“It was of His own will that He gave us birth [as His children] by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits of His creatures [a prime example of what He created to be set apart to Himself—sanctified, made holy for His divine purposes].” James 1:18 AMP
Our verse today contains some important truths that we must acknowledge. First, we have given our new birth because of the Word of truth. The reality is that a Christian is a new creature born anew. He or she has become a new creature then what they were before by the renewing influences of divine grace as if they were born-again or reformed into a new creature. Notice that it was God’s will by which the transformational power of grace saved our souls! It was not by our will or power but purely from the good-will and grace of God. The reality of the Word of God is transformational life that you now live. Jesus asked this of the Father.
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17Sanctify them in the truth [set them apart for Your purposes, make them holy]; Your word is truth.” John 17:16-17 AMP
The end of the means of His Word is that we are the fruit of His labors. The suffering He endured on our behalf has now produced a new life and heart that has returned to the loving arms of the Master! I have had the honor of traveling to many different countries throughout my time of ministry. I can tell you one thing; the Gospel produces fruit no matter what language is presented in! The Gospel also sets us on the road of sanctification. Sanctification is the process of God burning off the sin and sadness of our old lives. This verse tells us that the process sets us apart and creates holiness in our lives. The Apostle Paul said this about the Gospel.
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation [from His wrath and punishment] to everyone who believes [in Christ as Savior], to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16 AMP
No other message has the power to set men free from the bondage of sin and death! For those who have surrendered to its message, they have experienced a life-changing power and been set free from the chains that bound them. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians,
“If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him], 22that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, 23and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], 24and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation].” Ephesians 4:21-24 AMP
Have you completely discarded the old self? Are you continually being renewed in your mind? Are you daily putting on the new self? I encourage you today to surrender to the working of the Holy Spirit in your life and experience the freedom that Christ wrought on the cross of Calvary! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken