1 Peter 1:23: Since You Have Been Born Again, Not Of Perishable Seed But Of Imperishable, Through The Living And Abiding Word Of God;

1 Peter 1:23

[23] Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; (ESV)

Many people in our society use the term, "born again," in a derogatory sense. There are even those who would claim to be Christians who are hesitant to be described as "born again." In this verse, Peter says clearly that we have been born again. We needed to be born again. Scripture reminds us that we were dead in our sins. New birth was essential.

Peter now uses an agricultural illustration. He says that our new life involves a seed planted in us. This seed is not perishable, but imperishable. Another we could say this is that what God does in us is permanent. We can be encouraged deep in our spirits to know that what God is doing in us is not going to perish. We do not worry about him forsaking us. We have eternal life, not temporal life.

In the last phrase of this verse Peter reminds us that the living and abiding word of God is the source of this new life. Salvation does not come from an emotional experience. Salvation has its source in the truth of God's revealed word, the Bible. It is essential that our confidence in knowing that we have been born again comes from believing the truth that is found in God's living and abiding Word.

We would do well to remember the words of the Apostle Paul. He said in Romans 10:17, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV)" Man is limited in his ability to have saving faith. Faith that will save must come from hearing, and that hearing through the word of Christ. It is this word of Christ that causes us to be born again, of imperishable seed. Life from God. Eternal life.

Thank God for his living and abiding Word. This word has given you the right to be called a child of God, born again, of imperishable seed. Now, bloom where you are planted!