To Be Born Again
How can you tell if you're truly born again
Since the dawn of time, humans have had a chaotic relationship with the Creator. This has resulted in curses and even the destruction of our predecessors. In His words to mankind, YESHUA clearly stated that only those who are born again will see the Kingdom of Heaven.
John 3:5-7 "Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit. Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.'"
But what does it mean to be "born again"?
Throughout Scriptures, there is a consistent communication teaching that the heart of a born-again person is sanctified and renewed through divine grace. Love becomes the governing principle of his or her actions. Such love, which is felt within the soul, produces an awakening of conscience that changes one's character, controls one's impulses, and regulates one's passions. This kind of love is only found within a heart wherein YESHUA rules. An unsanctified heart can neither create nor produce such love.
Here are 5 basic attitudes that testify an individual is born again and headed for the Kingdom of Heaven:
Change of desires:
In place of rebellious, self-centered thoughts, he develops a strong interest in the LORD. He increasingly enjoys reading the Scriptures. It may have been boring and uninteresting before his conversion, but it's now his lifeline.
1 Timothy 4:13-16 "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders. Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you."
Awareness:
The more he reads the scriptures, the more knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight he acquires. He begins to understand who he really is in relation to the work of creation and becomes aware of his inner corruption realizing how imperfect he is.
Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
He no longer sees his physical life as something he should cling onto, but realizes that there's an evil principle within himself that is constantly fighting against Grace and trying to lead him away from ELOHIM unto his spiritual death. He no longer focuses his attention on outward appearances, but rather begins to examine people and situations through the lens of Scripture. He's able to easily recognize what is of God and what is of the devil.
2 Corinthians 4:18 "We are not looking at the things being seen, but the things not being seen. For the things being seen are temporary, but the things not being seen are eternal."
Change of mentality:
He no longer uses the world's view as his standard of right and wrong because he fears offending The LORD more than offending man. Whether he's blamed or praised, his foremost desire is to please God.
1 Peter 1:2 "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied."
He finds it increasingly difficult to disobey the Word of God.
Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
His circle of acquaintances changes or becomes restricted. He takes less and less pleasure in worldly things and finds very little satisfaction in the things that seem to bring happiness to most people for to him they seem foolish, futile and vain. Those things which formerly aroused his senses to lust, depravity, and disgrace, now produce nausea, disgust, and repulsion.
1 Peter 2:1-2 "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation."
Although he cannot completely eliminate the presence of sin, he considers it his greatest affliction. When he falls under its influence, he feels a profound sorrow in his soul and sincerely longs to be completely free of it. He suffers great grief in his heart when the name of the Lord is blasphemed, while his heart rejoices when the works of darkness are exposed and condemned.
1 John 3:9-10 "Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this the children of God are distinguished from the children of the devil: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother."
His heart yearns for the Truth:
He sincerely longs to honor ELOHIM in his mind, his words, and his actions; and to make The Truth known to those who also need peace of heart, love, and mental freedom. Lying becomes very difficult because he realizes how much the truth is liberating, sanctifying and cannot remain silent. He does not speak half-truths because he recognizes that the Word of God is not intended to produce a sense of ease, but rather to encourage the spiritual awakening that leads to repentance.
Matthew 22:16 "And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men."
Love of fellow man:
His heart is filled with compassion and he loves his neighbors with an overall true love. He finds it very difficult to curse, to wish evil, to speak rudely or unkindly against his neighbors for fear of grieving their souls.
Luke 6:45 "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."
1 John 3:14 "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death."
Above all, he has a special love for those who share his faith in Christ. He feels that they are his companions on this journey, walking the same path and fighting the same enemy. He takes great pleasure in preaching the Gospel to those who need to hear the Word of God, without putting a price tag on it or asking for any kind of compensation.
Matthew 10:8-9 "Freely you have received; freely give. Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts."
May the Holy Spirit guide you in understanding this message.