In grace our Saviour God appeared,
to make his love for mankind clear.
‘Twas not for deeds that we had done,
but by his steadfast love alone,
he saved us through a second birth,
renewed us by the Spirit's work,
and poured him out upon us, too,
through Jesus Christ our Saviour true.
And so, made heirs by his own grace,
eternal life we now embrace.
the talk reminded us how full-on this was, it's like saying, "your whole life is a mistake, get back in your mother's womb."
we reminded of what new birth isn't:
born again ≠ hypocritical (cf politicians)
born again ≠ arrogance (how great i am to be called)
born again ≠ immorality, licentiousness (why not - i'm reborn)
but rather new birth is about true humility, living good lives as a response to the good, being submissive and obedient.
this means that we can live out this new birth anywhere, under any circumstances, whatever our status in life, whatever the political regime. not because of, but despite ourselves.
