1Peter 1:23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, [that is,] through the living and abiding word of God.
The previous verse assumed the reader’s obedience to a sincere love of the brethren. This is an expected result of those who have been born again. Verse 23 is an extension of the verse beforehand, explaining why love for one another is necessary, it is because you are changed! Consider what it means to be born again. We often hear this description of one who follows Jesus. Before God called my heart to His understanding, I thought those who referred to themselves as ‘born again’ were a bit peculiar! This is similar to the response of Nicodemus we read in John 3. Jesus told Nicodemus that unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Read Nicodemus’ reply –
“How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” (John 3:4).
Jesus answered by saying it was not of the flesh but of the spirit that one was born again. While Nicodemus had his mind on the natural birth of man, Jesus was saying there is a second birth – one in which the Holy Spirit gives Divine grace and understanding in renewing a soul.
Those who are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone are born again, regenerated to new life. This is the only way to salvation. We are different from who we used to be. We had a physical birth but now God has granted us a spiritual birth – life in Him through eternity. Physical birth is transitory, our bodies will grow old, die, and decay. All humans have a physical birth and physical death in common. What will continue forever is a spiritual birth, wrought through the Word of God. Consider the difference between spiritual life and spiritual death. The first is forever with God, the second is forever separated from God. Eternity forever in His blessings or forever in His wrath – what do you choose?
John 6:63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.
We rejoice at the birth of each new baby in our family. When I first wrote this, my mom was 94 and had sixteen great-grandchildren. Now she is turning 95 and has added three more for a total of nineteen great-grandchildren! Each addition is celebrated and welcomed. How much more should we celebrate the individuals who are born again into the knowledge and understanding of saving faith!
Look at 1 Peter 1:18 for a moment. This verse describes the perishable things of this life using the examples of silver and gold. Silver and gold were perhaps the most valuable trade in commerce at the time this was written. However, these precious metals could not purchase the souls of man. Redemption is only possible through God’s provision of His Son.
1 Peter 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to [obtain] an inheritance [which is] imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
John 1:12-13 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, [even] to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
“The temper and conduct which I recommend, may justly be expected from you, considering your relation to God, and to each other; as having been regenerated, not by corruptible seed, not by virtue of any descent from human parents, but by incorruptible; not laying the stress of your confidence on your pedigree from Abraham, if you had the honour to descend from that illustrious patriarch; for that descent could not entitle you to the important blessings of the gospel. It is by means of the efficacy of the word of God upon your hearts, even that powerful word which lives and endures for ever, that you are become entitled to these glorious evangelical privileges” Philip Doddridge N.T.
We are to be set apart in obedience, seeking to encourage one another. Notice how the above commentary reminds us that this is a privilege! A privilege is a special advantage, an exclusive right reserved for a particular group of people. If you have responded to God’s offer of eternal salvation through Christ alone, then you have been given a privilege. God’s children have the benefit of having been saved for eternity. With this truth comes great responsibility. It is our duty and should be our pleasure to serve one another for His glory.
