Issue 1783 – Either Or – August 6, 2025
During a discussion on theology, I was asked if I believed that “conversion” to Christianity was a process or if it was a sudden event. My answer was yes.
“Now wait a minute,” my friend said. “I gave you an either or choice. It cannot be both.” Technically, both positions are correct.
You see, along the way, the Lord is preparing our hearts to be converted. That is done through people and circumstances in our lives that point us in His direction. It is that uncomfortable feeling that we need something more. It is the gradual realization that we cannot do it on our own. It is the prompting and calling of Holy Spirit, beckoning us towards salvation.
There comes a point in time when that process comes to a head, and we accept Jesus. Whatever your theology, be it Calvinist or Arminian, or something completely different, there comes a point where we cross the threshold and Christ becomes our Lord.
Just like birth, there is a moment of conception, a time of preparation, and finally the birth itself. The birth is sudden. Ladies, I know that two, six, twenty, or more hours of labor do not seem “sudden”, but I think you still understand the concept.
The birth itself is “sudden,” but the pre-birth process is protracted. You cannot have the birth without the process.
Jesus’ metaphor of being born again is an apt one. Not only are we literally reborn in spirit, but we have also undergone a spiritual birthing process.
No matter which way we look at the moment of conversion, whether you agree with my thoughts that the rebirth is both a process and a sudden thing, or not, the fact remains that we must be born again.
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:1-8
Why do I frequently come back to write about the need to be reborn? It is a foundational truth that everyone needs to hear, and many, even in the “Christian” world, still have not heard. They are pinning their hopes for salvation on other things.
They hold on to good works or being nice people to get them into heaven. They hope that by not being as “bad” as some others, they can skate by.
They cling to their baptism as a child or membership in a church as their hope. They pray that being religious is enough or that confession of their sins to a man will suffice.
Good intentions and sincerity are not enough. Belief that there is a God is not enough, even the demons believe in God. You need Jesus and you must have that rebirth.
Jesus is our only hope. Have you trusted Him in faith and been born again? If not, this is your call to do so.
Hallelu Yah,
Be blessed,
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”