Finding Authentic Faith in an Artificial World

The Word Made Flesh

The Apostle John understood this human longing for reality. In his first epistle, he writes with urgency about "the life that is real"—not a philosophical concept or religious theory, but a person he had encountered firsthand. John speaks of something "which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life."

Notice the emphasis on tangible experience. This wasn't hearsay or speculation. John had walked with Jesus, talked with Him, watched Him in action, and participated in His mission. The eternal life that was with the Father had been "manifested"—made visible, touchable, knowable.

How would God show humanity the kind of life He wants us to live? God is spirit—He has no body, no hands, no feet. While He revealed Himself through creation and through His written word, His most complete revelation came in Jesus Christ, the God-man. As Jesus told Philip, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father."

Jesus is called the Word of God because He reveals to us what our words reveal to others. Our words communicate our thoughts and feelings to people around us. Jesus communicates the heart, mind, and desires of Almighty God to us. He is the living means of communication between God and humanity. To know Him is to know God.

Born of God

John repeatedly emphasizes a phrase throughout his writings: "born of God." He first heard these words on a night when a religious leader named Nicodemus came to Jesus seeking answers. Jesus told him plainly: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Nicodemus was confused. How could someone be born twice? Jesus explained: "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

This is a real experience, not merely intellectual assent to certain facts. The new birth involves the implantation of a divine seed—the life of God placed within the believer. This seed, when watered and nurtured by God's Word, grows and transforms us from the inside out. We become more Christ-like in our thoughts, words, actions, and character.

Think of it like the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. The caterpillar lives one kind of life, but the butterfly represents something entirely new—a different way of existing, complete with wings and beauty. Similarly, when we are born of God, we become new creatures in Christ.

Two Families

Scripture reveals a stark reality: there are two kinds of children in the world—the children of God and the children of the devil. You cannot belong to both families simultaneously. You're either one or the other.

This doesn't mean that children of the devil are necessarily living in gross, obvious sin. They may be moral, kind, even religious. But without being born of God, they remain outside His family. That's why knowing whether you've been born of God is absolutely critical.

A person born of God has certain unmistakable characteristics. They do not practice sin—meaning they don't make sin a habit or lifestyle. They may occasionally stumble, but when they do, they quickly confess and repent because sin separates them from their Heavenly Father, and they cannot bear that separation.

Counterfeit Christians are common, much like counterfeit money. A fake ten-dollar bill might pass from person to person, doing apparent good along the way, until it finally reaches the bank where it's exposed and removed from circulation. Jesus warned that many will say in that day, "Lord, didn't we do miracles in Your name?" only to hear, "I never knew you."

This is why we must ask ourselves honestly: Am I truly born of God, or am I a counterfeit?

The Fruit of Authentic Faith

Being born of God produces tangible results in our lives. First, it brings us into fellowship with God and with other believers. As sinners, we had nothing in common with a holy God. But through Christ's sacrifice, the door has been flung open. We can come directly to God ourselves, repent of our sins, and receive forgiveness. We become partakers of the divine nature.

Second, this new life brings fullness of joy. The world promises joy through sin, but delivers only momentary pleasure followed by sorrow and emptiness. God's joy is eternal and cannot be taken away. In His presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Third, being born of God protects us from deception. In an age of lies and almost-lies, the Holy Spirit—the anointing within us—teaches us all things and helps us recognize truth from falsehood. We need this discernment desperately in a world offering substitute Christs, substitute salvation, and substitute scriptures.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, those born of God can know with certainty that they possess eternal life. No child of God should say "I think so" or "I hope so." We can know. This isn't arrogance; it's the confidence that comes from experiencing genuine transformation and maintaining an ongoing relationship with our Creator.

No Middle Ground

There's no middle ground in this matter. The life you're living is either real or it's not. You're either born of God or you're not. You're either part of His family or you remain outside it.

The real life begins with receiving this divine seed—being born of God. It continues through daily fellowship, walking with Him and growing in His likeness. This is authentic Christianity, far removed from mere religious activity or moral effort.

In a world of artificial everything, the life that is real stands out. It's marked by genuine transformation, consistent character, deep joy, and certain hope. It's not about shaking a preacher's hand, saying a prayer, or following religious rules. It's about receiving the life of God Himself and allowing that life to grow and flourish within you.

The question remains for each of us: Have I been born of God? Do I possess the life that is real?

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