1 peter 1:23 - having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.
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What does "1 peter 1:23" mean?
This verse, 1 Peter 1:23, speaks to the transformative power of the gospel and the nature of new birth in Christ. Let's break it down:
"Having been born again..." This refers to the experience of spiritual rebirth, also known as regeneration. It's a fundamental concept in Christian theology, signifying a radical transformation of a person's heart and spirit. It's not a physical birth, but a spiritual awakening and a new beginning.
"...not of corruptible seed..." This contrast sets up the nature of the new birth. "Corruptible seed" likely refers to human ancestry, genetic lineage, or anything that is temporary, perishable, and prone to decay. Our physical birth and earthly inheritance are subject to death and corruption. It also can represent the inherent sinfulness and decay of our old nature.
"...but of incorruptible..." This highlights the superior and eternal nature of the new birth. "Incorruptible seed" points to something lasting, imperishable, and free from decay.
"...through the word of God..." This identifies the source of the incorruptible seed: the Word of God. It is the gospel message, the truth about Jesus Christ, that brings about spiritual regeneration. When someone hears, understands, and believes the Word of God, specifically the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit uses that Word to create new life within them.
"...which lives and remains forever." This emphasizes the enduring quality of God's Word. It's not a fleeting or temporary thing, but an eternal reality. The Word of God is always active, powerful, and relevant, and its effect on those who are born again through it is permanent.
In essence, the verse conveys the following message:
Through the transformative power of the Gospel, Christians have experienced a new kind of birth, not based on anything perishable or inherently flawed in our earthly existence. Instead, this new birth comes from the eternal and life-giving Word of God, which creates in us a spiritual reality that lasts forever.
Here's a further elaboration:
Contrast with physical birth: The verse deliberately contrasts our physical birth (corruptible seed) with our spiritual birth (incorruptible seed). While physical birth brings us into the temporal, decaying world, spiritual birth brings us into the eternal, imperishable realm of God's kingdom.
Role of the Holy Spirit: While not explicitly stated, the role of the Holy Spirit is implied. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers the Word of God to bring about regeneration. He works in conjunction with the Word to convict, draw, and transform individuals.
Implications for believers: This verse provides assurance and encouragement to believers. It reminds them that their new life in Christ is not based on something fleeting or uncertain, but on the eternal and unchanging Word of God. This gives them hope, confidence, and motivation to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Transformation: The verse shows that this new birth creates a fundamental change in believers. It transforms their hearts, minds, and desires, leading them to a new way of living that is characterized by love, obedience, and a desire to please God.
Power of the Gospel: This emphasizes the active and powerful nature of the Gospel. It is not just a set of ideas or doctrines, but a life-changing force that can transform individuals and bring them into a relationship with God.
In short, 1 Peter 1:23 declares that Christians are born again, not through something that will decay and die, but through the powerful, eternal Word of God, which brings forth new and lasting life.
1 peter 1:23 - having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.
What does "1 peter 1:23" mean?
This verse, 1 Peter 1:23, speaks to the transformative power of the gospel and the nature of new birth in Christ. Let's break it down:
"Having been born again..." This refers to the experience of spiritual rebirth, also known as regeneration. It's a fundamental concept in Christian theology, signifying a radical transformation of a person's heart and spirit. It's not a physical birth, but a spiritual awakening and a new beginning.
"...not of corruptible seed..." This contrast sets up the nature of the new birth. "Corruptible seed" likely refers to human ancestry, genetic lineage, or anything that is temporary, perishable, and prone to decay. Our physical birth and earthly inheritance are subject to death and corruption. It also can represent the inherent sinfulness and decay of our old nature.
"...but of incorruptible..." This highlights the superior and eternal nature of the new birth. "Incorruptible seed" points to something lasting, imperishable, and free from decay.
"...through the word of God..." This identifies the source of the incorruptible seed: the Word of God. It is the gospel message, the truth about Jesus Christ, that brings about spiritual regeneration. When someone hears, understands, and believes the Word of God, specifically the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit uses that Word to create new life within them.
"...which lives and remains forever." This emphasizes the enduring quality of God's Word. It's not a fleeting or temporary thing, but an eternal reality. The Word of God is always active, powerful, and relevant, and its effect on those who are born again through it is permanent.
In essence, the verse conveys the following message:
Through the transformative power of the Gospel, Christians have experienced a new kind of birth, not based on anything perishable or inherently flawed in our earthly existence. Instead, this new birth comes from the eternal and life-giving Word of God, which creates in us a spiritual reality that lasts forever.
Here's a further elaboration:
Contrast with physical birth: The verse deliberately contrasts our physical birth (corruptible seed) with our spiritual birth (incorruptible seed). While physical birth brings us into the temporal, decaying world, spiritual birth brings us into the eternal, imperishable realm of God's kingdom.
Role of the Holy Spirit: While not explicitly stated, the role of the Holy Spirit is implied. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers the Word of God to bring about regeneration. He works in conjunction with the Word to convict, draw, and transform individuals.
Implications for believers: This verse provides assurance and encouragement to believers. It reminds them that their new life in Christ is not based on something fleeting or uncertain, but on the eternal and unchanging Word of God. This gives them hope, confidence, and motivation to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Transformation: The verse shows that this new birth creates a fundamental change in believers. It transforms their hearts, minds, and desires, leading them to a new way of living that is characterized by love, obedience, and a desire to please God.
Power of the Gospel: This emphasizes the active and powerful nature of the Gospel. It is not just a set of ideas or doctrines, but a life-changing force that can transform individuals and bring them into a relationship with God.
In short, 1 Peter 1:23 declares that Christians are born again, not through something that will decay and die, but through the powerful, eternal Word of God, which brings forth new and lasting life.