Nicodemus, a respected leader of the Jewish Sanhedrin came to Jesus under the cover of darkness to get some answers. Jesus quickly directed the conversation to the subject of ‘change.’ He told him, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3 NKJV). The learned, religious scholar’s mind was blown, basically asking, “How can this be?
Many people have a hard time grasping this spiritual transformation. The born-again experience is not a change of mind or a different way of living—it is a spiritual rebirth. The result of this rebirth will change the way we think and the way we live. We must put the horse in front of the cart. Spiritual rebirth must come first.
The foundational truth to this subject begins with the way we were created. God, the triune God (Father, Son, and Spirit) created us in His image. We also have three distinct parts. Our innermost being is our spirit, not to be confused with the Holy Spirit. This human inner spirit is the part that is reborn in a born-again person. It is something only God can do when we first believe and trust Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.
What happens when we are born again? God regenerates our sinful spirit. It is more powerful and vibrant than a reset. It is a rebirth. The Holy Spirit indwells this new human spirit. Then from the depth of our being, the Holy Spirit begins to influence and direct our lives as we yield to His direction.
Remember, there are two other parts to our human self. In addition to our spirit, we have a soul and a body. People often confuse the human spirit with the human soul; they are not the same thing. Our soul contains three parts also. Our soul is comprised of mind, will, and emotions. When a person is born-again, the soul is not born again. That is why we still struggle with thoughts, strong wills, and emotional outbursts. Our spirit is pure and saturated with the Holy Spirit. Our soul still has its struggles.
Sanctification is the process of the Spirit of God flowing up from our spirit to influence and change our soulish man. Our soul is changed as our minds are renewed to the likeness of Christ, our wills are surrendered to the Father, and our emotions are controlled by the Spirit.
Sanctification is an event and a continual process. We get a shot of sanctification when we are born again. We get a booster shot every time we study the Bible, pray, worship, listen to a sermon, etc.
Just as a baby is born in a precious state, that baby must grow into maturity. Birth is an event. Maturity is a process.
If you have a desire to truly change into a new person, you must have this spiritual rebirth first. Then we must submit ourselves to the work of the Spirit to renew our minds, surrender our wills, and allow the Holy Spirit to have the reins of our emotions. God changes us from the inside out.
What about the third human part, our body. The body is like a trailer pulled by a vehicle. Wherever the vehicle travels, the trailer will follow. Wherever the mind, will, and emotion travel, the body will follow. If you allow the Holy Spirt to influence your soul, then your body will behave in proportion to the obedience of your soulish being. Our fist will never strike someone in anger if our emotions are controlled by the Spirit.
How is one born again? It begins with conviction. You become spiritually aware that you are a sinner and God is holy. Then a spiritual reality is awakened in you that Jesus Christ died for your sins and was resurrected to give you new life. You repent of your sins and accept, believe, and confess that your new life and eternal life is in Jesus Christ.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. / For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10 NKJV).
Pray this prayer of faith:
God, I know that I am a sinner. You alone are Holy. I know and confess that Jesus was crucified on the cross for my sins. I accept His sacrifice for all my sins. I know and believe that He was resurrected on the third day. I know that in Him I have new life now and an eternal life when I die. Thank you for my salvation. Help me to live in Your ways and according to Your Word. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Please leave me a comment if you prayed this prayer to receive Christ.
This is a very deep subject. I pray that your heart will be open to these truths.
Yours on the Journey,
Harry L. Whitt
Pathway Journey 