On Monday, July 23, 2013, the world’s eyes were on Saint Mary’s Hospital in London, England. They were awaiting the arrival of a new royal baby. The baby was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; third in royal succession to the throne of England.
This baby, Prince George Alexander, Louise, is destined to serve as the future king of England. He is born into wealth and privilege. This baby will have the very best of care. No doubt he will have nurses and nannies to oversee his care. He will have tutors, go to exclusive schools, and receive training in the traditions of what it means to be of royal descent.
We have learned from news reports that this baby would be third in royal succession to the throne of England. Why all the attention of news media and outlets from around the world? Why the pomp and circumstance? Perhaps it is a fascination with the monarchy and the trappings of royalty.
The vast majority of us were not born to royalty. We experienced an ordinary birth. Most were not born into a privileged environment or to politically powerful parents. Our births were not accompanied by press releases and announcements on the evening news.
Although we were not born physically to royalty, we can experience a new birth. In John 3:3 Jesus had a conversation with a Pharisee, Nicodemus, who came to Jesus at night. Nicodemus was searching for truth. Listen to the words of our Savior, “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’”
Jesus reveals the truth about being born again. What does it mean to be born again? It means that we experience regeneration. Regeneration literally means to be generated again. When we are born again our nature is changed. The Apostle Paul describes what takes place when we experience regeneration in II Corinthians 5:17. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
To be born again is to pass from spiritual death into spiritual life. There is a new creation that takes place when we accept Jesus as Savior and Lord by faith. I John 3:9 reveals that those who are born again are holy seed.
When we are born again we become a member of the family of God. We experience a royal birth. We learn in Romans 8:16, “The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” Verse 17 continues, “And if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”
In Revelation 1:5-6 we learn of our royal heritage. “And from Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priest to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
When we pray and ask Christ to become Lord of our lives, we become sons of the Most High; what a privilege. But we must always remember that with privilege comes responsibility. We must allow our Divine Teacher, the Holy Spirit to prepare us to reign together with the Lord. How do we do that? We give ourselves totally and completely to Him.
Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable will of God.”
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