As the title of this lesson suggests, \u201cBeing created is not enough.\u201d<\/em> In other words, there are other necessary steps for God’s creation to reach its full purpose. Let\u2019s explore these steps.<\/p>\n The first verse of the Bible sets the foundation for creation:<\/p>\n Genesis 1:1 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cIn the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Here, the Bible introduces the idea of God as the Creator <\/strong>the One who brought the universe into existence ex nihilo (from nothing). Yet, as we read further, we see that creation wasn’t immediately “complete” in the sense that we understand a fully functioning world. That\u2019s why the next verse clarifies:<\/p>\n Genesis 1:2a (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cNow the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n This state of formlessness and emptiness is what theologians call tohu wa-bohu<\/em> in Hebrew, meaning \u201cwaste and void.\u201d The world was in a chaotic, uninhabitable state. It was dark<\/em>, representing spiritual emptiness, a lack of God’s presence. But God did not leave the world in this state.<\/p>\n Two Divine Actions<\/strong> With these two divine actions the Spirit<\/em> and the Word <\/em>the creation begins to unfold in a purposeful and life-giving way.<\/p>\n John 1:1-5 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Here, John<\/strong> explicitly connects the “Word” (Greek: Logos<\/em>) with Jesus Christ. Jesus is not only the spoken Word but the eternal Logos, who was with God and who is<\/strong> God from the beginning. He was the agent through whom all things were created.<\/p>\n Jesus is the light<\/strong> that shines in the darkness, overcoming the darkness that we saw in Genesis. This light represents both the illumination of divine truth and the victory of life over the chaos and sin of the world.<\/p>\n What\u2019s significant here is that Jesus<\/strong>, as the eternal Word, is central to God\u2019s creative activity. This makes clear that any creation, whether physical or spiritual, is only truly complete when it is filled with His Word Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n Romans 8:9 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cYou, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n The Holy Spirit<\/strong> is not just a power or a force, but the third Person of the Trinity. He is the one who regenerates the believer, giving new life to our spirit. Paul emphasizes that if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ<\/strong>, they do not belong to Christ. Without the Spirit, one cannot be a true follower of Christ, and without the Word (Jesus), one cannot be fully aligned with God\u2019s purposes.<\/p>\n This is why Jesus speaks of being born again<\/strong> through the Spirit, in order to see and enter the kingdom of God (cf. John 3:5-6<\/strong>). The Holy Spirit is the One who brings us into a new relationship with God, making us partakers of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4<\/strong>).<\/p>\n John 3:3 (NKJV)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cJesus answered and said to him, \u2018Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Being \u201cborn again\u201d refers to the spiritual rebirth that occurs when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is essential because, through this spiritual rebirth, the believer receives forgiveness of sins<\/strong> and is made a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17<\/strong>). It is the Holy Spirit<\/strong> who performs this work of regeneration.<\/p>\n Without this rebirth, a person is spiritually dead, separated from God. The new creation is only possible when both the Word<\/strong> (Jesus Christ) and the Spirit<\/strong> are active within the believer. This is when a person becomes truly complete<\/strong> and able to bear the fruits of righteousness that God desires.<\/p>\n Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cFor it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n To be saved is a gift from God, offered freely through the grace of Jesus Christ. But salvation is not just about being created or receiving grace it is about receiving Jesus Christ<\/strong> as both Savior<\/strong> and Lord<\/strong>. As the Bible teaches, we must be born again<\/strong> through the Spirit and made complete in Christ.<\/p>\n The urgency of this message is clear we are living in the last days.<\/strong> Christ\u2019s return is imminent, and the world is heading toward its final conclusion. The question remains: Are you ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven?<\/strong> Where does your completeness stand before God?<\/p>\n Be blessed!<\/p>\n
\nGod then took two essential actions to bring creation to its intended purpose:<\/p>\n\n
\nThe Spirit of God<\/em> (Hebrew Ruach Elohim<\/em>) is not merely an abstract force but is the active, personal presence of God. The Spirit is often associated with life, renewal, and divine intervention (cf. Genesis 1:2b<\/strong>). In this instance, the Spirit begins the process of transformation.<\/li>\n
\nThe divine Word, as God\u2019s active expression, brings order and life. Genesis 1:3<\/strong> says, \u201cAnd God said, \u2018Let there be light,\u2019 and there was light.\u201d<\/em> The spoken Word of God is powerful and effective, bringing light out of darkness.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\nThe Importance of the Word and Spirit<\/h3>\n
\nHe was with God in the beginning.
\nThrough him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
\nIn him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
\nThe light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nThe Spirit of God and New Creation<\/h3>\n
\nWhy Being “Born Again” is Essential<\/h3>\n
\nConclusion: Salvation in Christ<\/h3>\n
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