomes forever and always on our side, no longer against us (John 3:36).

Moreover, you receive Christ's righteousness. Not only are our sins forgiven, but we are also credited with the righteousness of Christ. This means that Jesus' perfect and sinless life is attributed to our account. Some describe this exchange as the great exchange since we offer God our worst, and in return, He gives us His best (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Additionally, you are granted a place and reward in God's kingdom. Although our sin and rebellion would have excluded us from God's kingdom and His presence, through faith in Christ, we are welcomed back into it. We will forever dwell in God's presence, actively participating in the life of His kingdom alongside all the redeemed (Matthew 25:34).

Moreover, your eyes are opened to the beauty of God. Sin obscures our vision, making us perceive sin as appealing while viewing God as uninteresting. However, when we experience spiritual rebirth, the eyes of our hearts are opened, allowing us to truly behold the beauty and majesty of God as He truly is: Creator, Father, Savior, and our greatest Treasure (2 Corinthians 4:3-6).

Furthermore, your sinful nature is defeated. Without God's intervention, sin governs our lives, and we become slaves to its desires. We are unable to live holy lives or please God in any way. However, through the new birth, we become new creations in Christ, and the power of sin over our hearts is broken. Although we will still struggle with sin until we die and are glorified, the controlling power of sin is defeated, and we can overcome it with the help of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:11).

Finally, your salvation is guaranteed. It would be a cause for great anxiety if all these blessings were granted to us but could be lost through our own failures. Thankfully, the good news is that not only are these blessings secured for us by the blood of Christ, but they are also bought for us by His blood. No one who belongs to Jesus will ever be cast aside by Him. He will ensure that our faith endures until the end (Philippians 1:6).

Certainly, we have numerous reasons to thank God. Take a moment to meditate on these blessings, allowing them to fill your heart with joy, peace, and hope. Let us praise the God who loves us and grants us such incredible privileges! If you don't know what being born again means, then chances are you are not born again. If you want to be born again, just say with your whole heart "Jesus forgive me all my sins take me to heaven when I die, and help me to live for you. Fill me with your Spirit and guide me from this day forward." You must be truly sorry for your sins and ask the Holy Spirit to help you get out of any you may be in. Please write to me on the contact page if you were blessed by this post, I would love to hear from you.

 

Written by Marisol Pareja May 26, 20232:30 p.m.MARISOL PAREJA