Oh to be 'Born Again'

I was talking to a good friend this morning who has just become a dad for the first time and I was reminded of how amazing it is to be 'born again', to be brought from death to life, to have the hand of God give me a new heart that desires Him.

I remember when my son was born and how hard it was for that little guy to be pushed into this big old world. There was much anguish, pain, and blood as every ounce of energy that my wife could summon was put forth to bring in this life.

How tragic it has become when we take salvation, coming into right relationship with God and boil it down into some little prayer, or sing some heart warming song after a week of sleeplessness at camp. 'I have decided to follow Jesus'. It took the Sovereign power of the God of the universe to bring me to life. There was blood spilled as the Son of God was crushed and bruised for my sin as God's infinite eternal wrath was quenched that I might be reconciled, me a sinner to Holiness itself.

To be made alive in Christ, to be given new birth into the things of God, to be given a new heart of passons for ht things of the spirit, to be regenerated into a new creation is an impossibility outside of divine Sovereign power, wisdom, and love.

Amazing Love (And Can It Be)
Charles Wesley

And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me?

Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me?

He left His Father's throne above; so free, so infinite His grace!
Emptied Himself of all but love,and bled for Adam's helpless race!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me.

Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me?

Long my imprisoned spirit lay fast-bound in sin and nature's night.
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke-the dungeon flamed with light!
My chains fell off, my heart was free!
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee!

Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me?

No condemnation now I dread. Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

'Amen!'