Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. 1 Peter 1:23 KJV
Jesus called Peter to discipleship along with his brother Andrew. His name was Simon at the time but the Lord gave him a new name. In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks Simon Peter, “Who do you say I am? WEB” Simon Peter answered in Matthew 16:16, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. WEB”
We read Jesus’ response in Matthew 16:17-8 which says, “Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. WEB”
Jesus gave Simon the name “Cephas” in Aramaic which translates to “Petros” in Greek and Peter in English. The name means “rock.” Peter knew the incorruptible Word of God personally. He knew Christ’s faithfulness and love.
From Fearful to Fearless
Peter denied Christ three times in fear for his own life at the time of the crucifixion but after experiencing the risen Christ, Peter no longer feared death but fearlessly spread the Good News of the risen Christ until his own death.
Born again in Jesus Christ, Peter teaches the spiritual, incorruptible, eternal life that comes through faith in Christ. Unlike the corruptible seed that is the flesh, believers in Christ are reborn in the incorruptible Spirit of God, receiving eternal life.
Jesus says in John 3:7, “You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[ must be born again.’ WEB” As Paul teaches in Romans 8:10, “If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is alive because of righteousness. WEB
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for my salvation in Jesus Christ. Your word lives in me as I live in Christ. Guide me to serve your will. Help me to live in obedience to your word. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: He Poured Out His Soul
