We have now pointed out the new birth, and shown that it bears some resemblance to the natural birth, with which Jesus compared it. And how truly sublime and cheering the thought, that the great family of man, who are all born into existence under the certain sentence of death, are to receive a second birth into an existence entirely new, and the whole of his dying family are to be made the children of Jesus Christ by adoption.
In our next, we shall notice the change we experience in this life, called in scripture the new birth, and explain the term, "kingdom of God."
SERMON IX
"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 iii. 3.
In our last, we have shown, that the spiritual birth bears some resemblance to a natural birth with which Jesus compared it—and as the first introduces us into this world, so the second will introduce us into the future and immortal world at the resurrection, where we shall be as the angels of God in heaven, and "be the children of God being the children of the resurrection." There we shall be completely free from sin and pain. There the gushing tear of sorrow shall cease to flow, and the brow of disconsolate humanity be ruffled no more.
We will now attend to the present effects that the truth of this birth has upon us here, and notice at the same the phrase, "kingdom of God."
The question now arises; do not some experience the new birth in this life? They do. But in what sense do they experience it? Ans. By faith. In this world we pass from death to life: not that we have actually been in the grave and brought to life beyond it; but the believer experiences this by faith. And this faith has a most powerful and happifying influence on his affections, and consequently on his life and conduct. All, that God has revealed for the salvation of the world—our justification, our sanctification, our new birth, our heaven, our all—yes, all these important and heavenly changes are summed up, and embraced in our immortal resurrection, will actually take place through death; and while in this world we can embrace them, only by faith.
The scriptures declare that "we walk by faith and, not by sight." Paul says, "the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Paul knew that he had eternal life given him in Christ, before the world began, and faith in that glorious truth produced a happiness—a divine life in his heart, called the kingdom of God within. Let us notice these several points.
1. First; "Christ rose again for our justification." Our justification then exists in our resurrection state, and will there in all its reality take place. But cannot a man be justified here? Yes; he can be justified through faith in that truth.
2. Second; "By the which will, we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Our sanctification then, by the will of God, will take place through death. But cannot a man be sanctified while here? Yes; he can be sanctified through faith in that truth!