Spirit Gives Birth to Spirit

John 3:6

“Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”

John 1:12-13

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

When the Bible refers to us being “born of God”, “born from above”, and “born again” it is communicating the true nature of our new spirit man. The Holy Spirit draws us to salvation, and creates us anew, spiritually speaking. See 2 Corinthians 5:17.

As the active agent in Creation (see May 11), the Holy Spirit’s role is making us a new creation is crucial and primary. We cannot re-create ourselves, but when we finally submit to God, His Holy Spirit begins to do His work.

After being “born of God”, the Holy Spirit then begins in us the process of sanctification to set us apart for God and make us progressively more holy.

Those “born of God” cannot make sin a habitual practice in their lives. As a believer, one’s desires are changed so as to love God sincerely and endeavor from the heart to please God and avoid evil. This is accomplished only through the grace given to believers in Christ, through a sustained relationship with Christ and through dependence on the Holy Spirit.1 Are you experiencing a new life in Christ?

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Think about how your life has changed since you have been “born of God”. Tell the Father you will surrender more and more to His Holy Spirit’s sanctification process.

Dive Deeper: Study 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; John 1:10-14; John 3.

1 Life in the Spirit Study Bible, published by Zondervan, article on “Regeneration”.