THE GRACE OF THE SECOND BORN

There is power in being the second born.

Shalom! May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed.

The Bible declares that Israel is God’s firstborn son:

Exodus 4:22-23 (NKJV)

“Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Israel is My son, My firstborn. So I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me. But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn.”’”

If there is a firstborn, that naturally implies there is a second born.

According to Scripture, Israel was chosen as God’s firstborn nation. This means the other nations of the world—including us—are considered “second born” in comparison.

This explains why Israel was the first to receive God’s blessings and divine revelation. They were the first to know God and walk in His covenant. That privilege belonged to them because they were firstborn in God’s divine order.

Imagine younger siblings in a family complaining because their elder brother received everything first—the first to be nursed, clothed, or taught. It would seem immature for them to complain, right? A mature mind understands that it’s simply because the older sibling was born first.

Likewise, why did God choose Israel first and give them special favor?

The answer is clearly given in

Exodus 4:22:

“Israel is My son, My firstborn.”

Being firstborn means receiving the primary portion of inheritance, blessings, and responsibilities.

We, the Gentiles (non-Jewish nations), came later and have inherited many of the spiritual blessings originally given to Israel. That’s why we read the Old Testament—a book filled with the lives and stories of Israelites—to learn the ways of God.

But there’s a powerful secret revealed to us “second borns”—through the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Through Christ, a new kind of grace was released, not based on natural birth or heritage, but based on faith and spiritual rebirth. Those of us who were once considered not part of the inheritance have now been made heirs through Christ.

Ephesians 2:12-14 (NKJV)

“…that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.”

This is a grace we do not deserve. You and I were once excluded from God’s promises, yet through the Cross, we were adopted into His family.

This is divine favor beyond human reasoning!

A Revelation in Genesis 48: The Blessing of the Second Born

When Jacob (Israel) was blessing Joseph’s sons—Manasseh (the firstborn) and Ephraim (the second)—he crossed his hands, placing his right hand (symbol of authority and blessing) on Ephraim, the second born.

Genesis 48:14 (NIV)

“But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s head, though he was the younger…”

This act symbolized the mystery of the Cross, where God reversed the natural order to bless the second born—the Gentiles—through the sacrifice of His Son.

Just as Jacob crossed his arms, God also crossed the boundary between Jews and Gentiles at the Cross, and gave us—Gentiles—a double portion of grace.

Do You Still Ignore the Cross?

Are you still chasing money and earthly opportunities, while neglecting the hidden treasures found at the Cross?

The inheritance promised to the children of God is far greater than anything the world can offer:

A New Heaven and a New Earth.

1 Corinthians 2:9

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Revelation 21:4

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

This is the eternal destiny for all who receive Christ: a life of unending joy, peace, and fellowship with God.

Do Not Treat the Cross as Foolishness

1 Corinthians 1:18

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

If you are not saved, today is your day.

This is not about joining a new religion or denomination. Giving your life to Jesus is about entering into the covenant of grace offered through His sacrifice.

The grace of the Cross will not last forever. A day is coming when it will be too late to repent. That’s why God’s grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and live righteously.

If you are still living in sin—whether in fornication, adultery, homosexuality, abortion, drunkenness, theft, cursing, or indecent living—then you are not yet walking in that grace. You must enter in.

What Should You Do?

If your heart is ready today, make a wise decision.

Take a few moments to get alone before God, confess your sins to Him, and ask for His mercy. Repent sincerely—turn away from your past and determine never to go back to those sinful ways.

God is full of compassion and will forgive you if your repentance is genuine.

Next Step: Get Baptized

After repentance, do not delay—seek true baptism.

This is a crucial step. Jesus Himself was baptized, and He commanded all who believe in Him to do the same.

Be baptized in much water (immersion), in the name of Jesus Christ, which is the revealed name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38).

If you treat this step lightly, it may be a sign you haven’t fully repented.

Conclusion: Be Born Again

Through repentance, faith in Christ, and baptism, you will complete your salvation and become born again, just as the Scriptures teach.

Remember: we are living in the last days, and a time of great sorrow and judgment is approaching for those who reject Christ.

Hebrews 2:3