The act of being born again opens the door for us to perceive the kingdom of God, enabling clear recognition of God's invisible qualities as referenced in the scripture (John 3:3; Romans 1:20).
It has been articulated that humanity exists within God's realm, as stated by Moses. Our reference can be found in Psalm 90:1: "LORD, you have been our dwelling place in all generations."
Paul echoes this sentiment, asserting our continuous existence in God: "In Him, we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). However, many remained unaware of this truth as God is spirit, and since Adam, humans have experienced spiritual death.
This situation began to change with the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, which rekindled the spirit within humanity. As expressed in Colossians 1:26-27, "This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it’s out in the open...The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ in you; thus, you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory."
Upon accepting Christ as Lord and Savior, a realization of God’s presence becomes evident in believers' lives, as God's Holy Spirit dwells within their hearts. This results in a return to spiritual home, similar to the journey of the Prodigal Son.
Ephesians 2:19 illustrates this transformation: "Now you are no longer strangers to God and foreigners to heaven, but you are members of God’s own family."
With rebirth, we gain insights into the kingdom of God (John 3:3) and a clarity regarding the unseen attributes of God (Romans 1:20). Our focus shifts to divine matters rather than earthly concerns (Matthew 16:23), as we acknowledge that we are now living in the presence of Immanuel, which translates to "God with us" (Matthew 1:23).
Living in the Spirit
The Scriptures distinguish between "living in the Spirit" and "walking in the Spirit," drawing a parallel to residing with someone without interacting versus engaging deeply with them. The latter is what Paul encourages: "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25).
Before one can walk in the Spirit, they must first reside in the Holy Spirit. Once He enters, He remains, but He is a gentle presence. Without ongoing engagement, one can easily become unaware of His influence. Therefore, it becomes crucial to recognize God's ever-present companionship, seeking His guidance and support in all endeavors.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
Walking signifies a proactive journey, suggesting continual movement toward a destination, often filled with learning and adventures along the way. Amos poses a crucial question: "Can two walk together unless they are agreed?" (Amos 3:3). The response is a definitive no! To progress with the Holy Spirit, one must align with Him, following His ways and walking according to His Word, which serves as a guide (Psalm 119:105).
It is fundamental for partners to share a common direction. God is the ultimate destination—our Promised Land. Hence, it is essential that Jesus represents: "The way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).
Unity with God
Just as Jesus and the Father are one, the same applies to the believer’s relationship with Jesus. He states: "When I come back to life again, you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you" (John 14:20).
In His prayer for unity among believers, Jesus asks that they share one heart and mind, just as He and the Father do (John 17:21). The significance of atonement is that it unites believers with God, encouraging them to replace awareness of self with awareness of God.
In essence, "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Colossians 3:17). This leads to a state where the Holy Spirit encapsulates us, blurring the lines of our individual existence and God’s presence within us. This profound union allows for expressions similar to those of David, who articulated deep sentiments toward God that mirrored those of Christ.
Paul's letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon became integral to Scripture due to their intimate connection with God, illustrating a journey where Christ and the individual become indistinguishable. They grasped the true essence of atonement and achieved unity with Christ.
Jesus reassures us: "I will not leave you orphaned. I’m coming back. In just a little while, the world will no longer see Me, but you are going to see Me because I am alive, and you are about to come alive. At that moment, you will know absolutely that I’m in My Father, and you’re in Me, and I’m in you" (John 14:18-20).
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