I was born the first time in the midst of World War II. I was born the second time twelve years later. No, I did not physically die, nor was I reincarnated. But both births were miraculous. My first birth was physical in nature. My second birth was spiritual. I was directly involved in both births, but simply as a participant. Someone else did all of the hard work for me!
At this point you might be pondering the same question that Nicodemus asked Jesus one night in a one on one conversation recorded in the Bible in John chapter 3.
” Jesus Talking to Nicodemus- Crijn Hendricksz Volmaryn 1601-1645
John 3:1-6 (ESV) – Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again [Born Twice] he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit [Born Twice], he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit [Born Twice].”
My earthly mother carried me in her womb for nine months providing everything that I needed. Without her I would not have been born that first time. Inside of her I grew, kicked, rolled and generally made her miserable those last few months before I was born … nine pounds and fifteen ounces! … somewhat of a whopper I would say!
My mother and father paid the price for my physical birth and willingly and faithfully provided for my care until I left home and married my sweet wife. I am so grateful to my parents who taught me right from wrong, the value of hard work, the necessity for honesty and integrity, how to choose the right friends, and so much more. They provided me with all of my physical and emotional needs … cleaning my wounds, caring for me when I was sick, comforting me when I was upset, holding me in their arms when I needed assurance, helping me overcome my troubles and fears, disciplining me when I went astray, hugging me when I sought forgiveness, encouraging me when I was afraid.
I don’t remember my first birth, but I remember my second birth just like it was yesterday. You see, I accepted by faith Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord as a twelve-year-old boy; and in the words of Jesus Himself (John 3:3), I was/am “born again.” The Amplified Bible (AMP) provides a wonderful translation of John 3:3 when it says in part ” … I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.”
Jesus did all that was necessary for my salvation (the saving of my soul from sin and its consequences; the deliverance or redemption from sin and its effects). God loved the world so much that He did ALL that was required to pay the price for my sins. John 3:16 says it so simply. I will quote it from memory the way I learned it as a child: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life (KJV).”
My second birth didn’t just provide forgiveness of my sins (justification) and the assurance of an eternal life with God in Heaven forever. No indeed! When I accepted Jesus as my Savior, God immediately sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within me and begin the life-long process of my santification. The Holy Spirit will continue as my ever-present companion for the remainder of my earthly life by protecting me, convicting me, restraining me, encouraging me, serving as my intercessor, teaching me, renewing me, guiding me, comforting me. And when the last trumpet sounds at the Second Coming of Christ I will experience glorification along with ALL of those who have been Born Twice!
jimdavenport 