Real religion is of God, making us like God, and so preparing us to dwell forever with God. It begins in regeneration, is carried on in sanctification, and is consummated in glorification. Real religion sets the heart against sin, and will ultimately free us from the very indwelling of sin. It is distinguished from all its counterfeits, in that it gives sin no quarter, nor allows the believer to make the least excuse for sin. It is strikingly set forth by the Apostle John, when he writes, "No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God." 1 John 3:9.
The New Birth. This is of God. Of God alone. Hence we are said to be born from above — born again — born of the Spirit. It is a change of nature; not merely a change of opinion, or a change of feeling, or even a change of conduct. A new, a spiritual, a divine nature is imparted; so that we become new creature, and are a new creation, created anew in Christ Jesus, unto good works. It is a change from death to life, from darkness to light, from sin to holiness. Its design is to fit us for the service of God on earth, to equip as well as to do the will of God here, and then to enjoy the presence and blessedness of God in heaven.
[James Smith]
John 3:3 ... Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Acts 26:18 ... To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
2 Corinthians 5:17 ... Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.❤
