A Christmas Question
Christmas 2005
Gerry White

A child is born to us! A son is given to us!

Isaiah 9:6 (TEV)

Jesus Christ as human was born, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary.

Jesus Christ is God's Son, he is not born, but given, given by His Father before He created the world.

Jesus was not born in this world as God's Son, but he was sent or given. A child is born to Us! A son is given to Us!

Question 1. Is it so?

More than any fact established in history,

  1. The Son of God became man, was born at Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger.
  2. God has given his only begotten son to be the Savior of men.

The real issue is: is this child born to US? Is he given to US?

  • Do you have a personal interest in the child that was born at Bethlehem?
  • Do you know that He is your Savior?
  • Do you know that He has brought glad tidings to you?

If this child who now lies before your eyes of faith, wrapped in swaddling clothes, in Bethlehem's manger, is born to you, then you are born again.

For this child is not born to you unless you are born to this child. Everyone who has an interest in Christ, are in the fullness of time, by grace converted, quickened, and renewed. All the redeemed are not yet converted, but they will be.

Before the hour of your death, your nature will be changed, your sins will be washed away, and you will pass from death to life.

Only people who are born again can claim the babe in Bethlehem as being theirs.

Question: How can I know whether I am born again or not?

Inwardly

  • Has your life been effected by divine grace?
  • Are your loves the very opposite of what they were?
  • Do you hate the very things you once admired?
  • Do you seek after deeper levels of relationship with God?
  • Can you say that your desires have changed?
  • Do you long to be holy?

Outwardly

  • Do you think that others who look at you would be compelled to say, you are not what you used to be?
  • Do your friends notice a change?
  • Have your friends laughed at you because they see a change in your hypocrisy, holiness, or moral behaviors.

There must be an outward change of life or there is no change within.

Not only is your inward self altered and your outward self changed but the very root and principle of your life must become totally new.

When you are in sin, you live to self. But when you are renewed you live to God.

Question 2. Is this Son given to US?

If this son is given to you, you are a son yourself!

But to all who did accept him and believe in him he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:12 (NCV)

The Son of God is not mine to enjoy, to love, or to delight in, unless I am a son of God too!

Questions:

  • Do you trust God as your father, provider, and friend?
  • Do you cry out to God?
  • Does the Spirit bear witness with your spirit that you are born of God?
  • Do you enjoy the feeling of adoption?

If unto us a Son is given, then you are given to the Son!

Questions:

  • Are you given up to Christ?
  • Do you feel that you have nothing to live for but to glorify Christ?

If the Son of God is given to you, you will have consecrated yourself wholly to Him and you will feel his honor in your life’s purpose, that His glory is the one great desire of your panting spirit?

Repeat Questions

  1. If to me a child is born, then I have been born again
  2. If a Son has been given to me, then I am a son