Category: Free will

Born again

Ruth Kirk

I am God, and not man; the Holy One within thee (Hosea 11:9; BST).

Introduction
This blog was given to me in a single moment yesterday morning, just as I began to pray. All I had to do was write it down, and copy out the Bible references. It starts with a familiar, wonderful, and mysterious passage from the Bible:

John 3:4-7; New Living Translation
There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”

Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’” (John 3:4-7; NLT).

Born again
So, when Jesus speaks of being “Born again”, what does he mean?

To be born again is to experience the reality of God within us, and to make the all-important decision to commit ourselves and our lives to God. This profound spiritual rebirth takes place through the action of the Holy Spirit.

Background
It is helpful to see this how transformational process takes place in the context of life’s complete trajectory:

  • From before conception to beyond death, we are forever indissolubly one with God.
  • God is present at conception, giving each fertilised egg the potential to develop into an individual person. God forms us, and remains within us, as our soul.
  • This means that God is already living within us at birth, and remains within us throughout our lives.
  • As we grow older, our bodies, minds and hearts develop, until we become ready, able, and willing, to seek God within ourselves.
  • When we encounter God personally, and choose to commit our lives to God, we are born again into a new life. This is when we receive the Holy Spirit as our inner Helper.
  • Our spiritual rebirth marks the beginning of our conscious relationship with God.
  • From this point onwards we have much to learn as we begin to follow Jesus, to change, develop, and grow more like him.
  • There are many pitfalls along the way, but as we try to follow Christ’s example, we can ask the Holy Spirit to help us.
  • When we die our bodies return to the earth’s raw elements, but our souls forever continue to find their home in oneness with God.

Conclusion
To be born again is the greatest blessing we can receive. It marks an essential stage in our personal relationship with God, as we make our spiritual journey from oceanic oneness with God, through this earthly life, and back to total unity once more.

The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7; NIV).

References

I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5; NLT).

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7; NLT).

We are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT).

Christ lives within you (Romans 8:10; NLT).

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you (Romans 8:11; NLT).

Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’ (When he said ‘living water,’ he was speaking of the Spirit who had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory) (John 7:39; NLT).

God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21; NLT).

We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ (Ephesians 4:15; NLT).

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26; NLT).

 

De-cluttering

Ruth Kirk

Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him (Philippians 3:8; NLT).

De-clutter the space
You call your home.

De-clutter your work,
Your rest, your play.

De-clutter your mind,
Your heart, your soul.

De-clutter your life
To reach your goal!

My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead (Philippians 3:10-11; CSB).

References

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light (Matthew 11:28-30; NLT).

Whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him (2 Corinthians 5:9; NLT).

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14; NIV).

Let love be your highest goal! (1 Corinthians 14:1; NLT).

 

Religion (with thanks to J.W.)

Ruth Kirk

Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about the differences between religions of all kinds, and personal spiritual development. A conversation a few days ago helped to focus my thinking, which crystallised yesterday morning to form today’s blog. So, here are some of the significant differences between religions and personal faith I have been shown so far:

Religions often generate rules people are required to follow in order to belong, whilst true faith is based on freedom.

Religious dogmas often aim to control people’s beliefs, thoughts and behaviour, but genuine spiritual support encourages exploration of self, others, and God.

Religious creeds often discourage ongoing, personal faith development. However, spiritual change and growth are fostered by respect, acceptance, understanding and love.

Denominations often result from human intolerance of different spiritual understandings and practices. Inclusiveness, on the other hand, creates genuine oneness with all people.

Religions are often imposed on people, but spiritual development grows organically out of personal experience, personal choice, and a personal relationship with God.

Finally, let’s remember that despite having infinite power over us:
God gives us all freedom of choice.
God gives us all the right to reject Her/Him.
God loves us all unconditionally, even when we do not return Her/His love.

He loves us with unfailing love (Psalm 117:2; NLT).

He is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked (Luke 6:35; NIV).

References 

This is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help (Isaiah 58:6-7; NLT).

Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: “I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.” For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners (Matthew 9:13; NLT).

I hate all your show and pretense – the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies (Amos 5:21; NLT).

The LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion (Isaiah 30:18; NLT).

 

God

Ruth Kirk

There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called into one hope when you were called. There is one Savior, one faith, one baptism, one God and Creator of all, who is over all, who works through all and is within all (Ephesians 4:4-6; TIB).

You are the God of all that is,
And all that is to come –
So, may we trust and serve you well,
And, may your will be done.

You are the God who longs to help,
And loves us all so much –
So, may we search for you, and find,
Then share, your gentle touch.

You are the God who makes us all,
And gives us life and breath –
So, may we see your face at last,
Beyond our life and death.

For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God] (1 Corinthians 13:12; AMP).

 

I’m nothing

Ruth Kirk

I am nothing at all (2 Corinthians 12:11; NLT).

I’m nothing,
Yet I love you, Lord;
I’m nothing,
Yet I sing.

I’m nothing,
Yet I follow you;
I’m nothing,
Yet I cling.

I’m nothing,
Yet I bear my cross;
I’m nothing,
Yet I pray.

I’m nothing,
Yet, my Lord, you are
My life, my truth,
My way.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6; NLT).

References

What is the price of five sparrows – two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them (Luke 12:6; NLT).

I am nothing but dust and ashes (Genesis 18:27; NIV).

I love you, Lord; you are my strength (Psalm 18:1; NLT).

I sing praise to you (Psalm 59:17; NIV).

I cling to you (Psalm 63:8; NIV).

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34; NLT).

 

Go inside

Ruth Kirk

When you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to God who is in that secret place (Matthew 6:6; TIV).

Go inside your body,
For God is found within.

Go inside, where Christ is,
Who sets us free from sin.

Go inside your breathing,
For it is God’s own soul.

Go inside your spirit,
Where you are strong and whole.

Go inside your darkness,
Where Christ shines like the sun.

Yes, go inside your darkness,
Where you and God are one.

Moses went into the darkness where God was (Exodus 20:21; BST).

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him (Philippians 3:8-9; NLT).

References

I am God, and not man; the Holy One within thee (Hosea 11:9; BST).

Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).

He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds (Titus 2:14; NLT).

Don’t you realise that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16; NLT).

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you (Romans 8:11; NLT).

The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7; KJV).

The person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him (1 Corinthians 6:17; NLT).

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it (John 1:5; NLT).

 

Yahweh

Ruth Kirk

Yahweh is one of my favourite names for God. This is because it is grammatically both feminine and masculine. If you would like to read more about the name Yahweh, here is a link to a short article called, “Writing about God”, which discusses the issue.

God said to Moses, “I am Yahweh” (Exodus 6:2; NLT).

Yahweh, we’re part of you,
And we are one with you.

Yahweh, you make us all,
And you sustain us all.

Yahweh, you cherish us,
And you give choice to us.

Yahweh, we come from you,
And we return to you.

Yahweh, you love us all,
And you can heal us all.

Yahweh, you long for us,
Yet you must wait for us.

The LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion (Isaiah 30:18; NLT).

 

What is hell?

Ruth Kirk

The LORD longs to be gracious to you (Isaiah 30:18; NIV).

Introduction
Over the centuries, many people have wondered what hell might be like, and how a loving God could condemn to eternal suffering anyone they have made. However, God does not send anyone to hell.

Judgement
As a Universalist Christian, I believe that after death we will stand before Christ, and judge ourselves, by looking at our lives through his eyes. We will be bitterly ashamed of all our wrongdoing, but we will be forgiven, and we will not be condemned to hell.

My evidence for this belief is as follows:

We must all stand before Christ to be judged (2 Corinthians 5:10; NLT).

 Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more” (John 8:10-11; NLT).

Hell
Hell is what we experience when we choose to separate ourselves from our Creator, the lender of our soul, the God who lives within us all, and with whom we are one. We can be in this hell of separation both after death, and during our time on earth.

Free will
God has given us all free will. This means that:

The LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion (Isaiah 30:18; NLT).

To me, this is one of the most significant verses in the Bible. It confirms that we can, indeed, choose to separate ourselves from God. Thus, we construct our own hell, by:

  • Not seeking God
  • Not believing in God
  • Actively rejecting God
  • Not recognising, or valuing, our oneness with God
  • Not understanding our oneness with all humanity, regardless of religion, race, skin-colour, sex, sexuality, age, education, wealth etc
  • Not grasping our oneness with the earth and the natural world
  • Not loving other people as ourselves
  • Rejecting Jesus as our teacher, example and Saviour

Gehenna
When we choose to reject our oneness with our Creator, whether during life, or after death, we essentially cast ourselves into Gehenna. This was the name of the Jerusalem rubbish tip, a place where child sacrifices had been made in the past, and where trash and the bodies of criminals were burned (ref: gotquestions.org). Jesus often used Gehenna as a metaphor for separation from God. Unfortunately, this word is often inaccurately translated as “hell”.

Conclusion
Hell is not a place. It is the state of choosing separation from God. When we make this choice, we live in hell during our lives, and beyond our death. As we have seen, everyone is free to choose separation from God, even though God loves us all, and is always waiting within us, longing to help us.

References

The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7; KJV).

Keep on seeking and you will find (Matthew 7:7; NLT).

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me (Jeremiah 29:13; NLT).

We are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT).

It doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? (1 Corinthians 6:19; NLT).

There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called into one hope when you were called. There is one Savior, one faith, one baptism, one God and Creator of all, who is over all, who works through all and is within all (Ephesians 4:4-6; TIV).

We shall see face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12; NIV).

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known (1 Corinthians 13:12; NIV).

There is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there (Luke 16:26; NLT).

 

Free will

Ruth Kirk

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life (Deuteronomy 30:19; NLT).

Introduction
Recently, with a very significant decision to make, I asked God, “Where do you want me to be?” Then God showed me very clearly that the choice is up to me, because God has given me free will.

Yahweh loves us all just the same, whatever decisions we make, and whatever path through life we take. We all have free will, and can choose our own way.

Oneness
The Bible teaches that we all come from oneness with God, and whatever choices we make, we all return to our Creator:

  • I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5; NLT).
  • The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7; KJV).
  • The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7; NIV).

After death, then, we will all be one with God again, just as we were before our birth.

Choices
Our origin and final destination remain the same, whether we go through life consciously choosing to relate to, or to reject, God. Either way, life is not an easy journey. Rather, it is our personal opportunity to seek our Creator, and to experience living in relationship with God. This is an entirely free choice.

Free will
If we choose to face life with God, rather than without, all we need do is to turn to God, and ask for help. Astonishingly, this is because:

The LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion (Isaiah 30:18; NLT)

Conclusion
Life is our opportunity to seek and find God, who wants us to experience true freedom. Through our moment-to-moment exercise of free will in God’s company we can learn, change and grow. This profoundly healing process is open to us all.

I am the LORD who heals you (Exodus 15:26; NLT).

References

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. (Luke 11:9; NLT).

If the Son sets you free, you are truly free (John 8:36; NLT).