Two Distinct Realms of Experience
In Day one of the 40 Days of Ascent, we observed that the twenty-fourth psalm describes two realms – the earth (Psalm 24:1-2) and the Hill of the Lord (Psalm 24:3). We also mentioned that while everyone born of a woman has access to the earth, not everyone on the earth has access to the Lord’s hill. Today we will examine two provisions for accessing the two worlds.
Two Distinct Ways to Life
In the book of John, chapter 1 (John 1:10-13), we see two distinct ways to access these two distinct worlds. Every man came into this world by birth. John calls it birth by natural descent, human decision, and a husband’s will. So we can say that we all have access to the earth by natural birth, which involves the decision of a man and a woman.
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:10-13
On the other hand, John describes that for those who receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior and master, the Lord gives them an additional right that transcends this earth, it is the right to become God’s own son and daughter. In a nutshell, they experience a new and second birth, not by a human being, but by God himself. That confers on them the status of new creation, with the supernatural life of God imparted into their hearts. They become bonafide members of the family of God and are granted the privilege of access to the hill of the Lord.
From Natural birth to Supernatural Birth
We came into this world because of the actions of our parents; also we have access to the realm of the Lord’s hill by the action of the Lord Jesus Christ, through his death and resurrection on our behalf. The father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to the earth to give us the life that we need to ascend His Hill. No one can have access to God without first receiving that Life that is in Christ Jesus. Jesus came to the earth to give all human beings unhindered access to the Father, but we all have a choice to embrace the offer or not. I really hope that you will receive God’s offer today if you have not.
The 40 Days of Ascent will be an impossible journey without first meeting this fundamental condition of experiencing the second birth, getting born by God. Your natural life cannot grant you access to God, you need the new and supernatural life that only God can give. If you have received that Life and experienced the second birth, I congratulate you. If you are yet to experience the second birth, you sure can do that right now.
Confessing the Lordship of Jesus
The book of Romans 10:6-10 tells us how to get born by God:
But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved (Romans 10:6-10).
All you need to do is confess the Name of Jesus and accept him into your heart as your Lord and Savior, and He will impart His life into your heart right away by His Spirit.
Receiving the New and Supernatural Life
Now it is your turn to act. Genuinely say these words to God:
Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus to confess my sins and to repent of them all. I ask You by the Blood of Jesus to forgive me, wash me, and cleanse me of all my sins. Today, I forsake my evil ways and ask You to come into my heart. I believe in You as my Saviour, that You died for my sins to redeem me and You rose from the dead to justify me before the Father. Therefore I am saved. I believe this with my heart and receive Your New Nature of Righteousness into my heart so that I am made right with You. I ask You, dear Lord to grant me Your Precious Holy Spirit and Baptize me with the Holy Ghost and Fire in the Name of Jesus. I make this confession with my mouth today by Faith; therefore I am totally saved in Jesus Name (AMEN). Thank you, Lord, for saving Me.
