In 2 Corinthians 4:4, the Bible reveals that certain individuals cannot grasp the glory, understanding, and truths of God because the Devil has blinded their minds. Examining the Greek word used for “blinded their minds,” we find the term “Noema.” This word, when analyzed, is another perspective – something resembling the truth that presents Satan’s distorted version of it. Jesus referred to the devil as the liar from the beginning, the father of lies (John 8:42-44).
Anything the devil utters should be scrutinized before acceptance. Imagine checking your wristwatch, seeing it’s 12 o’clock, and the devil asserts it’s also 12 o’clock—you need to verify it again. His penchant for distorting reality aims to ensnare us.
God’s principles revolve around obedience and aligning with His ways. According to John 14:6, Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Embracing Jesus as Lord and Savior, and living by God’s Word—this is the route to life – be it in the present or for eternity. This understanding remains unalterable. So, when the Devil appeared in the Garden of Eden, knowing he couldn’t directly influence God’s children—Adam, referred to as God’s son and friend in the Bible, Satan questioned the validity of God’s instructions, casting doubt on what God had said to them.
Satan’s cunning is evident in Ezekiel 28, where he is depicted as possessing more understanding than even Daniel, renowned for his excellent spirit. The Devil, described as wiser than Daniel in the King James Version, underscores his deceptive nature. To illustrate, consider the dialogue with Eve. The Devil distorted the truth about the tree and its fruit, enticing Eve with promises of wisdom and godlike stature. Eve, once the queen of the world, succumbed to these deceptive words. In essence, recognizing the devil’s deceptive tactics and validating information through God’s truth is crucial in displaying and maintaining true salvation.
Not double-checking what the serpent told Eve caused humanity to fall. Even today, we face troubles because someone didn’t fact-check and listened to the Devil instead of God’s word.
That’s where our problems started. And since it worked, the Devil keeps using it to derail us from practicing true salvation. Through his manipulation, some people think being born again means getting baptized as a baby and christened with a Biblical name like John. But that’s not right. Salvation is for grown-ups who know right from wrong – one who can see and admit they’ve done wrong, confess and choose to follow Jesus.
Acts 2:38 tells us to repent (admit our wrongs) and then get baptized. Getting the Holy Spirit comes after repentance and correct baptism in Jesus’ name. Repentance comes from a heart that knows it’s doing wrong and wants to choose what’s right. Acts 2:37 says people felt bad about their mistakes before repenting. So, a child who can’t talk or think can’t repent. A father can’t do it on behalf of the baby, neither can the officiating minister. There’s no grandson in His kingdom, only sons and daughters (John 1:12).
Individuals must decide for themselves; it’s a personal choice. Rahab chose to serve the God of the 2 spies ; same with Ruth. So, being born again is not for babies because they can’t understand or repent. Infant baptism is a misunderstanding—just a trick from the devil, giving a false sense of truth. It’s crucial to be born again correctly, with a conscious understanding of your past mistakes and a decision to drop them to follow Jesus.
Don’t think affiliation to a denomination can get you into heaven because there’s no denomination in heaven. Only Jesus matters there, not our labels or affiliations. Ephesians 4:7-14 mentions that ministry offices are meant to build Jesus in us, not denominations. The biggest denomination doesn’t qualify you for heaven; being born again and living for God in this world does.
Heaven is an individual journey. Oprah and Ruth had to choose whom to serve, in Ruth chapter 1. Ruth chose to follow God, and her choice gave her the privilege and honour to be in the lineage leading to Jesus. The choice to serve God has always been an individual decision, and it remains so. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Rom. 6:16)
John chapter 1:10-12 emphasizes that Jesus came to His own, but they didn’t receive Him.
Yet, those who receive Him and believe in His name become the sons of God. It’s not about church doctrines or infant baptism; it’s about coming to God as you are, asking Him to be your Lord and Savior, and starting the journey with Him.
Now, let’s talk about going to church. Some think being born again means attending a Pentecostal church where there’s healing and people speak in tongues. But for many, it’s more about following a trend, wanting to worship, and avoiding traditional churches labeled as old-fashioned. Remember, being born again is a personal choice, not just joining a church.
You don’t simply join the body of Christ; you’re born into it. This decision is yours alone, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11. It’s about feeling genuinely sorry for your mistakes, wanting to break free from sin, and choosing to follow Jesus.