“And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.” | Acts 27: 44

Here is a profound word — “Again”

The new birth is a mystery of grace.

It cannot be explained; neither can it be fully understood. It is a work of God beyond our comprehension. When our Lord says, “Ye must be born again,” his meaning is twofold. The word again has two meanings.

First, it means, “You must be born from above.”

James tells us that “every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” Then he tells us what he is teaching in the next verse. “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth.” (James 1: 17-18)

Second, it means, “You must be born a second time.”

Your first birth was of sinful parents, and you were born in their image.

The second birth is of God, and we are born in his image.
— The first birth was of corruptible seed. The second birth is of incorruptible seed.
— Our first birth is in sin. Our second birth is in righteousness.
— By our first birth we were polluted and unclean. By our second birth we become holy.
— Our first birth was fleshly and carnal. Our second birth is spiritual and makes us spiritual.
— By the first birth all men are foolish and ignorant. By our second birth we become wise unto salvation.
— By our first birth we were slaves to sin and the lusts of the flesh. By our second birth we are made free from the dominion of sin.
— By our first birth we are all children of wrath. By our second birth we are children of promise.

Our Lord says, “Ye must be born again,” because we were all born wrong the first time.

~ Pastor Don Fortner

Click here to listen to the message “Broken Pieces”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

FreeGraceRadio.com Bulletin Article date: 10 August, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Danville, Kentuky