"A Hug From Jesus"

 A Hug From Jesus Copyright © April 10, 2011 csgroff

It was early in the morning the rooster still a sleeping

I woke up to the sounds of sandpipers

Outside my window tweeting

I had a feeling wash across my mind and then a heart-felt tug

My face could not hold back the smile

As I imagined Jesus gave me a good morning hug

What it Means to be "Born Again"

What it Means to be “Born Again”

When are born into this world by a ‘water birth.’ We were conceived and grew inside of our mother’s womb in a sack containing amniotic fluid (or ‘water’). The sack broke open; we were delivered out of that “hidden world” into the world outside. That was our first birth. Sadly, for most souls, it is the only birthdate they can claim. We entered this world corrupt and sinful, “lost” and headed to the dreadful, ever-tormenting, endlessly fiery place called Hell full of those eternally dying.

Being born again is the work of the Holy Spirit of God and a supernatural birth “from above” referred to as being “born of the Spirit” of God. It is the action of regeneration and a born-again believer will have a new nature with new principles, affections, and aims in this life ¹(Matthew Henry). It is a turning away from sin with a turning to God by agreeing with Him that we (and I include myself) are by nature sinners – we are sinners. It is the Holy Spirit Whose presence is in all the earth and you feel a “tug” on your heart while being exposed to the Gospel, you are experiencing the Holy Spirit drawing you to God.

Being born again does not mean you stop being a sinner; however, God sees you differently – not “not guilty” of sins because of Christ’s blood atonement, for He suffered our guilt and punishment. The daily battle continues against that sinful nature until the day of physical death. The difference in the life of a born-again believer is of having a personal relationship with God, available only through Christ Jesus, which affords the privilege of immediate access to Him through prayer and forgiveness all day every day. Christian liberty is another topic study; however, to be born again does not give “liberty” to sin freely and at will. God expects refrain from sin to the utmost of our ability. Though we may slip – He will catch us when we repent. One who is born again can know that all past sin has been forgiven, present and future will be as He is faithful and just to forgive.

Adam and Eve were coerced by Satan to go against God’s (their Creator and Father) command. They “fell” out of fellowship with God through their action of disobedience; hence the “fallen nature of man.” We are descendants of the same Adam and Eve. Like our greatest grandparents, God has also given us free will. We are free to make our own decisions – be they right or wrong. We are also born with that nature to go against God and commit sin against Him. Therefore, we must be reconciled (born again) to Him if we want to see, let alone enter, the kingdom of Heaven. Being born again is also referred to the act of reconciliation or restoration. It is each individual’s choice to remain lost (unsaved) or born again (saved). The Holy Spirit will gradually change a person from the heart out.

So, What must you do to be born again?

~ Get personal with and agree with God about your sins by admitting to Him you are a sinner and guilty of it:

Romans 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.”

Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God:”

You must be sorrowful and truly repent!

~ Grasp the reality that punishment is eternal separation from God in Hell and the Lake of Fire:

Romans 6:23a “For the wages of sin is death;”

Revelation 21:8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

“Second death” ~ banishment by God into Hell, eternally separated from Him and Heaven with no way of escape. It is everlasting and unending torture.

~ Realize God’s Son Jesus Christ paid your sin debt in full:

Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

~ Know that it is only through Jesus Christ that the free gift of salvation can be yours:

Romans 6:23b “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

~ You must believe in Christ and ask Him to be your Saviour:

Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Romans 10:10 “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

~ You must truly repent and believe:

Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

It is vital to repent. God, Who is omniscient, knows your heart and your motives. He cannot be fooled.

If you choose to be “born again” you can say a simple “sinner’s prayer” to ask Jesus Christ for your free gift of salvation:

Dear God,

I admit I am a sinner, sincerely repent of my sins, and ask for Your forgiveness please. I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died for me and ask You, Jesus, to be my Savior.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

If you indeed have been "born again" you now have a "spiritual birthday" - it is the date and time you sincerely repented and believed. 

~ 2 Timothy 3:16 ~ 2 Timothy 3:17 ~

~ 2 Timothy 3:16 ~

2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture [the Holy Scripture] is given by inspiration [Divine influence] of God [by God], and is profitable for doctrine [teachings/precepts], for reproof [conviction/testing or proving], for correction [restoration to a right state/character improvement], for instruction [cultivation of the mind and morals] in righteousness [condition acceptable to God].”

The Holy Scriptures in its entirety is Divinely influenced (breathed out) by the Living God of Creation for our benefit. They teach, convict, improve and restore our character helping our minds to be upright and acceptable to God.

~ 2 Timothy 3:17 ~

2 Timothy 3:17 “That [in order that] the man [male and female] of God [Godhead*] may be perfect [fitted/complete], throughly furnished [to finish/render the days complete] unto [with regard to] all good works [acts/deeds/things done].”

In order for the man or woman belonging to the Triune God to be fitted to finish all done for Him.

*Godhead: God the Father, the first person of the trinity; Christ, the second person of the trinity; and Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity

Word Study ~ "Regeneration"

“Regeneration” is the act/experience of being spiritually restored to God. The most common terms used are “saved” and “born again.” Regeneration is a gift of God. It is an extremely personal occurrence between an individual and the living God of Creation.

Other terminology: New birth, restoration, renewed, reborn

The act of “regeneration” cannot be obtained through that of bloodlines, union of parents, or of a wealthy or powerful ancestry, nor does ascribing to any religion. It is not an entitlement. Man does not have the power through his own fleshly will to bring salvation (regeneration) to himself or give it to another. Man must of his own free will desire to be born of God (“born again”). Man’s heart is and “enemy of the spirit” and throughout the Holy Scriptures is shamefully and naturally corrupt. There is absolutely nothing man can do of his own accord that can merit the gift of salvation or “new birth.” All men are of one blood (descendants of Adam) being tainted with sin, having no influence on regeneration. Man’s blood is of no value for salvation. It is only through the blood of Christ, which cleanses of all sin that regeneration happens. God, through prescribing salvation by Christ Jesus alone, gifts this new birth “through His will, His own unlimited power, and boundless mercy!”

All that believe in the name of Christ are regenerated [born again/saved] and quickened [given life] by the Spirit [Holy Spirit] and grace of God [favor/blessing] partaking of divine nature and are made “new creatures.” This is the evidence of being a son of God [adopted by God through restoration/regeneration].

Therefore, those who have believed on the name of Jesus Christ have not become sons of God (born again) by the blood of their ancestry, nor by the will of a man and woman in sexual relations, nor by the desire to adopt a child; Nor, is it just knowing Him in their mind, but that of knowing Him in their heart – the most inner part of a person’s soul – and, that of God knowing that man or woman personally through adoption into the family of God through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ who paid for their adoption on Calvary.

Scripture Passages:

John 3:1 “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:”

John 3:2 “The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.”

John 3:3 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (my emphasis)

John 3:4 “Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?”

John 3:5 “Jesus answered, 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.” (my emphasis)

John 3:6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

John 3:7 “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (my emphasis)

We are spiritual beings. One of the great mysteries is that of having a physical body with a spirit living in it. Your body is not your soul or spirit – they are separate. The body will die, the spirit lives for eternity.

The result of sin has every person estranged from God from the moment of conception. We are not born innocent, but guilty. Adam and Eve were created in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26a “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…”) and enjoyed a free and sinless life, actually walking with God in their presence in the Garden. But, because of Adam’s sin of disobedience (he also took of the fruit to eat) in the Garden of Eden (Adam sinned, Eve was beguiled), all descendants (everyone soul who has or will be born) are tainted with Adam’s likeness (Genesis 5:3 “And Adam…begat a son in his own likeness, after his image,” – a sinful nature, also referred to as the “Adamic” nature). We are all guilty of sin and having our backs naturally turned to the living God and remain that way (*“lost” and dying) until we choose of our own free will to be restored to God. We must do this on His terms - His way. All roads may lead to Rome – but there is only ONE Way to have the privilege of seeing or entering the kingdom of God. “Regeneration” is of utmost necessity if one desires to enter and see the kingdom of God.

*“Lost” is a term to be understood in order to understand why “regeneration” is required.

~ Other terminology: Misplaced, disoriented, confused, missing, gone astray, wasted

Prior to spiritual regeneration man is misplaced from God, disoriented and confused regarding salvation, are missing and will remain absent from His presence, are gone astray regarding the need of their eternal soul for salvation, and will be wasted for all eternity if they do not exercise their free will and accept God’s gift of salvation purchased through the blood of His Son, at the urging (feeling that heart tug) of the Holy Spirit.

Christ Jesus was born into this world for one reason – to die – for you. He came to seek you out and to save you from an eternity in the Lake of Fire.

~ Luke 19:10 “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Study ~ John 1:13

John 1:13 “Which were born [through spiritual regeneration, those who were literally begotten of God], not of blood [not of human generation, descent, or in any manner of way of man], nor of the will of the flesh [not by natural regeneration], nor of the will of man [man’s desire in adopting a child], but of God [of God the Father of Christ, and of the Spirit’s grace].”

John 1:12 told us that people had “received” Jesus Christ as their Savior. They had experienced the “new birth,” a spiritual birth (begotten of God), not a physical birth. The words, “were born,” describe the precise beginning of a believer’s new spiritual life, being born of the Spirit (John 3:6). Until one is “born of the Spirit” he is “dead” in sin (Ephesians 2:1). A person truly begins to live after experiencing the new birth (regeneration).

A spiritual birth has absolutely nothing to do with influences from man albeit physically, genetically, emotionally, or through his own power. The Jewish nation was proud of being Abraham’s descendants (Matthew 3:9); however, the “law of Christ’s Kingdom” is very different from that supposition (1 Peter 1:23). Ancestry and bloodlines have no influence nor do they draw any entitlement to God’s favor. It is necessary to be “born of God” by regeneration (rebirth). The praise of God draws favor from Him, not praise of men.

Regeneration does not occur by man’s free will but is attributed to the power and will of God. Free will is enmity (hatred/hostility) to God, is carnal, corrupt, and powerless to all that is spiritually good. People cannot become God’s child through their own power (Romans 10:1-3; James 1:18), nor can they “will” that others become “regenerated” (spiritually born again). Grace is God’s to extend to man individually. A person’s heart can only be changed by the power of God, the Absolutely Divine One, by His Spirit. He makes the spiritual change and awards the privilege of being adopted by Him (John 3:6-8).

Man must desire to use his free will to become a “believer” and to accept the grace of God and gift of His salvation. One must strive to enter in at the strait gate.

Passages:

John 3:6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

Ephesians 2:1 “And you hath he quickened [gave life], who were dead in trespasses and sins;”

Matthew 3:9 “And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”

1 Peter 1:23 “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”

Romans 10:1-3 “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

James 1:18 “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”

John 3:6-8 (6) “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (8) The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

(List Author Unknown):

1) To be saved, we must be born again

2) Salvation is not the result of physical birth, ancestry, nationality, status, or religion

3) To be saved, one must be born of God

4) One cannot go to heaven simply because their ‘parent(s)’ are Christians

5) No one can acquire salvation for another person; it is the work of God

6) All human dependence and confidence in the flesh should be forsaken. If one desires of their own free will to be saved, they should go immediately to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) and implore God to adopt them into his family and save their soul from eternal death.  The Father of Christ, God, “begets to a lively hope (1 Peter 1:3); and of the Son, quickens whom He will (Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 2:5); and of the grace of the Spirit, generally is credited with the regeneration (Titus 3:5). Through God confidence is man’s to have to not be ashamed in His presence when He returns (I John 2:28-29).

Passages for above:

Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

I Peter 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

Ephesians 2:1 “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;”

Ephesians 2:5 “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”

1John 2:28-29 (28) “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (29) If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.”

Ephesians 2:9 ~

Ephesians 2:9 “Not of works [efforts done by hand or mind], lest any man [you or I] should boast [to glory or brag].”

We cannot perform one single “work,” physically or mentally, to earn God’s forgiveness. We absolutely cannot work our way into Heaven. If we could, we would brag of ourselves and not of the forgiving power of God through His free gift. It is the "works" after the salvation experience that count for God.

Other reference verses: 2 Tim 1:9b “… not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”  (my emphasis); Titus 3:5a “Not by works of righteousness which we have done,” (my emphasis)

Ephesians 2:8

Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace [God's free/unmerited favor] are ye [you] saved [rescued and preserved] through faith [reliance, loyalty, complete trust in God]; and that not of yourselves [humanly powerless]: it is [salvation] the gift [free present] of God [Creator, Redeemer, eternal and infinite Spirit]:"

God extends His undeserved favor and will forgive our sins, rescuing us from Hell deserved, when we fully and completely trust Him. We are powerless to provide salvation by our own merit. Salvation is God's gift to anyone who puts complete faith in Him and accepts His Way of salvation.

Short Commentary ~ John 1:12

John 1:12 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

Jesus Christ came to live among His own people and, sadly, masses rejected Him. The Pharisees, scribes, the city He grew up in, His country, and His own family. Though shut out by the nation as a whole rejected Him, there were Jews and Gentiles who by faith believed on His name and “received” Him as their Savior with more believing on Him after His death.

By “receiving” Him, they accepted Christ as their Savior, which is the very reason Christ stepped out of Heaven and came into the world. Those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Son of God, Messiah, Saviour, and Redeemer receive His grace and through His power and strength are pardoned of sin, regenerated (saved), have justifying righteousness and inheritance among the sanctified as well as may more blessings.

Also “to them” who is anyone that believes on and receives Him, Jesus gives “power” or extends the legitimate right, privilege, dignity, and honor to be adopted by God. Men cannot through free will, religious affiliation, church membership, etc. earn salvation or deserve God’s favor of adoption into His family. Through the blood of His Son, Christ, shed on Calvary was that right purchased. It is through His sacrifice the He extends the gift of salvation and the right to be an heir with Jesus Christ. Eternal life is Christ’s to give to those who will receive Him. 

To become a son of God is to be, in the spiritual sense, adopted by God. The most undeserved and distinguished privilege is available to all men and is the highest honor and dignity that a person can possibly acquire. 

Many who walked this earth during the same era Christ did were able to see Him, touch Him, and hear Him. That luxury is not available in this day and time; however, the luxury to believe on His name exists and is a present continuous activity of faith - supreme faith.

“No man can realize his adoption of enjoy the comfort it gives, claim any promises of God or interests in it, until he believes.” Author unknown

1John 3:23 “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as he gave us commandment.”

John 20:31 “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

Of Sand, Water, Rocks, and Time

Physical Sand ~ we can clutch it, trap it briefly in our hands, throw it, free it slowly or quickly, wet, dry, and mold it. We can enjoy the warmth of it after swimming in cold water. When we die, sand still remains and our death has no effect on it. It continues as if we never lived.

Spiritual Sand ~ After we hold, walk on, sit on, or had sand hit us we want to wash it off as soon as possible. It is grainy and irritating to our physical body. Sin is spiritual sand that must be washed away as soon as possible for when we die its effect on our life has eternal consequences.

Physical Water ~ Much like sand in that we can clutch it in our hand – briefly. We can trap and contain it but cannot mold it. We can throw it and release it slowly or quickly out of containers or dams. We can change it into frozen form and back into fluid. We can enjoy swimming in it and other water sports. We need water for we die without it. When we die, our death has no effect on it.

Spiritual Water ~ Like physical water needed to quench our thirst, we need quenching spiritually: John 4:14 “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” (my emphasis) | John 6:35 “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (my emphasis)

Physical Rocks ~ unlike time, sand, and water we can clutch rocks easily. We can pick them up and hold them in our hands. We can throw them, free them slowly or quickly, trap them, stack them, break them and change them with machinery. We need them for stability in building of homes and other landscaping projects such as dams to retain water and sandy soils. Rocks are a very important stabilizing material. We can enjoy sitting on large rocks in the sunshine. When we die, though, our death has no effect on it.

Spiritual Rock ~ Deuteronomy 32:4 “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” | 1 Corinthians 10:4 “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (my emphasis) | 2 Samuel 23:3 “The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.” | Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Without the Spiritual Rock, we will sink in spiritual sand.

~~~

Time ~ truly a mystery! We can enjoy it or waste it. We cannot start it, stop it, clutch it, free it, slow it down, speed it up, trap it, mold it, throw it, or change it. It is fleeting quickly. When we die, our death has no effect on it. It continues as if we never lived. However, what we have chosen to accomplish spiritually will effect eternity. When death happens we cease being held by time constraints. Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

Caveat: This author believes we are indeed living in the “last days.” With the technology available and the constant stream of news 24/7/365 and all the prophesies of the Bible fulfilled except the Second Return of Christ, think on this: 1 John 2:18 “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” I know the Apostle John penned these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit way before our “time;” however, antichrists were present then, are everywhere, and growing in number in these days in which we live. Christians are being persecuted at increasing rates all around the world.

Accept the spiritual Water, get the sand washed off, and clutch the Rock. Every soul is precious and time is at hand.

~~~

Praise Him Who created time...and, Who will stop the clock one day and plant those who have adorned their hearts with His Son, Jesus Christ, in the New Jerusalem!