Being Born Again Is Not An Option By Pete BriscoeSample

The Ultimate Do-Over

If you ever get a second chance in life for something you’ve got to go all the way. — Lance Armstrong

Remember when you were young and you were playing four-square or something like that? Someone hit the ball, you couldn’t tell whether it was in or out, and you argued about it, and finally someone would say, “Let’s just do a do-over!” It is as though the thing you just did never happened, and you get to do it all over again.

If we are born again, we are part of the ultimate “do-over” because we’ve been “regenerated.” Yeah, I know that sounds really theological and deep, but it’s really simple. The etymology of the word is this: The prefix re- means “to do something again;” generate means “to bring into existence.” So, put them together and “Presto!” You get a second beginning, new existence, an opportunity to do it over. 

And that’s a good thing, because the first go-around was a real mess: 

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. (Titus 3:3)

Yeah, I would say we needed the “ultimate do-over!” 

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7, NASB)

Is there anything better than a second chance?

Jesus, thank You for a second chance. By the power of Your Spirit, by the truth of Your Word, I want to make the most of the regeneration I have been given through You. Let me live in the truth of this regeneration. Let me live as a new creation in You! Amen!

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Reflection:

1. What do you think of when you hear the words “born again”?
2. Have you taken God up on the second chance He’s given you? 
3. Are you living in light of the regeneration you have in Christ?