Note:
It
is
recommended
to
first
read
“3
Types
of
Death
1
Source
of
Life”
(on
UniqueBibleStudies.com)
before
reading
this
Bible
study.
“3
Types
of
Death
1
Source
of
Life”
provides
a
“broader
foundation”
for
understanding
spiritual
death
and why we need to be born again.
The
purpose
of
this
writing
is
to
explain
why
we
cannot
earn
our
way
to
Heaven;
expand
biblical
understanding
of
what
it means to be born again, facilitate self-evaluation, and to enhance spiritual growth and maturity in Christ.
So, to begin, let’s start with some thought-provoking questions:
•
If someone asked you if you are a Christian…how would you respond? Think about what you would say.
•
Now
take
a
moment
and
think
about
the
type
of
responses
you’d
get
if
you
randomly
ask
a
number
of
persons
if
they
are
a
Christian.
For
those
who
respond
yes,
if
you
ask
them
how
do
they
know
they
are
a
Christian
you
will
likely hear different answers such as:
1
.
“I was born as a Christian because my family is Christian.”
2
.
“I was baptized as an infant.”
3
.
“I treat everyone fairly and with respect.”
4
.
“I try to follow the 10 Commandments.”
5
.
“I attend a church; I’ve read the Bible and I pray.”
6
.
“I consider myself a good person.”
7
.
“I trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord and I strive to follow Him in every area of life.”
Based
upon
the
above
responses,
take
a
moment
and
consider
the
perception
of
each
person
and
ask
yourself
the
following question: Does this person perceive they are a Christian based upon:
•
Birthright?
•
Works (participating in religious rituals, external behavior or good deeds)?
•
Believing, trusting and following Jesus Christ?
Which response do you think more accurately reflects Christianity? Why?
Unfortunately,
the
first
6
responses
represent
the
perception
of
a
large
percentage
of
those
who
say
they
are
Christian.
What’s
more,
the
7th
response
is
radically
different
from
the
first
6.
The
reason
the
last
answer
is
completely
different
from
the
others
is
because
of
a
spiritual
and
transformational
event
that
has
occurred
in
the
person’s
life—an
event
referred to by Jesus Christ as being born again.
Being
a
Christian
is
not
a
birthright;
not
based
upon
religious
rituals;
not
based
upon
our
words;
and
is
not
based
upon
good behavior. It is based upon the heart of each believer, being born again and the work of the Holy Spirt.
When
Jesus
met
with
Nicodemus
(a
religious
ruler
of
the
Jews)
Jesus
informed
him
we
must
be
born
again
to
see
the
kingdom
of
God.
“Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
unless
one
is
born
again,
he
cannot
see
the
kingdom
of
God.”
John
3:3
Nicodemus
did
not
understand
“born
again”
because
his
perception
(like
many
of
us)
was
within
the
physical
realm.
“Nicodemus
said
to
Him,
‘How
can
a
man
be
born
when
he
is
old?
Can
he
enter
a
second
time
into
his
mother’s
womb
and be born?’” John 3:4
Although
Jesus
lived
in
the
physical
realm,
He
continually
spoke
from
a
spiritual
perspective.
His
miracles,
teachings,
parables
and
the
Bible
are
intended
to
enlighten
our
understanding
of
spiritual
realities
and
heavenly
truths.
Being
born
again
is
a
spiritual
rebirth—facilitated
by
the
Holy
Spirit—which
transforms
the
heart
and
soul
as
one
yields
his/her life to their Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
“Jesus
answered,
‘Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
unless
one
is
born
of
water
and
the
Spirit,
he
cannot
enter
the
kingdom
of
God.
That
which
is
born
of
the
flesh
is
flesh,
and
that
which
is
born
of
the
Spirit
is
spirit.
Do
not
marvel
that
I
said
to
you, ‘You must be born again.’
” John 3:5-7
Ephesians
2:1-10
reveals
the
spiritual
transformation
that
occurs
when
one
is
born
again.
Versus
1-3
expose
the
spiritual death that is associated with sin. Versus 4-10 reveal the new eternal life after being born again.
“And
you
He
made
alive,
who
were
dead
in
trespasses
and
sins,
in
which
you
once
walked
according
to
the
course
of
this
world,
according
to
the
prince
of
the
power
of
the
air,
the
spirit
who
now
works
in
the
sons
of
disobedience,
among
whom
also
we
all
once
conducted
ourselves
in
the
lusts
of
our
flesh,
fulfilling
the
desires
of
the
flesh
and
of
the
mind,
and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” Ephesians 2:1-3
“But
God,
who
is
rich
in
mercy,
because
of
His
great
love
with
which
He
loved
us,
even
when
we
were
dead
in
trespasses,
made
us
alive
together
with
Christ
(by
grace
you
have
been
saved),
and
raised
us
up
together,
and
made
us
sit
together
in
the
heavenly
places
in
Christ
Jesus,
that
in
the
ages
to
come
He
might
show
the
exceeding
riches
of
His
grace
in
His
kindness
toward
us
in
Christ
Jesus.
For
by
grace
you
have
been
saved
through
faith,
and
that
not
of
yourselves;
it
is
the
gift
of
God,
not
of
works,
lest
anyone
should
boast.
For
we
are
His
workmanship,
created
in
Christ
Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10
Spiritual Death to Spiritual Life
Being
born
again
is
comprised
of
a
transition
from
being
spiritually
dead—to
being
spiritually
alive—as
we
begin
a
new
life
living
in
the
unmerited
grace
and
forgiveness
God
gave
us
in
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ.
God’s
forgiveness
for
our
sins
(past, present and future) is His spiritual means to crucify our sinful nature, and change our heart and soul.
“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Ephesians 2:1
“And
you,
being
dead
in
your
trespasses
and
the
uncircumcision
of
your
flesh,
He
has
made
alive
together
with
Him,
having
forgiven
you
all
trespasses,
having
wiped
out
the
handwriting
of
requirements
that
was
against
us,
which
was
contrary
to
us.
And
He
has
taken
it
out
of
the
way,
having
nailed
it
to
the
cross.
Having
disarmed
principalities
and
powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:13-15
This
table
provides
a
comparison
between
the
characteristics
of
one
who
is
spiritually
dead,
and
the
Holy
Spirit
transformed attributes of one who is born again.
It
is
very
important
to
note
here
that
no
one
is
perfect—including
those
who
are
born
again.
“For
all
have
sinned
and
fall
short
of
the
glory
of
God.”
(Romans
3:23)
In
addition,
all
born-again
Christians
are
at
various
stages
of
spiritual
growth
and
maturity
as
they
transition
from
the
left
side
of
the
table
to
the
right
side.
However,
one
key
evidence
that
differentiates
a
born-again
Christian
(from
one
who
is
spiritually
dead)
is
found
in
how
a
born-again
Christian
will
respond
when
they
sin.
Their
response
is
driven
by
the
desire
and
attitude
of
their
heart,
and
a
continually
growing
love for God—which is demonstrated by:
•
Regret and sorrow for their sin because they know it displeases God.
•
A confession to God of what was done and asking Him for forgiveness.
•
Repentance (will turn away from the sin).
God’s
work
in
each
born-again
life
will
not
be
finished
until
we
leave
our
bodies
(which
have
a
sinful
nature),
and
are
with
Him
on
the
other
side.
Meanwhile,
it’s
about
doing
our
best
and
trusting
God
to
complete
what
He
began.
But
what is even more important: God is more interested in our heart, than He is with what we do, or fail to do.
For
example,
King
David
was
referred
to
by
God
as
a
man
after
His
own
heart
(1
Samuel
13:14).
What’s
more,
God
made
a
covenant
with
King
David
that
his
throne
would
last
forever
(2
Samuel
7:16).
However,
as
his
power,
wealth
and
kingdom
grew,
King
David
committed
what
many
would
consider
atrocious
and
unforgivable
sins:
adultery
with
Bathsheba and killed Bathsheba’s husband to hide his sin (2 Samuel 11).
Most
persons
would
find
it
difficult
to
forgive
someone
for
this
type
of
behavior.
However,
“For
the
Lord
does
not
see
as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
David
realized
what
he
had
done,
confessed
and
repented
of
his
sin,
and
God
forgave
him
(2
Samuel
12).
God
is
merciful and is
“Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Born Again = Internal Transformation
Those
who
are
born
again
can
testify
to
the
transformation
that
occurs
within
the
heart,
soul
and
spirit…and
to
the
absolute truth of the scriptures below.
“But
the
natural
man
does
not
receive
the
things
of
the
Spirit
of
God,
for
they
are
foolishness
to
him;
nor
can
he
know
them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14
“For
we
ourselves
were
also
once
foolish,
disobedient,
deceived,
serving
various
lusts
and
pleasures,
living
in
malice
and
envy,
hateful
and
hating
one
another.
But
when
the
kindness
and
the
love
of
God
our
Savior
toward
man
appeared,
not
by
works
of
righteousness
which
we
have
done,
but
according
to
His
mercy
He
saved
us,
through
the
washing
of
regeneration
and
renewing
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
whom
He
poured
out
on
us
abundantly
through
Jesus
Christ
our
Savior,
that
having
been
justified
by
His
grace
we
should
become
heirs
according
to
the
hope
of
eternal
life.”
Titus
3:3-7
Born-again Christianity is more than just saying “I’m a Christian.”
Being born again encompasses:
•
Faith in God.
•
A belief that His Son, Jesus Christ, died for your sins.
•
A decision to follow Jesus.
•
Yielding to the Holy Spirit.
•
Turning away from sin.
•
Transformation from within.
Are You Born Again?
If you are born again, you are a living testament of God’s word and His promises.
If you are not born again, consider the following questions:
1
.
Do you desire more in your life?
2
.
Do you have a “void” deep within your being…and have realized nothing you have tried can fill it?
3
.
Is the present path you are living going in the wrong direction?
If
you
answer
yes
to
one
or
more
of
the
above
questions…then
make
a
decision
to
give
your
faith,
trust
and
life
to
Jesus Christ—as your Savior and Lord—who offered His life as a means for the forgiveness of your sins.
Here are some interesting points to consider:
1
.
You cannot earn salvation and eternal life by being “good enough.”
2
.
Obtaining salvation and eternal life is not based upon what we can do—but upon what Jesus did for us.
3
.
Jesus said,
“No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
Salvation
and
eternal
life
are
a
free
gift—fully
paid
for
by
the
life
and
blood
of
Jesus
Christ
when
He
died
on
the
cross.
There
is
nothing
else
you
can
add…other
than
to
thank
Him
for
what
He
has
done,
give
Him
praise
and
glorify
Him…for
He
alone
is
worthy.
Take
a
moment
and
think
about
how
it
will
be
when
we
are
on
the
other
side
and
we
are
able to spiritually worship Him—with humble and thankful hearts—as we lift our praises to our Savior and Lord.
To reinforce this truth, consider the differences if it was possible to earn entry into Heaven based upon our behavior.
•
If it was possible to earn entry into Heaven…would it negate (void) the crucified death of God’s Son, Jesus?
•
When the person who met the required “standards of behavior” enters into Heaven:
o
Would they think they are there because of what they did, or because what Jesus Christ did for them?
o
Who would they think should receive recognition for what was done?
o
Would there be a sense of entitlement?
▪
“I have the right to be here because I met the required behavior.”
▪
“Here’s my list of good deeds…and I want what’s coming to me!”
▪
“Wait…I know I was better than this other guy. Why did he get more rewards than me?”
o
Can
you
envision
those
who
earned
their
way
to
Heaven
proudly
walking
around
with
their
“badges
of
honor”? (As opposed to those who are saved by grace will lay their crowns at the feet of Jesus.)
“For
by
grace
you
have
been
saved
through
faith,
and
that
not
of
yourselves;
it
is
the
gift
of
God,
not
of
works,
lest
anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
The above scenario and Ephesians 2:8-9 reveals:
•
Why
“No flesh should glory in His presence.” 1 Corinthians 1:29
•
Why we are saved by faith and God’s grace…and not works (which facilitates pride and hardens the heart).
•
There is nothing we can add to what Jesus has already done.
•
The
importance
of
knowing
there
is
only
one
thing
we
can
do
to
receive
eternal
life:
we
must
put
our
complete
faith upon what God has done for us in Jesus Christ.
“There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
Every
heart
and
soul
who
enters
into
Heaven
will
humbly
and
thankfully
know
they
do
not
deserve
to
be
where
they
are…and
they
will
know
they
are
there
because
of
what
Jesus
Christ
did
for
them
on
the
cross…and
they
will
know
they
are
eternally
forgiven
for
everything
they
had
done…and
the
love
for
Him
who
saved
them
from
eternal
death
will
be
overwhelming…and
they
will
all
weep
in
joyful
praise
as
they
worship
their
Savior
and
Lord.
Jesus
declared,
“If
anyone
desires
to
come
after
Me,
let
him
deny
himself,
and
take
up
his
cross,
and
follow
Me.
For
whoever
desires
to
save
his
life
will
lose
it,
but
whoever
loses
his
life
for
My
sake
will
find
it.
For
what
profit
is
it
to
a
man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Matthew 16:24-26
Take
a
good
hard
look
at
what’s
going
on
in
the
world
today.
It
will
only
get
worse
as
we
approach
the
last
days.
As
such,
now
is
the
time
to
let
go
of
those
things
that
are
standing
between
you
and
God.
Now
is
the
time
to
open
your
heart
and
step
forward
in
faith.
Now
is
the
time
to
believe
God
crucified
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ,
as
a
punishment
for
our
sins…so that we can be forgiven…and to restore our relationship with the Father.
Jesus
said,
“For
God
so
loved
the
world
that
He
gave
His
only
begotten
Son,
that
whoever
believes
in
Him
should
not
perish
but
have
everlasting
life.
For
God
did
not
send
His
Son
into
the
world
to
condemn
the
world,
but
that
the
world
through Him might be saved.” John
3:16-17
Heavenly
Father,
thank
You
for
loving
us
beyond
anything
we
can
imagine.
Jesus,
my
Savior
and
Lord,
thank
you
for
dying
for
our
sins.
Holy
Spirit,
I
ask
that
you
speak
to
the
heart
of
the
person
who
is
reading
these
words…open
the
eyes to truth…and save his/her soul from eternal death. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
If
you
are
ready
to
accept
Jesus
Christ
as
your
Savior
and
Lord…all
you
need
to
do
is
pray…from
your
heart.
It’s
about
you,
and
God,
and
your
relationship
with
Him.
The
following
prayer
is
an
example,
but
you
may
use
whatever
words you are comfortable with. Plus, pray as if you are speaking to Him…because you are!
Holy
God,
I
am
a
sinner.
Jesus,
I
believe
you
died
and
paid
the
price
for
who
I
am
and
what
I
have
done.
I
want
to
trust
and
follow
you
as
my
Savior
and
Lord.
Holy
Spirit,
I
invite
you
to
come
into
my
heart
and
life
and
change
me
from
within. Thank you, Jesus, for providing a way to restore my relationship with God. Amen.
Your
next
step
is
to
begin
reading
the
Bible.
A
born-again
Christian
will
read
the
Bible
from
a
completely
different
light
as
the
Holy
Spirit
reveals
God’s
truth
from
a
spiritual
perspective.
It
is
also
very
important
to
find
a
church
and
interact
with fellow believers who are foundationally focused on God’s grace in Jesus Christ.
I often use Bible Gateway to read and research the Bible:
https://www.biblegateway.com/
Bible
Gateway
has
different
versions
and
in
different
languages.
My
personal
preference
(in
English)
is
the
New
King
James Version.
My
favorite
Bible
teacher
is
Chuck
Smith.
Chuck
left
his
physical
body
to
be
with
the
Lord
in
2013.
Fortunately
his
Bible
teachings
from
Genesis
to
Revelation
(word-by-word,
verse-by-verse)
were
recorded
and
may
be
heard
on
the
following website:
https://calvarychapel.com/posts/c2000/
I suggest starting with the study of 1 John.
May God bless you with His joy, His peace and His wisdom as He transforms you from spiritual death into life eternal.
Harold D. Thomas
Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
below
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
content,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader;
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The following questions should be answered or discussed after reading “Managing Anxiety During the Pandemic.”
There
are
two
types
of
questions:
lesson
and
opinion.
Lesson
questions
(preceded
by
a
number)
are
provided
an
answer.
Opinion
questions
(preceded
by
an
“O”)
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or discovering how the lesson content illuminates our personal lives. As such, no answers are provided
Questions
(Do your best to respond to each lesson question before looking at the answer.)
1. Is it possible for someone to earn their way into Heaven simply because they are a good person? Explain.
2. Ephesians 2:4-10 references God’s grace and mercy. What is the difference between grace and mercy?
O Jesus said we must be born again. Why?
3. Can you identify at least three comparative characteristics between a person who is not born again and one who is
born again?
4. How does a born-again Christian “feel” on the inside after they sin? Explain.
a.
Do these feelings and response to sin indicate/reflect changes made by the Holy Spirit (on the inside)?
b.
Why do born-again Christians respond to their sin in this way?
5. What must one do to become born again?
O Are you born again?
O Thought-provoking question that enhances spiritual insight: Why would God design salvation and entrance into
Heaven based upon our faith and His grace…and not based upon “good” behavior?
Answers
1.
It
is
not
possible
to
earn
our
way
into
Heaven
by
being
a
good
person.
“For
all
have
sinned
and
fall
short
of
the
glory
of
God.”
Romans
3:23
“For
by
grace
you
have
been
saved
through
faith,
and
that
not
of
yourselves;
it
is
the
gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
2. Grace is an unmerited (undeserved) gift. Mercy is not receiving the punishment we deserve.
3. See comparative table.
4. They will feel guilt, regret and sorrow; and will feel “disconnected” from God.
a. Yes, our negative feelings when we sin is part of our new nature and spirit given by the Holy Spirit.
b.
This
negative
experience
is
God’s
way
of
spiritually
chastising
us
when
we
sin.
“My
son,
do
not
despise
the
chastening
of
the
Lord,
nor
be
discouraged
when
you
are
rebuked
by
Him;
For
whom
the
Lord
loves
He
chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:5-6
5.
Prayerfully
give
your
faith,
trust
and
life
to
Jesus
Christ—Savior
and
Lord—who
offered
His
life
as
an
atonement
for
our sins—and provide a means to restore a relationship with God.
The questions may be viewed and downloaded as a PDF file by clicking on this button.
The words of Jesus Christ are in
red text.
Note:
It
is
recommended
to
first
read
“3
Types
of
Death
1
Source
of
Life”
(on
UniqueBibleStudies.com)
before
reading
this
Bible
study.
“3
Types
of
Death
1
Source
of
Life”
provides
a
“broader
foundation”
for
understanding
spiritual death and why we need to be born again.
The
purpose
of
this
writing
is
to
explain
why
we
cannot
earn
our
way
to
Heaven;
expand
biblical
understanding
of
what
it
means
to
be
born
again,
facilitate
self-evaluation,
and to enhance spiritual growth and maturity in Christ.
So,
to
begin,
let’s
start
with
some
thought-provoking
questions:
•
If
someone
asked
you
if
you
are
a
Christian…how
would
you
respond?
Think
about
what
you
would
say.
•
Now
take
a
moment
and
think
about
the
type
of
responses
you’d
get
if
you
randomly
ask
a
number
of
persons
if
they
are
a
Christian.
For
those
who
respond
yes,
if
you
ask
them
how
do
they
know
they
are
a
Christian
you
will
likely
hear
different
answers
such as:
1
.
“I’m Christian because my family is Christian.”
2
.
“I was baptized as an infant.”
3
.
“I treat everyone fairly and with respect.”
4
.
“I try to follow the 10 Commandments.”
5
.
“I attend a church; I’ve read the Bible and I pray.”
6
.
“I consider myself a good person.”
7
.
“I
trust
in
Jesus
Christ
as
my
Savior
and
Lord
and
I
strive to follow Him in every area of life.”
Based
upon
the
above
responses,
take
a
moment
and
consider
the
perception
of
each
person
and
ask
yourself
the
following
question:
Does
this
person
perceive
they
are
a Christian based upon:
•
Birthright?
•
Works
(participating
in
religious
rituals,
external
behavior or good deeds)?
•
Believing, trusting and following Jesus Christ?
Which
response
do
you
think
more
accurately
reflects
Christianity? Why?
Unfortunately,
the
first
6
responses
represent
the
perception
of
a
large
percentage
of
those
who
say
they
are
Christian.
What’s
more,
the
7th
response
is
radically
different
from
the
first
6.
The
reason
the
last
answer
is
completely
different
from
the
others
is
because
of
a
spiritual
and
transformational
event
that
has
occurred
in
the
person’s
life—an
event
referred
to
by
Jesus
Christ
as
being born again.
Being
a
Christian
is
not
a
birthright;
not
based
upon
religious
rituals;
not
based
upon
our
words;
and
is
not
based
upon
good
behavior.
It
is
based
upon
the
heart
of
each
believer,
being
born
again
and
the
work
of
the
Holy
Spirt.
When
Jesus
met
with
Nicodemus
(a
religious
ruler
of
the
Jews)
Jesus
informed
him
we
must
be
born
again
to
see
the
kingdom
of
God.
“Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
unless
one
is
born
again,
he
cannot
see
the
kingdom
of
God.”
John 3:3
Nicodemus
did
not
understand
“born
again”
because
his
perception
(like
many
of
us)
was
within
the
physical
realm.
“Nicodemus
said
to
Him,
‘How
can
a
man
be
born
when
he
is
old?
Can
he
enter
a
second
time
into
his
mother’s
womb and be born?’” John 3:4
Although
Jesus
lived
in
the
physical
realm,
He
continually
spoke
from
a
spiritual
perspective.
His
miracles,
teachings,
parables
and
the
Bible
are
intended
to
enlighten
our
understanding
of
spiritual
realities
and
heavenly
truths.
Being
born
again
is
a
spiritual
rebirth—facilitated
by
the
Holy
Spirit—which
transforms
the
heart
and
soul
as
one
yields
his/her
life
to
their
Savior
and Lord, Jesus Christ.
“Jesus
answered,
‘Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
unless
one
is
born
of
water
and
the
Spirit,
he
cannot
enter
the
kingdom
of
God.
That
which
is
born
of
the
flesh
is
flesh,
and
that
which
is
born
of
the
Spirit
is
spirit.
Do
not
marvel
that
I
said
to
you,
‘You
must
be
born
again.’
”
John
3:5-7
Ephesians
2:1-10
reveals
the
spiritual
transformation
that
occurs
when
one
is
born
again.
Versus
1-3
expose
the
spiritual
death
that
is
associated
with
sin.
Versus
4-10
reveal the new eternal life after being born again.
“And
you
He
made
alive,
who
were
dead
in
trespasses
and
sins,
in
which
you
once
walked
according
to
the
course
of
this
world,
according
to
the
prince
of
the
power
of
the
air,
the
spirit
who
now
works
in
the
sons
of
disobedience,
among
whom
also
we
all
once
conducted
ourselves
in
the
lusts
of
our
flesh,
fulfilling
the
desires
of
the
flesh
and
of
the
mind,
and
were
by
nature
children
of
wrath, just as the others.” Ephesians 2:1-3
“But
God,
who
is
rich
in
mercy,
because
of
His
great
love
with
which
He
loved
us,
even
when
we
were
dead
in
trespasses,
made
us
alive
together
with
Christ
(by
grace
you
have
been
saved),
and
raised
us
up
together,
and
made
us
sit
together
in
the
heavenly
places
in
Christ
Jesus,
that
in
the
ages
to
come
He
might
show
the
exceeding
riches
of
His
grace
in
His
kindness
toward
us
in
Christ
Jesus.
For
by
grace
you
have
been
saved
through
faith,
and
that
not
of
yourselves;
it
is
the
gift
of
God,
not
of
works,
lest
anyone
should
boast.
For
we
are
His
workmanship,
created
in
Christ
Jesus
for
good
works,
which
God
prepared
beforehand
that
we
should
walk
in
them.” Ephesians 2:4-10
Spiritual Death to Spiritual Life
Being
born
again
is
comprised
of
a
transition
from
being
spiritually
dead—to
being
spiritually
alive—as
we
begin
a
new
life
living
in
the
unmerited
grace
and
forgiveness
God
gave
us
in
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ.
God’s
forgiveness
for
our
sins
(past,
present
and
future)
is
His
spiritual
means
to
crucify our sinful nature, and change our heart and soul.
“And
you
He
made
alive,
who
were
dead
in
trespasses
and sins.” Ephesians 2:1
“And
you,
being
dead
in
your
trespasses
and
the
uncircumcision
of
your
flesh,
He
has
made
alive
together
with
Him,
having
forgiven
you
all
trespasses,
having
wiped
out
the
handwriting
of
requirements
that
was
against
us,
which
was
contrary
to
us.
And
He
has
taken
it
out
of
the
way,
having
nailed
it
to
the
cross.
Having
disarmed
principalities
and
powers,
He
made
a
public
spectacle
of
them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:13-15
This
table
provides
a
comparison
between
the
characteristics
of
one
who
is
spiritually
dead,
and
the
Holy
Spirit transformed attributes of one who is born again.
It
is
very
important
to
note
here
that
no
one
is
perfect—including
those
who
are
born
again.
“For
all
have
sinned
and
fall
short
of
the
glory
of
God.”
(Romans
3:23)
In
addition,
all
born-again
Christians
are
at
various
stages
of
spiritual
growth
and
maturity
as
they
transition
from
the
left
side
of
the
table
to
the
right
side.
However,
one
key
evidence
that
differentiates
a
born-again
Christian
(from
one
who
is
spiritually
dead)
is
found
in
how
a
born-again
Christian
will
respond
when
they
sin.
Their
response
is
driven
by
the
desire
and
attitude
of
their
heart,
and
a
continually
growing
love
for
God—which
is
demonstrated
by:
•
Regret
and
sorrow
for
their
sin
because
they
know
it
displeases God.
•
A
confession
to
God
of
what
was
done
and
asking
Him for forgiveness.
•
Repentance (will turn away from the sin).
God’s
work
in
each
born-again
life
will
not
be
finished
until
we
leave
our
bodies
(which
have
a
sinful
nature),
and
are
with
Him
on
the
other
side.
Meanwhile,
it’s
about
doing
our
best
and
trusting
God
to
complete
what
He
began.
But
what
is
even
more
important:
God
is
more
interested
in our heart, than He is with what we do, or fail to do.
For
example,
King
David
was
referred
to
by
God
as
a
man
after
His
own
heart
(1
Samuel
13:14).
What’s
more,
God
made
a
covenant
with
King
David
that
his
throne
would
last
forever
(2
Samuel
7:16).
However,
as
his
power,
wealth
and
kingdom
grew,
King
David
committed
what
many
would
consider
atrocious
and
unforgivable
sins:
adultery
with
Bathsheba
and
killed
Bathsheba’s
husband
to hide his sin (2 Samuel 11).
Most
persons
would
find
it
difficult
to
forgive
someone
for
this
type
of
behavior.
However,
“For
the
Lord
does
not
see
as
man
sees;
for
man
looks
at
the
outward
appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
David
realized
what
he
had
done,
confessed
and
repented
of
his
sin,
and
God
forgave
him
(2
Samuel
12).
God
is
merciful
and
is
“Not
willing
that
any
should
perish
but
that
all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Born Again = Internal Transformation
Those
who
are
born
again
can
testify
to
the
transformation
that
occurs
within
the
heart,
soul
and
spirit…and
to
the
absolute truth of the scriptures below.
“But
the
natural
man
does
not
receive
the
things
of
the
Spirit
of
God,
for
they
are
foolishness
to
him;
nor
can
he
know
them,
because
they
are
spiritually
discerned.”
1
Corinthians 2:14
“For
we
ourselves
were
also
once
foolish,
disobedient,
deceived,
serving
various
lusts
and
pleasures,
living
in
malice
and
envy,
hateful
and
hating
one
another.
But
when
the
kindness
and
the
love
of
God
our
Savior
toward
man
appeared,
not
by
works
of
righteousness
which
we
have
done,
but
according
to
His
mercy
He
saved
us,
through
the
washing
of
regeneration
and
renewing
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
whom
He
poured
out
on
us
abundantly
through
Jesus
Christ
our
Savior,
that
having
been
justified
by
His
grace
we
should
become
heirs
according
to
the
hope
of
eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7
Born-again
Christianity
is
more
than
just
saying
“I’m
a
Christian.” Being born again encompasses:
•
Faith in God.
•
A belief that His Son, Jesus Christ, died for your sins.
•
A decision to follow Jesus.
•
Yielding to the Holy Spirit.
•
Turning away from sin.
•
Tran
sformation from within.
Are You Born Again?
If
you
are
born
again,
you
are
a
living
testament
of
God’s
word and His promises.
If you are not born again, consider the following questions:
1
.
Do you desire more in your life?
2
.
Do
you
have
a
“void”
deep
within
your
being…and
have realized nothing you have tried can fill it?
3
.
Is
the
present
path
you
are
living
going
in
the
wrong
direction?
If
you
answer
yes
to
one
or
more
of
the
above
questions…then
make
a
decision
to
give
your
faith,
trust
and
life
to
Jesus
Christ—as
your
Savior
and
Lord—who
offered His life as a means for the forgiveness of your sins.
Here are some interesting points to consider:
1
.
You
cannot
earn
salvation
and
eternal
life
by
being
“good enough.”
2
.
Obtaining
salvation
and
eternal
life
is
not
based
upon
what we can do—but upon what Jesus did for us.
3
.
Jesus
said,
“No
one
comes
to
the
Father
except
through Me.” John 14:6
Salvation
and
eternal
life
are
a
free
gift—fully
paid
for
by
the
life
and
blood
of
Jesus
Christ
when
He
died
on
the
cross.
There
is
nothing
else
you
can
add…other
than
to
thank
Him
for
what
He
has
done,
give
Him
praise
and
glorify
Him…for
He
alone
is
worthy.
Take
a
moment
and
think
about
how
it
will
be
when
we
are
on
the
other
side
and
we
are
able
to
spiritually
worship
Him—with
humble
and
thankful
hearts—as
we
lift
our
praises
to
our
Savior
and Lord.
To
reinforce
this
truth,
consider
the
differences
if
it
was
possible
to
earn
entry
into
Heaven
based
upon
our
behavior.
•
If
it
was
possible
to
earn
entry
into
Heaven…would
it
negate
(void)
the
crucified
death
of
God’s
Son,
Jesus?
•
When
the
person
who
met
the
required
“standards
of
behavior” enters into Heaven:
o
Would
they
think
they
are
there
because
of
what
they
did,
or
because
what
Jesus
Christ
did
for
them?
o
Who
would
they
think
should
receive
recognition
for what was done?
o
Would there be a sense of entitlement?
▪
“I
have
the
right
to
be
here
because
I
met
the
required behavior.”
▪
“Here’s
my
list
of
good
deeds…and
I
want
what’s coming to me!”
▪
“Wait…I
know
I
was
better
than
this
other
guy.
Why did he get more rewards than me?”
o
Can
you
envision
those
who
earned
their
way
to
Heaven
proudly
walking
around
with
their
“badges
of
honor”?
(As
opposed
to
those
who
are
saved
by grace will lay their crowns at the feet of Jesus.)
“For
by
grace
you
have
been
saved
through
faith,
and
that
not
of
yourselves;
it
is
the
gift
of
God,
not
of
works,
lest
anyone
should
boast.”
(Ephesians
2:8-9)
The
above
scenario and Ephesians 2:8-9 reveals:
•
Why
“No
flesh
should
glory
in
His
presence.”
1
Corinthians 1:29
•
Why
we
are
saved
by
faith
and
God’s
grace…and
not
works (which facilitates pride and hardens the heart).
•
There
is
nothing
we
can
add
to
what
Jesus
has
already done.
•
The
importance
of
knowing
there
is
only
one
thing
we
can
do
to
receive
eternal
life:
we
must
put
our
complete
faith
upon
what
God
has
done
for
us
in
Jesus Christ.
“There
is
no
other
name
under
heaven
given
among
men
by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
Every
heart
and
soul
who
enters
into
Heaven
will
humbly
and
thankfully
know
they
do
not
deserve
to
be
where
they
are…and
they
will
know
they
are
there
because
of
what
Jesus
Christ
did
for
them
on
the
cross…and
they
will
know
they
are
eternally
forgiven
for
everything
they
had
done…and
the
love
for
Him
who
saved
them
from
eternal
death
will
be
overwhelming…and
they
will
all
weep
in
joyful
praise
as they worship their Savior and Lord.
Jesus
declared,
“If
anyone
desires
to
come
after
Me,
let
him
deny
himself,
and
take
up
his
cross,
and
follow
Me.
For
whoever
desires
to
save
his
life
will
lose
it,
but
whoever
loses
his
life
for
My
sake
will
find
it.
For
what
profit
is
it
to
a
man
if
he
gains
the
whole
world,
and
loses
his own soul?” Matthew 16:24-26
Take
a
good
hard
look
at
what’s
going
on
in
the
world
today.
It
will
only
get
worse
as
we
approach
the
last
days.
As
such,
now
is
the
time
to
let
go
of
those
things
that
are
standing
between
you
and
God.
Now
is
the
time
to
open
your
heart
and
step
forward
in
faith.
Now
is
the
time
to
believe
God
crucified
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ,
as
a
punishment
for
our
sins…so
that
we
can
be
forgiven…and
to restore our relationship with the Father.
Jesus
said,
“For
God
so
loved
the
world
that
He
gave
His
only
begotten
Son,
that
whoever
believes
in
Him
should
not
perish
but
have
everlasting
life.
For
God
did
not
send
His
Son
into
the
world
to
condemn
the
world,
but
that
the
world through
Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
Heavenly
Father,
thank
You
for
loving
us
beyond
anything
we
can
imagine.
Jesus,
my
Savior
and
Lord,
thank
you
for
dying
for
our
sins.
Holy
Spirit,
I
ask
that
you
speak
to
the
heart
of
the
person
who
is
reading
these
words…open
the
eyes
to
truth…and
save
his/her
soul
from
eternal
death.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
If
you
are
ready
to
accept
Jesus
Christ
as
your
Savior
and
Lord…all
you
need
to
do
is
pray…from
your
heart.
It’s
about
you,
and
God,
and
your
relationship
with
Him.
The
following
prayer
is
an
example,
but
you
may
use
whatever
words
you
are
comfortable
with.
Plus,
pray
as
if
you
are
speaking to Him…because you are!
Holy
God,
I
am
a
sinner.
Jesus,
I
believe
you
died
and
paid
the
price
for
who
I
am
and
what
I
have
done.
I
want
to
trust
and
follow
you
as
my
Savior
and
Lord.
Holy
Spirit,
I
invite
you
to
come
into
my
heart
and
life
and
change
me
from
within.
Thank
you,
Jesus,
for
providing
a
way
to
restore my relationship with God. Amen.
Your
next
step
is
to
begin
reading
the
Bible.
A
born-again
Christian
will
read
the
Bible
from
a
completely
different
light
as
the
Holy
Spirit
reveals
God’s
truth
from
a
spiritual
perspective.
It
is
also
very
important
to
find
a
church
and
interact
with
fellow
believers
who
are
foundationally
focused on God’s grace in Jesus Christ.
I
often
use
Bible
Gateway
to
read
and
research
the
Bible:
https://www.biblegateway.com/
Bible
Gateway
has
different
versions
and
in
different
languages.
My
personal
preference (in English) is the New King James Version.
My
favorite
Bible
teacher
is
Chuck
Smith.
Chuck
left
his
physical
body
to
be
with
the
Lord
in
2013.
Fortunately
his
Bible
teachings
from
Genesis
to
Revelation
(word-by-
word,
verse-by-verse)
may
be
heard
on
the
following
website:
https://calvarychapel.com/posts/c2000/
I suggest starting with the study of 1 John.
May
God
bless
you
with
His
joy,
His
peace
and
His
wisdom
as
He
transforms
you
from
spiritua
l
death
into
life
eternal.
Harold D. Thomas
Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
below
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
content,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader;
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The
following
questions
should
be
answered
or
discussed
after
reading
“Managing
Anxiety
During the Pandemic.”
There
are
two
types
of
questions:
lesson
and
opinion.
Lesson
questions
(preceded
by
a
number)
are
provided
an
answer.
Opinion
questions
(preceded
by
an
“O”)
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or
discovering
how
the
lesson
content
illuminates
our
personal
lives.
As
such,
no
answers
are
provided
Questions
(Do
your
best
to
respond
to
each
lesson
question before looking at the answer.)
1.
Is
it
possible
for
someone
to
earn
their
way
into
Heaven
simply
because
they
are
a
good
person?
Explain.
2.
Ephesians
2:4-10
references
God’s
grace
and
mercy.
What is the difference between grace and mercy?
O Jesus said we must be born again. Why?
3.
Can
you
identify
at
least
3
comparative
characteristics
between
a
person
who
is
not
born
again
and
one
who
is born again?
4.
How
does
a
born-again
Christian
“feel”
on
the
inside
after they sin? Explain.
a.
Do
these
feelings
and
response
to
sin
indicate
or
reflect
changes
made
by
the
Holy
Spirit
(on
the
inside)?
b.
Why
do
born-again
Christians
respond
to
their
sin
in
this way?
5. What must one do to become born again?
O Are you born again?
O
Thought-provoking
question
that
enhances
spiritual
insight:
Why
would
God
design
salvation
and
entrance
into
Heaven
based
upon
our
faith
and
His
grace…and
not based upon “good” behavior?
Answers
1.
It
is
not
possible
to
earn
our
way
into
Heaven
by
being
a
good
person.
“For
all
have
sinned
and
fall
short
of
the
glory
of
God.”
Romans
3:23
“For
by
grace
you
have
been
saved
through
faith,
and
that
not
of
yourselves;
it
is
the
gift
of
God,
not
of
works,
lest
anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
2.
Grace
is
an
unmerited
(undeserved)
gift.
Mercy
is
not
receiving the punishment we deserve.
3. See comparative table.
4.
They
will
feel
guilt,
regret
and
sorrow;
and
will
feel
“disconnected” from God.
a.
Yes,
our
negative
feelings
when
we
sin
is
part
of
our new nature and spirit given by the Holy Spirit.
b.
This
negative
experience
is
God’s
way
of
spiritually
chastising
us
when
we
sin.
“My
son,
do
not
despise
the
chastening
of
the
Lord,
nor
be
discouraged
when
you
are
rebuked
by
Him;
For
whom
the
Lord
loves
He
chastens,
and
scourges
every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:5-6
5.
Prayerfully
give
your
faith,
trust
and
life
to
Jesus
Christ—Savior
and
Lord—who
offered
His
life
as
an
atonement
for
our
sins—and
provide
a
means
to
restore a relationship with God.
The questions may be viewed and downloaded as a PDF
file by clicking on this button.
The words of Jesus Christ
are in red text.