Yes, we’re continuing our discussion on the fundamentals of sexual purity teachings. Thank you for being here with us.

Previously, we highlighted how God revives a person’s spirit from death through the word of God or the Gospel, leading them to find faith in God.

At this point, someone might ask: ‘Why is it essential to discuss this within sexual purity teachings?’

Well, according to the word of God, a sexually pure life isn’t a separate aspect of Christian life; rather, it’s an integral part of it. Therefore, it’s crucial to delve into the essence of Christianity before delving into discussions about sexual purity within its context.

As we previously mentioned, the initiation of Christianity within individuals is solely from God, not by a collective calling. Through the preaching of the Gospel, God revives individuals from spiritual death, one by one.

What are the reasons God looks for in a man to decide who to resurrect from death?

The reasons for resurrection are solely within God, not within mankind. No one can claim, “God decided to resurrect me because of my “so and so” actions,” as the deceased can only continue in their state of death. This quickening or revitalization of the human spirit by God is also termed as ‘re-creation’ (Ephesians 2:10), akin to a new birth or a second birth, termed also as ‘born-again.’

Why born ‘again’?

Each of us enters this world through the natural birth from our parents, which marks our initial birth. However, this birth does not grant us eternal life because our ancestors, Adam and Eve, faced spiritual death due to sin. Consequently, as each of us arrives in this world, we inherit an eternal death sentence, destined to perish, eternally.

Amidst this journey, the Spirit of God intervenes, granting us a second birth – referred to as being ‘born-again.’

Listen how Jesus defines the concept of being ‘born-again:

“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” . . . Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:1-3, 7-8 ES

Nicodemus, I think, seemed eager to impress Jesus with his understanding of who Jesus was, especially when other Jewish leaders were rejecting Jesus outright. Nicodemus assumed he held the truth about Jesus and shared his knowledge with Jesus. It appeared that Nicodemus anticipated a complimentary response from Jesus, something like, “Wow, Nicodemus! I appreciate your understanding of the truth!”

However, Jesus didn’t respond that way. Instead, Jesus said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Jesus essentially conveyed to Nicodemus that true understanding of Christ requires being “born-again.”

Despite Nicodemus’ rhetorical questions about the possibility of an old man returning to his mother’s womb, Jesus succinctly explained, “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Do you see the analogy?

Just as one senses the presence of the wind but can’t control its path, being born of the Spirit of God aligns similarly. Just as no one can direct the wind’s course, the same applies to God. No one dictates whom God revives from death or gives instructions to Him.

He is the Sovereign LORD, answerable to no one.

Last time, we discussed Ezekiel 37:1-10, observing Ezekiel prophesying over the dead, dry bones as God instructed, witnessing how the wind breathed life into those bones. Likewise, when the Gospel/“the testimony of Jesus,” is proclaimed, God resurrects people from death.

This divine act is solely orchestrated by God, devoid of any contribution from the deceased; it is God’s choice, not theirs, as the dead lack agency.

As John writes,

“He [Jesus] was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not accept Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God..” John 1:10-13 NASB

Do you see how God grants the status of children of God to those whom He gives a second birth? Those resurrected from death embrace Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, placing their faith in Him. But where does this faith originate?

Listen to Paul as he addresses those who were already “born-again” Christians:

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:1-10 ESV

Let’s imagine Paul addressing me, Missy, a born-again Christian:

“Missy, you had former bad habits and rebelled against your parents and others.”

In light of the above passage, do you think Paul actually say something like this to me? No!

Instead, he says, as he said to the Ephesians, Missy, “you were dead in the trespasses, following the course of this world” and you “were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind” waiting for your turn to go to eternal death, to hell. “But God,”

Don’t you love this phrase “But God” in the Bible? I do! Very much so!

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved” you, “even when,” you “were dead in your trespasses, made” you “alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV

Isn’t that jaw-dropping truth of God?

Furthermore, Paul continues saying to me and the Ephesians, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And THIS is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV (capitalization is added for emphasis)

Notice the word ‘THIS’ from the above passage? It’s a demonstrative pronoun, representing ‘faith,’ not ‘grace.’ Therefore, theologians term this faith ‘saving faith,’ originating from God, not the individual.

In summary, the Word of God asserts that for one to be a born-again Christian, their contribution to salvation is nothing! Zero! It’s entirely God’s work from start to finish.

The Word also states that Jesus Christ is “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2 KJV), and that God, “who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6 ESV).

Some argue, “Yes, God saved us, but there is work for us to do for our salvation. We have to complete the work of our salvation that God began in us with fear and trembling as Philippians 2:12-13 says.”

Well, Philippians 2:12-13 reads,

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” ESV

The reference to “fear and trembling” in the above passage highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God’s work within us, sinners. This leads to humility, fear, and awe because “it is God who works in us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” If this doesn’t evoke fear and awe within us, I don’t know what will.

Our “working out” our salvation implies that our lifestyle and our speech reflect our identity as born-again Christians, born of God, born from above. Our conduct, speech, and choices serve as evidence that we are indeed born-again Christians.

Claiming “I am a born-again Christian” lacks substance without the fruits of such a life. Our desire and eagerness to fulfill God’s will, instilled in us by God, should manifest in our daily lives.

Otherwise, we might merely be admirers of Christ, regular church attendees, or model citizens. Perhaps, this is why some churchgoers, despite their devotion (perfect church attendance), lead a sexually immoral lifestyle because they are not born-again Christians.

A sexually pure life is characteristic of a born-again Christian. There’s no room for a life where one claims to be ‘a born-again Christian’ while leading a sexually immoral lifestyle, engaging in inappropriate relationships. Either we are genuinely born-again Christians refraining from such acts, or we’re not born-again and indulge in what pleases our desires. There’s no in-between, just as there’s no “being a little bit pregnant” in reality” – – – Contd. ///