Twice Born by Addie S. Bowen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 14, 1910

Twice Born

By Addie S. Bowen

ADDIE S. BOWEN

Jesus said, “Ye must be born again.” John 3:7. In order to see the kingdom of God, we must be born a second time. The first birth is independent of our will or choice; the second is entirely dependent upon our decided choice and will. God’s will is that all shall be born again, born from above, that they may see his kingdom; yet his arrangement is that each individual shall decide for immortal life or eternal death. God wills that every one shall have his own way in this question of supreme importance. He invites to a home of bliss; man accepts or refuses, and takes the consequences. Could there be real salvation, real happiness, in any other way?

We, when born from above, have a new life, a new spirit, the mind of Christ, and walk in newness of life. We also choose the will of the Father. We are new creatures, a “new creation,” and see something of the kingdom of God even now, in his works, in his ways of working. We have the beginning of life that will reach into the real kingdom of God when his plan is complete, even the eternal, everlasting life of which Jesus spoke in John 6:47, 54. If we have Christ abiding in us, if we are born with his life, his Spirit, and do not lose him out of our lives, we shall finally receive immortality when he comes. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” 1 John 5:12.

The Lord be praised that the privilege and right of choice has been given poor sinful mortals,—the choice to be born again,—and that the Son of God suffered death that we might have immortal life.

Bradford, Pa.