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 (John 3:5). At the last day, those who are faithful, having been born a spiritual birth will be born of and from the grave into the eternal glory of heaven.
BORN OF GOD
The expression “born of God” is used throughout the letter of 1 John:
• Those born of God will not continue to live a life of sin (1 John 2:29; 3:9; 5:18).
• Those who love as God loves will know God and are born of him—for God is love (1 John 4:7).
• Those who by faith and baptism are born of God will be saved (1 John 5:1; Gal. 3:26-27).
• Those who are born of God overcome the world by their faith (1 John 5:4).
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 defilement of the flesh and spirit (1 John 3:3; Heb. 12:14; 2 Cor. 6:16-18).
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:
“Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven (1 Cor. 15:49 ESV).
Copyright © 2006, 2020 Shelby G. Floyd, All Rights Reserved
Shelby G. Floyd
Heartland Church of Christ
1693 West Main Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46142
shelby@thefloyds.net
From our readers:
My Dear Brother and Friend, Shelby;
I often marvel at how productive you are, as I read your articles and sermons on this website. Thank you for just keeping on and keeping on. You have much to offer: an obvious humble spirit of service, a love for God and His word, a desire for people to know God and His salvation, much talent in understanding the Word and communicating it to others. Keep up the good work!
God’s Son, Jesus, did not come to be served, but He came to serve and to give himself for others (Mark 10:45). There is greater joy in serving than in being served!
—BHL