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ARE YOU BORN AGAIN? (Part II)
Sadly, many so-called Christians have diluted the Biblical teachings about
conversion. They hold on to the view that one can be a Christian and continue
with his old, sinful lifestyle. To them, repentance merely refers to changing
one’s mind about Jesus Christ. These views, however, are not biblical.
One who is truly born again must manifest definite signs or ‘marks of grace.’
Last week, we looked at two distinguishing marks : 1) Conviction of sin;
and 2) A new heart. What are the other evidences of genuine conversion?
Several portions of Scripture – namely, Acts and I John - spell out a number of
clear signs of regeneration.
3. Delight in the things of God
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine … and in prayers” (Acts
2: 42).
It is a sure sign of grace when one’s mind has been enlightened by the Holy
Spirit to understand and love the Word of God: “But the natural man receiveth
not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither
can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (I Cor. 2: 14). The
Holy Spirit unlocks the Scriptures in a special way so that the once dry pages
come to life. Truly, “the entrance of Thy Words giveth light” (Ps. 119: 130).
In his unregenerate days, the born-again believer knew nothing of real,
personal, prayer, with direct access to the very throne of grace. Drawn by the
Spirit, the child of God now has a strong desire to commune with his God : “And
because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts,
crying, Abba, Father” (Gal. 4: 6).
4. Abhorrence of sin
“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. In this the children of God are
manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is
not of God …” (I Jn. 3: 9-10). “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth
not” (I Jn. 5: 18a).
These verses do not teach us sinless perfection; they teach that a true believer
does not continue in sin because “His seed remaineth in him.” Born of God, he is
no more comfortable in sin; he will not take sin lightly as his whole nature is
fully set against evil. In the past, he did not give a thought to his sinful
actions, nor did he allow his sins to disturb him. Now that he is a Christian,
he hates sin, resists it, flees from it, mourns whenever he falls under its
influence, and longs to be completely delivered from it.
The born-again Christian strives to put away his old sinful habits – “the old
man with his deeds,” and put on Christ : “And have put on the new man, which is
renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him” (Col. 3:10).
5. Watchfulness
“He that is begotten of God keepeth himself” (I Jn. 5: 18).
The true convert is careful of his own soul (Prov. 4: 23). He is diligent and
watchful. He tries not only to avoid sin, but also to avoid everything which may
lead to it. He is careful about the company he keeps (Ps. 1: 1) and the words he
speaks (Eph. 4: 29-30). He is mindful of the use of his time; his chief desire
is to spend it profitably to the glory of God (Eph. 5: 15-17).
6. Overcoming the World
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world” (I Jn. 5: 4).
The true believer now finds no pleasure in things that used to delight him.
Holding fast to his new Christian values and principles, he does not use the
world’s opinion as his standard of right and wrong. What men think or say no
longer concerns him. He overcomes the love of the world.
‘Converts’ who remain attached to worldly possessions, ambitions, fashions,
music, may not have received the new heart. “If ye then be risen with Christ,
seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of
God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col.
3:1-2).
7. Love for the brethren
“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren”
(I Jn. 3: 14).
The new converts in the infant New Testament church had a strange and deepening
desire to be with God’s people: “And they continued stedfastly in … fellowship”
(Acts 2: 42). This mysterious sense of closeness is another sign of true
conversion. One who is born again has a special love for the saints and enjoys
their fellowship. He feels a strong bond with members of the family. “They are
his fellow soldiers, fighting against the same enemy. They are his fellow
travellers, journeying along the same road. He understands them, and they
understand him. They may be very different from himself in many ways—in rank, in
station and in wealth. But that does not matter. They are his Father’s sons and
daughters …” – Arthur Pink.
“The royal blood of the family of Heaven flows in the veins of all true
converts, for they are made ‘fellowcitizens with the saints,’ and members ‘of
the household of God.’ … Where there is no close bond with Christians, no need
of fellowship and no desire to speak about the things of God, it is unlikely
that true conversion has taken place” – Dr Peter Masters.
Conclusion
Beloved brethren, let us examine ourselves whether we be in the faith (II Cor.
13: 5). How is my heart affected towards sin? Do I feel an abhorrence of former
carelessness and indifference? Do I have a desire to put away “the old man and
his deeds”? Am I humbled when conscious of the risings of pride and self-will?
Do I loathe my inward corruptions? Are my affections dead toward the world and
alive toward God? Do I find spiritual exercises pleasant and joyous, or irksome
and burdensome? Can I truthfully say, “How sweet are Thy words unto my taste!
yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Ps. 119:103). Is communion with God my
highest joy? Is there love for my fellow saints? Brethren, let us make our
calling and election sure (II Pet. 1: 10). Ensure these marks of grace are
etched upon our lives.
- Pastor
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