Born Again

Born Again Through the Imperishable Word

Approaching a Holy God

The story of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-3 is unsettling—and intentionally so. These two sons of Aaron, newly ordained as priests, had the incredible privilege of ministering in God’s presence. But they misused that privilege, offering unauthorized fire—something God had not commanded. Their worship was self-invented, not God-directed.

The consequence was swift and severe: fire came from the Lord and consumed them (Leviticus 10:2).

This moment reveals a vital truth: how we approach God matters. Worship isn’t about creativity or personal expression—it’s about responding to God’s holiness in the way He commands. God is not harsh, but He is holy, and holy worship flows from reverence, obedience, and surrender to His Word.

Born of Perishable Seed—Adam’s Legacy

In 1 Peter 1:23-25, Peter teaches that believers are born again, not from perishable seed (our physical birth into Adam’s family), but from imperishable seed—the living and abiding Word of God.

Our first birth, through Adam’s seed, gave us physical life—but it also carried the curse of sin and death (Romans 5:12). Everything tied to Adam—our bodies, abilities, and earthly achievements—fades like grass (1 Peter 1:24). This is the reality of life in Adam: all flesh withers, and all glory fades.

Born Again Through Christ—The Second Adam

But God offers a second birth—through the imperishable seed of His Word. This new birth makes us children of God, not through human effort, but through faith in Christ, the second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45).

Billy Graham captured this beautifully:

“Being born again means that we have a new nature, a new heart, and a new spirit. It means that we have been forgiven by God and have entered into a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.”

Being born again means you are no longer defined by Adam’s failure. You are now united to Christ’s victory. This is not self-help—it’s resurrection power planted in your soul.

The Voice That Shakes the Earth

To understand the power of God’s Word, look at Psalm 29. The voice of the Lord thunders over the waters, shatters the mighty cedars, and shakes the wilderness. This same voice now speaks through the gospel, calling dead hearts to life.

The Word that created the world now re-creates us in Christ. This is why Peter calls it imperishable seed. It is living, eternal, and effective. As Jesus said:

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. (Matthew 24:35)

Accepting Christ as Your Personal Savior — A Personal Reflection

I first heard Billy Graham when he came on the radio while I was studying at college. Although I knew of him as a famous preacher, what struck me most wasn’t his fame—it was the authority with which he spoke. His message was simple, direct, and completely focused on telling people about Jesus.

My father heard Billy Graham years before me, and it was through hearing him preach that my father came to Christ and later felt called to serve says a physician in the healing ministry. What stood out about Billy Graham was that his authority didn’t come from his status, wealth, or charisma—it came from his deep relationship with Jesus Christ and his unshakable belief in the power of God’s Word.

Throughout his decades of ministry, Billy Graham spoke face-to-face to over 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories. Through radio, television, and print, his simple but profound message reached countless millions more. He led crusades that filled stadiums, yet he remained a humble servant of Christ, always pointing people not to himself, but to the Savior.

He famously said:

“Christ can fill the empty place in your heart. He can bring you peace. He can bring you joy. He can give you a sense of forgiveness, and He can give you eternal life—if you will accept Him.”

The imperishable Word Peter describes is not just ancient text—it’s the very message Billy Graham preached. It is the living, active Word that calls us to turn from sin, trust Christ, and receive the gift of new birth.

Worship in Spirit and Truth

Nadab and Abihu warn us against approaching God carelessly or on our terms. Jesus said the Father seeks worshipers who worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). True worship flows from hearts transformed by the Word.

Rooted in What Lasts Forever

In a world obsessed with the temporary—trends, fame, possessions—God calls us to root our lives in what is eternal: His imperishable Word. When everything else fades, this Word—and those who are born again through it—will stand forever.

“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.”

(Psalm 29:11)

A Prayer to Accept Christ and Be Born Again

If you’ve never accepted Christ as your Savior, you can do so right now. The same imperishable Word that created the world and raised Christ from the dead can bring new life into your heart today.

Pray this prayer with sincerity:

Heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner, born from perishable seed, separated from You by my sin. I believe Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I repent of my sins and turn to You. I accept Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. Plant Your imperishable Word in my heart and make me Your child. Thank You for forgiving me, making me new, and giving me the gift of eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If You Prayed That Prayer

The Bible promises:

“To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

(John 1:12)

Welcome to God’s family! You have been born again—not from perishable seed, but from the imperishable Word of God.

Reflection Questions

• Have you personally accepted Christ, or are you relying on religious rituals?

• How does knowing God’s Word is imperishable change your outlook on life’s uncertainties?

• Are you worshiping according to God’s Word, or have you drifted into worship shaped by your preferences?

Closing Thought

In the end, everything fades—health, wealth, human glory. But the Word of the Lord endures forever. When you are born again through that Word, you are rooted in what can never die—life in Christ, anchored in God’s unchanging truth.

Soli Deo Gloria

A Call to Radical Transformation

Remaking of one's core identity

PUT ON THE NEW SELF, WHICH IS BEING RENEWED 

IN KNOWLEDGE IN THE IMAGE OF ITS CREATOR.

Colossians 3:10

Apostle Paul in his letter to the Christian community (Colossians 3:9-14) beautifully encapsulates the essence of the Christian journey, a transformative process that goes beyond surface-level changes to a profound remaking of one's core identity. The apostle Paul, writing to the Colossians, paints a vivid picture of the Christian's call to strip off the old self and put on the new. The "new self" in the context of Colossians 3:9-14 refers to the transformed or regenerated nature of a person who has embraced faith in Christ. This concept is part of the broader Christian understanding of Spiritual Rebirth or being Born Again wherein the Holy Spirit awakens our Spirit within us into the Embrace of the Everlasting Love of God and to Inherit the Gift of Eternal Life.

When someone becomes a follower of Jesus Christ, they are considered to undergo a profound inward change through the work of the Holy Spirit. This "new self" is closely associated with virtues such as righteousness, holiness, and a transformative conformity to the likeness of Christ. It symbolizes a departure from the old, sinful lifestyle towards a new way of existence harmonious with God's divine purposes and character. Paul specifically highlights the continuous renewal of the new self through knowledge, emphasizing an ongoing process of transformation and a growing comprehension of, and likeness to, God our Creator. This verse Colossians 3:10, underscores that embracing Christ is not a one-time occurrence but an enduring expedition—a journey of continual transformation into the image of Christ, facilitated by the renewing influence of the Holy Spirit.

Putting Off the Old Self: 

The metaphor of "putting off the old self," we are reminded of the powerful imagery of shedding worn-out garments. This symbolizes more than a surface-level change; it signifies a deliberate and transformative act of discarding our former way of life. It entails breaking free from sinful habits, worldly influences, and the self-centered nature that once defined our existence apart from Christ. 

Putting off the old self requires a conscious decision to step out of the shadows of our past and embrace the illuminating truth of God's love and grace. It involves relinquishing familiar, comfortable, and often harmful patterns of behavior in exchange for the new life and freedom found in Christ.

In John 3:16, Jesus, speaking to Nicodemus about being born again, invites us to embrace the profound reality of God's love demonstrated through the sacrificial gift of His Son. This invitation calls for a response of faith, repentance, and a willingness to undergo the transformative process of putting off the old self, so that we may fully experience the Gift of Eternal Life in Christ.

Putting On the New Self: 

 Putting on the "new self" transcends a simple change of attire; it entails a profound transformation from within. Romans 12:2 underscores the radical renewal of our minds and hearts, enabling alignment with God's perfect will. This continual renewal, as highlighted in Colossians 3:10, is a process guided by the Holy Spirit, shaping us to reflect the image of God as we grow in knowledge and conformity.

The journey toward completeness and fullness, emphasized in 2 Corinthians 5:17, illustrates the transformative power of being in Christ, where old ways are replaced by new life. Ephesians 4:22-24 urges active participation in this renewal process, aligning our thoughts and actions with God's righteousness and holiness.

In essence, putting on the new self signifies a profound transformation facilitated by our living relationship with Christ. It's an ongoing renewal by the Holy Spirit, drawing us closer to the image of our Creator and molding us into vessels that mirror the character of Christ.

Unity in Christ: 

The transformative power of the Holy Spirit extends beyond personal change; it breaks down societal barriers. In Christ (Colossians 3:11), there is no distinction based on nationality, ethnicity, or social status. Paul's inclusive language—neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free—underscore the universal reach of God's redemptive plan. This unity in diversity reflects the beauty of the Christian community, where differences are not erased but celebrated in the tapestry of God's grace.

Clothed with Christ-like Virtues: 

Having established the radical transformation at the core, Paul outlines the virtues that we are called to clothe ourselves with: a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These virtues exemplify the character of Christ and become the fabric of the new self. They reflect a profound change in how we relate to others—a departure from selfishness to selflessness, from harshness to gentleness, and from impatience to enduring grace.

Forgiveness and Harmony:

 The call to bear with one another and forgive echoes the heart of Christ's teachings. Just as the Lord forgave, we are urged to extend forgiveness generously. This act of forgiving binds the Christian community together in a tapestry of grace and fosters an environment where grievances don't fester but are replaced by love and reconciliation.

In conclusion, Colossians 3:9-13 is a profound call to embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It challenges us to move beyond superficial changes, to undergo a radical renewal, and to live in unity, adorned with the virtues of Christ. It's an invitation to daily shed the old self and allow the Holy Spirit to clothe us with the character of our Lord and Savior—a journey of continuous renewal and conformity to the image of God. 

Here is a simple prayer to accept Christ as your Personal Savior:

Dear Lord Jesus,

I come to you with an open heart and a sincere desire to know you. I believe that you are the Son of God and that you came to save me from my sins. I confess that I am a sinner and in need of your forgiveness.

I confess my sins before you and ask for your mercy and grace. I believe in your death on the cross and your resurrection, and I accept you as my Lord and Savior.

Please come into my heart, take control, and guide me in your ways. I surrender myself to you and invite you to be the center of my life.

Thank you, Jesus, for your love and for the Gift of Eternal Life. I choose to follow you and trust in your promises. In your precious name, I pray.

Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria