THE UNITY OF GOD’S PEOPLE
Yahweh’s House of God Oakland California

The new birth is a call from God to spiritual transformation changing our nature and lifestyle and bringing us into compliance with the word of God.   Spiritual transformation is an absolute requirement and prerequisite before one can safely lay claim to salvation.

There are three clear and distinct aspects to our transformation into a spirit filled Christian and member of Godís holy family.

The first is the regeneration and cleansing that is brought on by baptism.   Jesus insisted that he be baptized of John in order to fulfill all righteousness (Matt. 3:13-15).   Not only did Jesus insist that John baptize him but he also commanded his disciples to go and baptize others (Matt. 28:19).   It is therefore absolutely necessary for us to be baptized into Christ.   By being baptized we become partakers in his death, burial and resurrection (Rom. 6:3 ñ 9).   Having died with him we also so rose with him as new creatures, (2Cor.5:17), through the saving and cleaning power of baptism.   It is clear that baptism is an essential component of our new birth.

However, baptism alone is not enough, we must follow on and be baptized with the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11, Mark 1:8).   Peter speaks out in Acts 2:38 and tells the Pentecost multitude that each of them should repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.   He further states that after the cleansing of repentance and baptism in Jesus name they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.   Paul finding disciples in Ephesus, questioned them concerning their authenticity as believers, asking have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed (Acts 19:2).   Romans 8:9 further states that if any have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his.   There is overwhelming bible evidence that a spiritual transformation must take place in order to be received in the family of God.   Romans 12:1 and 2, states the proof that we are in the perfect will of God is when we have been transformed by the renewing of our minds.   We see than another regeneration that is brought on by the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Let us understand too that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1Cor. 15:50).   Therefore we must go through another birth.   In order to enter Godís heavenly kingdom we must be born from above (1Cor. 15:47-49).   Thus we shall not all sleep but we shall be changed. This earthly house shall dissolve (2Cor 5:1); however, we who are in Christ shall be born again. We know not what we shall be but we know we shall be as he is (1John 3:2).

The new birth is a reality for all Godís children and is essential to our salvation in this life and in the world to come.

 

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