May the peace of the Lord be with you and your household. To the Eternal God, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, be all honor and glory. He is the only God, our Maker and Sustainer, whom we serve and invoke in this time.
Today we gather to expose ourselves to the Word of God, not only to study it but to allow the Holy Spirit to teach, guide, and correct us through it. We thank the Lord for this privilege and opportunity to grow in faith.
1. What is the new birth?
The new birth is not a widely understood concept. Many erroneously associate it with a change of religion, but in reality, it is a spiritual act of divine transformation. It is the process by which a person, man or woman, is born into a life of faith in Christ Jesus. It is not based on human knowledge or personal merit, but on the action of the Spirit of God that enables us to live by faith.
As we studied previously, the new birth is the new covenant in the blood of Jesus, with terms established by God, not by man. To live according to this covenant, we must submit to divine conditions. Without this understanding, we risk a “spiritual short circuit,” stagnating in our life of faith.
The new birth is not theoretical nor does it depend on how much we know. It is a practical life that involves fulfilling the instructions of the Word of God. It requires us to live differently from the world, aligned with the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven.
2. The new identity in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5)
The apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, describes the new birth as a new identity in 2 Corinthians 5. Let us analyze some key verses to understand this transformation:
- “Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer” (2 Corinthians 5:16).
This means that the new birth transcends earthly identities. We no longer see people (or Christ) according to their past or human appearance. For example, Jesus is no longer just the historical rabbi who taught the Mosaic law; now He is the resurrected Son of God, seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for those who have been born again.
- “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The new birth transforms us into new creatures. Our old life (sins, habits, worldly identity) is left behind, and we receive a completely renewed identity. This transformation is so radical that those who knew us before might say: “You are another person!” We are born to a newness of life, citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.
3. Characteristics of the new identity
The Holy Spirit, through Paul, reveals who we are as born-again believers:
- Citizens of the Kingdom, not of the world: We are pilgrims and strangers on earth (2 Corinthians 5:6-7: “So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight”). Although we live in a physical body, our citizenship is in the Kingdom of God. We are not defined by titles, professions, or earthly achievements, but by our relationship with Christ.
- Children of God: As Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” This identity does not depend on religious affiliations or denominations, but on the presence of the Holy Spirit in us (Ephesians 1:13: “You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise”).
- Overcomers in Christ: We do not fight against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers (Ephesians 6:12). As new creatures, we have authority to subdue darkness and live in victory (1 Corinthians 6). In the future, we will even judge the world and angels (1 Corinthians 6:2-3).
4. Three exhortations for living the new identity
Based on 2 Corinthians 5:15-18, the Holy Spirit gives us three practical exhortations to live as citizens of the Kingdom:
Live for Christ, not for ourselves:
2 Corinthians 5:15: “And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”
Being a citizen of the Kingdom implies renouncing living for our own desires or plans. As Paul said in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” We live to fulfill God’s will, asking: “What do You want, Lord, that I should do?” (John 15:5: “Without Me you can do nothing”). This doesn’t mean that God blesses our personal projects, but that we align with His purpose.
Remain in Christ:
2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
To grow as citizens of the Kingdom, we must remain in Christ, firm in faith (John 15:4: “Abide in Me, and I in you”). This implies living guided by the Spirit (Romans 8:9: “If indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you”), not by the flesh. Remaining in Christ gives us spiritual authority to overcome darkness and live in the truth of the Gospel. It is not enough to belong to a congregation; the guarantee is in our constant communion with Him.
Long for the glorious hope:
2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
We live with the expectation of being with Christ forever one day (1 Corinthians 15:22-23: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming”). This hope motivates us to live in holiness, knowing that we will resurrect with a glorified body (1 John 3:2: “When He is revealed, we shall be like Him”). Like the early Christians, we exclaim: “Maranatha, Christ is coming!”, rejoicing in the promise of His return.
Conclusion
The new birth is a supernatural act of God that gives us a new identity in Christ Jesus. We are no longer what we were; we are citizens of the Kingdom, children of God, and overcomers in Him. To live this identity, we must:
- Live for Christ, not for ourselves.
- Remain in Him, firm in faith.
- Long for His coming, with the hope of being eternally with Him.
May this truth transform our lives and allow us to reflect Christ in everything we do. May the peace of the Lord be with you.
