Counsel #8 — The New Birth

Picture: Counsel #8 — The New BirthCSL 98.1

Nicodemus, wrestling with life's most profound questions, sought Jesus under the darkness of night.^{[109]You can read the story in John 3:1-16} Sensing the deepest desires of Nicodemus' heart, Jesus skipped the polite formalities and cut straight to the core, declaring the necessity of spiritual rebirth. This radical transformation, a gift from the Holy Spirit, unites a believer with Christ, creating a new person inside us entirely. While the exact moment of this spiritual birth might be elusive, its reality is undeniable. The Holy Spirit molds and shapes us into God's likeness, gradually refining our character and conduct. The new person we become, the new life we live, is powerful proof to others of God's grace—and love, inspired by the Spirit, becomes the guiding force for our choices and actions.^{[110]https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/yet-not-i-but-through-christ-in-me/}CSL 98.2

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove your stubborn hearts and give you obedient hearts. Iwill put my Spirit in you. I will enable you to live by my laws, and you will obey my rules.” Ezekiel 36:26, 27 GWCSL 98.3

“Give all to [Christ]—your heart, your mind, your work. Give yourself to Him to obey all that He asks you to do. And you must take all. Take Christ, the blessed One, to live in your heart. Take Him to be your Strength, your Righteousness, and your Helper forever. He will give you power to obey.” Ellen White in Steps to Jesus, p.68CSL 98.4

Reflect: How do you see the Holy Spirit working in your life to shape your character and conduct?CSL 98.5