By

Shelby G. Floyd

Everyone is born into the kingdom of nature by a natural birth—of and from the womb. Those who become Christians are born into the kingdom of God by a spiritual birth—of and from water and the Spirit: Jesus answered,

“Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5).

BORN OF GOD

The expression “born of God” is used throughout the letter of 1 John:

(1) Those born of God will not continue to live a life of sin (1 John 2:29; 3:9: 5:18).

(2) Those who love as God loves know God and are born of him—for God is love (1 John 4:7).

(3) Those who by faith and baptism are born of God (1 John 5:1; Gal. 3:26-27).

(4) Those who are born of God overcome the world by their faith (1 John 5:4).

CHILDREN OF GOD ARE OBJECTS OF GOD’S LOVE

We are the object and recipients of God’s love. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1; 4:9-10).

CHILDREN OF GOD WILL BE LIKE CHRIST

“It has not been fully revealed what we shall be, but when Christ returns, we shall be like him” (1 John 3:2). At that time we will have a new body and eternal life (1 Cor. 15:42-44; 15:50-53). We will bear the likeness of the man from heaven (1 Cor. 15:49).

CHILDREN OF GOD PURIFY THEMSELVES

Because of the hope of heaven and the purity of our Master Jesus Christ, children of God purify themselves from all defilements of the flesh and spirit (1 John 3:3; Heb. 12:14; 2 Cor. 6:16-18).

Have you been born of water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5)? We are all born of God when we become children of God by faith and are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:26-27).

Copyright © 2017 Shelby G. Floyd, All Rights Reserved

Shelby G. Floyd
Heartland Church of Christ
1693 West Main Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46142