Have you ever wondered what really happens when a person is "born again"--that is, born into the Christian faith? Even though I experienced this great act of God many years ago, only recently have I come to understand what really took place.
When Jesus Christ rose from the grave, He said that his Father would send a "Comforter" to his people (John 14:26). The very power which raised Jesus from the grave is now available to live within any heart where He is welcome. Because it is the very Spirit of God himself, we humans tend to shy away, even deny this power. We are afraid when God shows up.
Many who claim to be born again sometimes act more like the devil than God, and this has done much damage to the Christian cause. Such people may have had an initial experience, but their love of the world and their resistance to God's laws has hardened their hearts and the world cannot see the Christ who has been birthed within them. The fact remains there IS a Seed within that heart which, if given the proper spiritual nourishment, may yet grow into a beautiful child of God.
The reality of what happens when we become a Christian is difficult to undertand. It is difficult to believe that the very Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit floods our body with His beautiful presence. Until we experience this, it is impossible to describe the peace, the joy, and the love which can be ours. Although Christians often feel this presence, only those who have developed a close relationship to Jesus can remain day after day in his beautiful presence.
Psalm 24 tells us that clean hands and a pure heart are necessary if we are to climb the holy hill to enter God's presence. In other words, we must exchange our sinful ways for His righteousness before we can draw close to him. Then this Psalm says, "the King of Glory shall come in."
How exciting to know that God himself, the very King of Glory, wants to inhabit human flesh. The Apostle Paul explains that our bodies are earthen vessels to hold this great treasure (2 Cor.4:7).
The many names of Jesus Christ help us understand what His presence within us can do. For example, He is our Prince of Peace, our Shepherd, our Living Water, our Living Bread, our High Priest, our Comforter, even our King of Righteousness.
Would you like to have such a One dwell within you? The secret is simple. Just admit your sin in a simple prayer to Jesus, ask his forgiveness, and then invite his wonderful life into yours. It is so easy that many refuse to believe it.
The King of Glory awaits your invitation!
© 1999, Doreen Palmer