August 19, 2002
THE NEW BIRTH. How effective is it? A chick will act like a chick, eventually to become a chicken, it will never alter its behavior. One who is truly born again, of the most powerful element in the universe, the incorruptible Word of God, will manifest the nature and character of the Lord. The New Birth that has produced a New Nature and a New Creature will effectively create a new mannerism, a new language and certainly a new direction in life. The man who is now in Christ is a NEW CREATURE. The old is gone, it has passed away, it should no longer be in existence. 2 Cor. 5:17 Here is a spiritual absolute placed before us by the Lord Jesus. Every tree is known by its fruit, if one wants an apple, go to the apple tree. The peach tree will not produce apples. Want to see Christ like fruit, go to the Christian, they will not produce two kinds of fruit. Their fruit is either good or bad, not both at one and the same time. There is no compromise to be found here. Mat. 12:33 The good tree will produce one kind of fruit, good fruit. The bad tree will produce nothing but bad fruit. There cannot be a graft made whereby they produce the same, bad and good together. The tree bearing bad fruit is useless and therefore must be fallen and destroyed by fire. The type of fruit grown is the determining factor as to the value and length of life of a tree. Mt. 7:17-20
WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING. Another unequivocal statement of fact. There is no spiritual, eternal life outside of Jesus Christ. The branch of the tree that is no longer joined to the tree will die. Experience assures us of this. The only possible way that a branch can possibly bear fruit is to be connected to the trunk of the tree. We, the branches must ABIDE in Christ. He, and He alone is our source and supply of the spiritual nutrients that promote and maintain life, natural or spiritual. He is the vine, we are the branches, joined to Him we will bring forth an abundance of fruit. The fate of the separated branch is frightening, for it will be gathered and consumed by fire. The abiding branch has the right and privilege of requesting of the Lord what he will and it will be given. John 15:4-7 An easily understood illustration that should strike consternation in our hearts, lest we foolishly allow ourselves to be separated from Jesus.
CREATED TO BE GOD LIKE. What a challenge. To be like God. That new man, that new self the Lord has constructed to be like Himself. In order to attain the goal that He has established there must be a dissolution of the old life, not partial but the whole. The new creature is a NEW CREATION, not a renovation of the old. The corrupt and deceitful desires of the flesh, the old life must be laid aside. The New man must be in control and be led by the Spirit. His attitude and conduct must be one of true righteousness and holiness before the Lord. The old must go that the new will be the only life that is displayed. Eph. 4:22-24