In this two part study, this first half will cover the “first birth,” or our birth into flesh.
What does the flesh birth produce?
- IT PRODUCES AN OLD, SINFUL NATURE. Psalm 51:5 – Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
- IT PRODUCES A CORRUPTIBLE NATURE. 1 Peter 1:23 – Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.
- IT PRODUCES AN OLD NATURE UNDER THE SENTENCE OF DEATH. 1 Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- IT PRODUCES AN OLD NATURE THAT MAKES EVERY UNSAVED PERSON A CHILD OF THE DEVIL. 1 John 3:10 – In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
The image to the left, is Christian, from Pilgrim’s Progress. The burden he carries is a lifetime of sin. The interesting thing, is that reading “The Book,” was what made him realize how great the burden actually was, and how desperately he wanted to be relieved of his burden. We all carry a burden of sin, which increases in weight day by day, until we choose to be rid of it – through the new birth. Christian came to the realization, that he needed more than a teacher – he needed a Savior. He needed more than religion – he needed regeneration. He needed more than the law – he needed life.
Christian: I seek an Inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away ; and it is laid up in Heaven, and fast there , to be bestowed at the time appointed, on them that diligently seek it. Read it so, if you will, in my Book.
The Vine Vigil 