Spiritual Regeneration-Part 5 Why Are We Regenerated?

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. 1Corinthians 15:20-23 (NKJV)

In Part 4 of this devotional series we learned Spiritual Regeneration happens by God through our acceptance of His Word containing the Gospel message, and the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

In this last part, I want to look at one last question I believe needs to be answered. 

Q:    Why are we Regenerated and saved?
A:    So we might become the Firstfruits of His Creatures.

We see this covered as well in James 1:18 where it says, "Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures."

Firstfruits are the first and best of the crops that were harvested.  And so James is saying "We" might be a kind of firstfruits of Jesus Christ.  This is the same thing Paul is referring to in his letter to the Corinthians when he speaks of house of Stephanas.

I urge you, brethren - you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints... 1Corinthians 16:15 (NKJV)

So, we are the firstfruits of God's Harvest of His creatures.  This is what happens when we are "Born Again" and regenerated - we become a "New Creation" in Christ Jesus.  

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Q:    If we are a "New Creation," then what specifically are we created for?

A:    To bring honor and glory to God through our actions - our good works

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

I want to be perfectly clear here - we don't go out and do an abundance of good works in an effort to attain salvation, or to somehow earn favor or rewards from God - He chose us because He foreknew us, and He has created us to do "Good works." God chose us, and He is transforming us by His Word.

• Our lives should be evidenced by this transformation.
• Our actions should be clearly different next week than they are this week.
• Our way of speaking should change.
• Our way of living should change.
• Our way of thinking should change.

There is an old story about Augustine (5th Century), being approached on the street by a former mistress shortly after his conversion to Christianity.  He ignored her while she continued to call out to him.  Surprised, the woman cried out, "Augustine, it is I."  (But Augustine, proceeding on his way, cried back to her, "Yes, I know, but it is not I."

Can we say the same thing today if someone came up to us on the street - someone who knew us prior to our salvation and regeneration?  If they recognized us from our past dealings, and called out to us, could we say, "It is not I?"  We need to ask ourselves, 

Q:    Have I changed?
Q:    Am I different from before?
Q:    Do I think differently?
Q:    Do I talk differently? 
Q:    What kind of fruit is coming from my life, and my actions? 

Hey Christian, I want to encourage you today to take a self-examination.  I am not asking you to see if your works are good enough to be saved or loved more by God - I am asking you to see if the fruit in your life lines up with the fruit in Jesus' life.  If it doesn't, ask God to show you areas where you need to lay things down.  Spend some time at the feet of Jesus.

STUDY QUESTION: According to the Scriptures contained within this devotional, what can we learn about ourselves after we have been Spiritually regenerated?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Can you see a continual difference in your spiritual walk or has it stopped progressing?

APPLICATION: Continue to seek the Lord each day and to spend time with Him.  Read you bible and apply what you know to be right.