"And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), Whom You have sent."
John:17:3 (AMPC)
Further reading and
Frequently Asked Questions
Nobility 101 (Identity in Christ)
Session 2
This session focuses on the new, God kind of life we receive at newbirth… “Eternal Life”
This second session also introduces Jesus as our perfect model for rebirth, how He (Jesus) demonstrated how we should live and walk following the new birth and how it is essential to develop a completely new mindset in order to practically live out the reality of this entirely new life.
___________________________________________________
FAQ'S
1. What is the significance of "being born again" and how does it relate to the birth of Christ?
Being "born again" (or "born from above") is a profound spiritual transformation. It is likened to the birth of Jesus in that both involve the "word becoming flesh." (John 1:14) Just as Mary heard God's word, believed it, and it manifested physically as Jesus, a believer hears the word about Christ, believes it in their heart, and confesses it with their mouth. (Romans 10:9) This act brings forth a "new creature", a new you, marking the end (death) of the previous spiritual and moral nature. (2 Corinthians 5:17) The crucial distinction is that this new creature is not merely the same someone with different beliefs, but a completely new regenerated being that didn't exist before - A new you. This new birth signifies a fundamental change in identity, moving from the "old Adam" nature to a new nature in Christ, where the sinful nature is now considered dead (it died with the old you)
2. What is the definition of "life" in a spiritual context, and why is "eternal life" important?
In a spiritual context, "life" is described as the "animating force that causes you to be who or what you are," similar to a hand animating a glove. It is also defined as "that which allows you the ability to communicate with your environment." Eternal life, specifically referred to as "Zoe life" or "the God life," means "to know the Father and to know Jesus Christ whom He has sent," (John 17:3) emphasizing relationship with, and connection to God . This "God life" was originally in Adam, lost through disobedience, and then restored to humanity through Christ. Through union with Christ, believers receive this "Zoe life" again, enabling communication with God and the spiritual realm. (John 10:10, 1 John 5:11-13) This ability to legitimately communicate with the spiritual environment highlights the reality and importance of eternal life for believers. This is because this spirit realm is the parent realm (the root of all things natural) from which all things originate. (John 1:1-5)
3. Which part or element of the nature of man is changed upon being "born again"?
Man is described as a three-part being: spirit, soul, and body. Upon being "born again," only the spirit is regenerated. The soul (mind, will, emotions) and body remain the same. The newly regenerated spirit becomes the "new dominant animating force" and "CEO," directing and guiding the individual's actions through the medium of the soul. However, in order for this new spiritual nature to effectively lead, the mind (part of the soul) must be actively "renewed." In other words, the structure of man still is and always will be under ‘soul’ management, but the spirit is now repositioned as the boss!
4. What does it mean to "renew your mind," and why is it crucial for a born-again believer?
"Renewing your mind" means transforming your way of thinking (your way of processing information) and changing your attitudes and ideals. It's a continuous process of reprogramming the mind (the "software") to align with the truth of what happens when one is born again. Without this renewal, even a regenerated spirit cannot effectively guide the soul and body, leading believers to act no different to non-believers and continue to be governed by old patterns, intellect, emotions and bodily passions. Romans 12:2 states: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation is essential for both understanding and operating in the new identity received in Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:14-16)
5. What are the implications of "being in Christ" and "being one spirit with Him"?
"Being in Christ" is once again, presented as one of the most important terms in scripture, signifying a deep union with Jesus. When one is born again, they become "one spirit with him" (1 Corinthians 6:17), meaning they are not mutually exclusive and separate but united as one, (John 17:20-23) much like a husband and wife become one in marriage. This union asserts that "as he (Christ) is, so are we in this life." (1 John 4:17). Consequently, everything that is true of Christ is also true of the believer, and everything Christ has, the believer also possesses. (John 15: 4-8) This profound identity means that the believer no longer has a sin nature, as it was dealt with through Christ's crucifixion. The believers' new righteous nature in Christ is one that they "didn't previously possess."
6. How does a born-again believer's prayer life change in light of their new identity and dominion?
A born-again believer's prayer life shifts significantly because they are now totally united with Christ and have presently received the "fullness of God." (Colossians 2:8-10) This understanding re-evaluates the purpose of prayer. Instead of constantly asking God for things (like healing or wisdom) as if God is distant or withholding, believers recognize that they already possess everything that they need through their union with Christ. The focus now shifts to accessing what they already have. (See the Apostle Paul's prayer in (Ephesians 1:16-21). For example, instead of asking for healing, a believer would "command" sickness to cease - understanding that healing has already been provided and paid for more than two thousand years ago - (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24) and that they have been given the right to execute God's authority to enforce this provision. (Luke 10:19, Mark 16:15-17) Similarly, for wisdom, the prayer becomes one of thanksgiving for the "mind of Christ" (1 Cor 2:9-16) already received at the newbirth, and simply asking for direction to access it. (1 John 2:20) The primary prayer becomes that required for seeking and manifesting the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness, trusting that all other needs will be provided for, much like an ambassador's needs are met by their government while they remain on official government business.
Audio Summay
Click the link below for a brief audio summary of
Session 2
🔈 Audio Summary: Session 2
_______________________________________
Scripture References
- John 1:14
- Romans 10:9
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- John 1:1-5
- Romans 12:2
- 1 Corinthians 2:14-16
- John 10:10
- 1 John 5:11-13
- John 15: 4-8
- 1 Corinthians 6:17
- 1 John 4:17
- John 17:20-23
- Colossians 2:8-10
- Ephesians 1:16-21
- Isaiah 53:5
- 1 Peter 2:24
- Luke 10:19
- Mark 16:15-17
- 1 Cor 2:9-16
- 1 Cor 2:9-16