What happens after the new birth? We live in an age of easy believe-ism, cheap grace, religious experience; where there is no biblical proof to say someone is a Christian. It’s not attendance, not baptism; Matthew 7:23 Jesus says “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” There are many who believe they are a Christian, but most are not. Do not be like Esau (Hebrews 12:15-17) immoral, godless, who refused to repent though he sought for it with tears. To come short of the grace of God means that you are not saved, not going to heaven. The cultural Christian moves from the objective (Word of God) to the subjective (“I think …”). The objective is sure and steadfast; what does the Bible have to say? 2 Corinthians 13:5 – take the self-diagnostic test - lest you fail the test, to see if you are in the faith, if Christ be in you. There is one way we know we are His – if we keep His commandments, if we desire to do His will (John 14:15). 2 Corinthians 5:17 says the believer is a new creature; God did something new that was not there before – on the inside of a true believer. God did it though Christ – if you are a new creature, you are radically changed. Are you really a Christian or are you just playing? If you are really a Christian, there is an impact, there are effects of salvation. Don’t be self-deceived. God rejected Esau because there was no place for repentance – even though he prayed, begged, wept for it. Ephesians 5:6-8 – let no one deceive you with empty words. Formerly you were darkness (depraved, lost, dead, self-righteous, darkest because you saw no need); now you are light (redeemed, regenerated new creature). Matthew 5:16 says let your light shine and reveal the effects and impact of the Gospel in your life.

Passages Discussed: Hebrews 12:15-17, Matthew 7:23, 2 Corinthians 13:5, 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 14:15

The Effects of the New Birth | Hebrews 12:15-17 | Bro. Glenn Graham | Sunday Morning Sermons | April 10, 2022