Definition: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Explanation: Okay, letās break down this really important verse from 1 Peter 1:23. Itās a pretty profound statement about how we become Christians! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, it says that salvation isnāt just something you get ā itās a transformation that happens through faith. Letās unpack each part: āBeing born againā¦ā This is a big word! It means being reborn or renewed in your heart. Think of it like waking up to a new life, a new purpose. It's not just about a physical birth; it's a spiritual one. āā¦not of corruptible seedā¦ā āSeedā is like a tiny plant that grows from a beginning. "Corruptible" means something that is damaged or bad ā like a rotten tree. This part of the verse says this new life isnāt grown through anything that's flawed or impure. It doesnāt come from our own efforts, desires, or past mistakes. āā¦but of incorruptibleā¦ā āIncorruptibleā means that it canāt be damaged or broken by time, age, or hardship. Itās strong and enduring. āby the word of Godā¦ā This is crucial! It's because you receive this new life through faith ā through believing in Jesus Christ ā that you become a true Christian. The power to change comes from God himself. āā¦which liveth and abideth for ever.ā This is the really exciting part! āLivethā means lives or exists. "Abideth" means remains or continues. This phrase means that this new life ā your relationship with God ā continues forever . Itās not just a temporary feeling; it's a lasting, eternal connection. So, putting it all together: You become Christian through faith and receiving the message of Jesus Christ. This faith isn't based on something you do or feel; itās about being transformed by God's word and lasting forever in your relationship with Him. In a nutshell: It's a gift from God that will never end. Does this explanation make sense? Do you have any specific questions about this verse, like its connection to other Bible passages or its meaning for everyday life? Iām happy to delve deeper if you like!