Birth and Growth Of A Christian

There are various theories among men as to how one becomes and continues to be a child of God. Some believe it is up to God alone. Others say it is part God and part man, but say some strange things regarding this.

The simplest way to look at this is to examine God’s word.

In 1 Peter 1 & 2 we are told what it takes to be born again and then how to grow.

“having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Pet. 1:23).

“as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2).

Simple. Right?

We are born again by the word. We grow by the word. This means we must hear the word, believe it, and follow it. Nothing mystical or magical about it.

So, what should we spend a great deal of time doing? Studying the word. Without diligent study, we will not know what to do or how to do it. Many who read this article are already children of God by their belief, repentance, confession, and baptism (Rom. 10:9, 10; Jn. 3:3-5; Acts 2:38). Being born again is just the beginning. A few elementary things are necessary to understand to be saved. However, there is much more to continuing as a faithful child of God.

Growth as a Christian should be a high priority. By our growth we are better able to withstand the temptations of the devil and the trials of life (Jas. 1:2-4). We also show a love, respect, and thankfulness to God. As we grow, we work out our own salvation helping to ensure our eternal home in heaven (Phil. 2:12; 2 Pet. 1:5-11). Why would we not give time and attention to growth?

When we fail to grow, we show disrespect to God. He commands us to do it and gives us all we need to accomplish it (2 Pet. 3:18; 1:3). Too, we will wither spiritually; becoming weaker and weaker and more vulnerable to Satan’s devices. In the end, we will lose our soul. So, why would we not expend the energy and effort to grow?

If you want to know what it takes to be born again, study the word. If you want to grow as a Christian, study the word. Do this, accept it, live by it, and you will have a home in heaven.