Sunday, 19 September 2021
BORN OF THE LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT
And just as we have borne the image [of the man] of dust, so shall we and so let us also bear the image [of the Man] of heaven (1 Corinthians 15:49 AMPC).
Every human person born into this world comes with the natural human life. That life, however, is corruptible; it’s mortal, subject to sickness, disease and death. This was the life and nature of the first Adam and all those born after him — unregenerate men.
1 Corinthians 15:47–48 says, “The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.” Notice the tenses; it says “…as is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy,” and that’s absolutely right. That’s why Jesus, in His communication with Nicodemus, said to him, “You must be born again” (John 3:7).
When you’re born again, you’re born after the Lord from heaven. So, as Christians, we have the divine life, we have the God-nature NOW. The one who’s yet to receive this God-life is “earthy” and susceptible to the depravities and negativities of this world. He or she is subject to the elements and systems of this world and snowed-under by their corrupting influences.
But thanks be unto God! Your ties with the first Adam have been severed completely and forever. Christ is your root and heritage; you hail from God:“Ye are of God little children…” (1 John 4:4). Whereas death works in the unregenerate man, you’re of the life-giving Spirit: “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45). Life works in you. Glory to God!
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank you, for I’ve been severed from perishing because I’m born of God, in the likeness of the second and last Adam — Jesus Christ. I’m not of this world; I’m heavenly, a fellow citizen with the saints, and of the household of God, bringing many into the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
John 3:3-7; John 1:12-13
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Galatians 3:26-4:1-20 & Isaiah 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 23:34-43 & 2 Samuel 11-12