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.
