BORN AND GAIN
“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.” (John 3:3).
There is something peculiar in every group formed by people. This has to do with the identification of each individual as a member of the group and the benefit(s) the group offers. Once identified as a member, you automatically have no hindrance to enjoy its benefits.
This also happens in many establishments, where people who wants to become a member are registered, with the terms and conditions (the culture, values, rules and regulations, etc.) of the establishment made known them. This also happens in many of the internet websites where one is requested to register in order to access what one wants and also enjoy other benefits it offers. In all, breach of any of its terms and conditions can lead to forfeiture of membership or deprivation of benefit(s) or both. This “no-identification-no-benefit” occurrence is common among many groups and establishments.
This also happens in God’s kingdom. In fact, you are known to be of God’s kingdom only when you follow its laid down rules completely.
For one to be part of God’s kingdom, one has to be born into it. This was what Jesus was communicating to Nicodemus when He said “… except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” John 3:3.
To be born into God’s kingdom is:
- repenting from sin and evil doings, never to do them again. This has to do with having a remorse for committed sin(s).
- surrendering your life to Jesus and making Him your personal Lord and Saviour, and
- asking for the Blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit to cleanse and renew you.
Then you not only become a registered member of God’s kingdom, but a child of God, a citizen of heaven.
However, to retain your citizenship (even forever) you have to:
- always obey God in all His words, Will and commands.
- always live a holy and righteous life according to God’s standard. Regular reading of the Bible therefore becomes a must so as to guide you through.
- always pray for God’s Spirit (the Holy Spirit/Ghost) to cleanse, guide, lead and fill you to the brim.
How Do I Know I am Part of / Born into God’s Kingdom?
You may have heard of people who say when they newly give there life to Jesus they felt a kind of peace in their heart. Some may say they have a great calm in their heart, some may be joy flowing in their heart while some may experience all. All these are the evidences that shows that you are now born into God’s kingdom. God’s kingdom is characterized by these things. Up there in heaven is peace, joy, love, singings, happiness, holiness everywhere.
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17).
God do immediately releases His Spirit (the Holy Spirit) into the hearts of every soul truly born into His kingdom as a seal of their citizenship. Through the Holy Spirit we experience the joy and peace of heaven, being a member, and thus have relationship with God.
However, one need to distant oneself from sin – sin creates enmity with God; it’s the only thing that can make one loose its citizenship of heaven.
One thing very clear is this, once a person is truly born into His kingdom (born again), he’s got the ticket to enjoy/gain heaven’s benefits henceforth, with no hindrance (– starting from the joy and peace you have in your heart to the fulfillment of God’s promise in Deuteronomy 28:1-13 in one’s life, and of other promises).
In conclusion, when you feel uneasiness within you or when difficulties comes your way, try to find out the cause from God. It might be that you opened the door for it as a result of a sin (which you probably don’t know or count) that you committed. Once you’re able to retrace your steps and make necessary amendment(s), you start enjoying His kingdom again.
As a born-again child of God, we are to always have rest of mind, be in joy and happiness. Any lack in any of these means something is wrong somewhere with our relationship with God. Once born, we are to gain/enjoy.God bless.