As a new believer, you embark upon a wondrous journey of discovery, entering a life transformed by the touch of divine grace. You are born anew, a process so profound that it mirrors the essence of creation itself, for in Christ, you become a part of God's family, clothed in righteousness and steeped in an everlasting love that heralds your sonship and true identity.
This spiritual rebirth is articulated by Jesus Himself, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). In this act of being born again, you are not merely refurbished, but recreated. You are given a fresh start, a slate wiped clean, emerging not from the will of the flesh but born of God (John 1:13). You assume a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17), shedding the old self and its practices to embrace a life of holiness and truth (Ephesians 4:22-24).
In this newfound identity, God confers upon you the title of "son" or "daughter." This is not a role attained by effort or merit but a bestowed relationship initiated by God's choice. "To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). As His child, you inherit the rights and privileges of God's kingdom - a relationship beautifully captured in the spirit of adoption, where we cry, "Abba! Father!" (Romans 8:15). Through this intimate bond, you are assured that your Heavenly Father's guidance is ever-present, for as His children, we are led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14).
Moreover, you are wrapped in the cloak of righteousness in this newfound life. It is a gift, not a garment you stitched with human hands, but one fashioned by the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross. "For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). In this, your standing before God is not based on your righteousness but upon the righteousness of Christ, a truth that should inspire boundless gratitude and lead to a life reflective of His love and righteousness.
This incredible transformation is motivated and sustained by the extraordinary love of God. "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are" (1 John 3:1). The cross, where God's love and justice met, serves as the eternal emblem of this love. You are loved not because of who you are, but because of who God is - Love itself (1 John 4:8). His love is unwavering, not predicated on our actions or worthiness but founded on His character and promises.
Embracing your new identity in Christ, you are called to live in accordance with what you now are—a beloved child of God radiating His love through every facet of your life. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is not simply a moral improvement but a fundamental change in your spiritual DNA. You are not merely refurbished; you are reborn, bearing the image of your loving Father (Abba).
Understanding your new identity is not instantaneous but an evolving realization as you grow in faith and knowledge. Each day with Christ brings deeper understanding, brighter clarity, and more profound peace. Your relationship with God is a living, breathing dynamic that flourishes in constant fellowship with Him through prayer, study, and meditation on His Word.
The new birth sonship reveals your identity in Christ, which is sustained by righteousness and illuminated by God's unwavering love. This holistic transformation is as radical as it is real, promising not just a new chapter but an entirely new book for your life, written by the hand of God. Reflect on this, rejoice in it, and let your life be a testament to the transforming power of God's love through the miraculous new birth in His Son, Jesus Christ.
by TD Brewer