The New Birth. Part 2

Here is part two of the New Birth Study.

Part 2: The Seed within.

The New birth Holy Spirit baptism is the last stage in the process of the new birth. But just as the first cry of a new-born baby is not achieved in an instant, so the birth of a Holy Spirit Christian is not an event that stands on its own. Both are the last and most notable event in a process leading up to new life coming into the world. But the actual start of this new life is something that is very rarely noted at the time of conception. After the seed of life becomes impregnated in the womb of a mother, there are no immediately notable changes. It may be several weeks before any indications of pregnancy are observable, and in some cases birth has been achieved without the mother-to-be knowing that she was expecting.

This first mysterious and wonderful starting of new life in a family is like the moment in a believer when something in their heart first starts seeking God. They may not even know the moment when the desire for a new way of life starts deep within them. But somewhere, something has triggered a small, dormant part of their heart that God will be born in. Somehow a seed of Gods Word has reached that point in their heart, and new life has started. It is the beginning of a long journey that should culmination in the birth of a new born-again believer.

As the small baby grows inside their mother some changes start to be observed. It is a time of change and turmoil, as the body of the mother adjusts to the life beginning to develop inside of her womb. And as the new life spiritual life slowly develops inside the heart of some unbeliever, so terrible conflicts and trials can come. The old life is not satisfying or fulfilling as they draw nearer and nearer to recognising Jesus Christ, the source of the new life forming inside their hearts. It is important to realise that this life is not born yet, and just as the baby in the womb is not seen until after the birth, the Christian that is to be born does not appear. There may be no outward confession of faith in God until the birth process actually beings.

So we can see that there is a long period of inward growth and maturing before birth takes place. At first, for both a baby and a Christian-to-be, this development is hidden, taking place out of sight of all around. But later the process becomes more and more obvious to those surrounding the mother-to-be, or the person that God is dealing with. And during this time the seed that is developing needs special care and nourishment or it will perish. For a baby, this is provided for by the mother. But how about a Christian? What special provision does God have for insuring that His seed comes to its fullness?

I believe that the scripture show that God knows those that are his own, and works all things for their good. He provides the food and stimulation that the seed growing in the souls of those who are called to become his Children by bringing them into contact with his Word. There are many ways in which he can do this. In some cases this is via his Bible. In others, the witness of nature to the glory of God provides the nourishment needed to bring the child of God to birth. But I believe one of the most important ways is by contact with those who are already Christians; those who are manifesting the Word of God in flesh in these days. The example of Godly love and faith that a Christian should provide has been the source of inspiration for many people seeking the truth in this world.

If we can realise this, and see how the seed of God may be growing and maturing inside a person that we know, we will be able to have confidence in the work of God. We will be encouraged to continue to be a good witness in front of those who offend us the worse. Who knows if their reactions are an indication of some seed growing inside them, waiting for birth? We will still be able to praise him for our unsaved loved ones, believing that they are on the road to salvation.