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"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom
of God" (John 3:3).
Being born again requires two things: the word and the Spirit. The word and Spirit combined
becomes the Living Word, which is Jesus Christ. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of
the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). Recall that as Jesus ascended up out of the water,
the Spirit descended upon him. It is the Living Word that must be sown in our hearts if we are to become the Sons of
God. For "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot
sin, because he is born of God" (1 John 3:9). Rember from the parable of the sower that the seed is the Word, which is the Living Word, or Jesus Christ.
Do not be deceived. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh
to the Father but by me" (John 14:6). "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become
the sons of God, even to them who believe on his name" (John 1:12). So isn't being born again a spontaneous event that happens in an instant? The short answer is no.
If you think about the stumbling block that men have placed in the way of those who would enter at the straight gate, it should
be clear that the image is not consistent with the Word of God. Many false prophets will tell you that you simply have to
accept Jesus Christ and ask him to enter into your heart and you are instantly saved. This is a lie that prevents salvation
by leading astray those who would enter because all one can accept at that point is one's image of Jesus, which is inaccurate by reason of darkness. Jesus said, "...he that endureth to the end shall be saved"
(Matthew 10:22). But "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and
the truth shall make you free" (John 8: 31 & 32).
Questions or comments? Contact Pastor Paul: