SPIRITUAL BIRTH SALVATION

By Gaylon West

To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:12).

Angels of God are very much interested in you and me. Angels in Heaven quietly observe and are happy when good is done on earth. At the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, suddenly "a multitude of the heavenly host praised God" (Luke 2:13b). When the church was established and multiplied on earth they beheld the “manifold wisdom of God” being unfolded and revealed (Ephesians 3:10). And, Jesus promised, "there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents" (Luke 15:10).

    Just as the angels were happy to witness the birth of Jesus who came to save us from our sins, they are happy to see anyone taking advantage of His offer. We can visualize a rejoicing that was among them this past week when one of our own, Michael Kennedy, was born into God's kingdom here at Haines City.

THE SEED. The Word of God is described as a seed (Luke 8:11). Jesus said, “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63b). Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21). The Word of God is a seed to be planted in us to save us.

    The inspired prophets were led by the power of the Holy Spirit to provide the Spirit's life-giving seed, the Word of God. Preachers are to be teachers of what the Spirit revealed in the Scriptures; the Seed (2 Timothy 3:16). Like the Levites of old (Nehemiah 8:9), they are to preach/teach only the Spirit's recorded Word.

THE BIRTH. The deliverance is in the baptism of water (John 3:5). “[Jesus] saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,” (Titus 3:5b). One is now a member of the Lord's church (kingdom), “He [Christ] made the church holy by the power of his word, and he made it pure by washing it with water” (Ephesians 5:26, CEV). “We were baptized, so that we would live a new life, as Christ was raised to life by the glory of God the Father” (Romans 6:4b, CEV). “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus pointed out to Nicodemus that the life we get from our human parents is physical, but His new birth is a spiritual life given by the Holy Spirit (John 3:6). This new life is from the Holy Spirit and is given to believers who are baptized (Acts 2:38). This is amazing and no wonder there is rejoicing in Heaven over it! -GW