Easter: If You Lacking These Traits as a Christian, You Should Reflect on Your Relationship with Christ

By David Oyedepo

Embracing a new life in Christ is more than just being part of a church; it’s about being incorporated into God’s family. Understanding this distinction is crucial. Anything not aligned with this divine lineage shouldn’t have a place in your life. Being born again joins you to God’s family, giving you His spiritual DNA (Ephesians 2:19).

New birth isn’t simply about charitable actions; it’s about dedicating your life to Christ. Many philanthropists who do not know God exist, but their generosity doesn’t guarantee salvation. It is important to remember that genuine belonging to God’s household is about more than just giving (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 13:3). It’s about living to please God continuously (Matthew 7:21-23).

What are the indications of being born again?

1. Signs of a transformed spirit: (Matthew 7:16-20; Luke 3:1-20).

2. Traits include: (Galatians 5:22-23) – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control. These qualities reveal a renewed spirit. The love of God thrives in anyone who is truly born again, so it’s vital to remain vigilant in your journey to ensure you are still rooted in Christ (1 John 2:15-17). A lack of God’s love raises doubts about your redemption (John 14:21). He rewards those who love Him (Psalm 112:1-3). A born-again person finds joy in obeying God’s commandments effortlessly.

3. A transformation occurs from within; new birth incites a genuine change that leads one to cherish God’s word. This is why it is said that all things become new.

4. We shift from darkness to light, characterized by (Romans 14:17) heavenly joy, overflowing glory (Ephesians 5;9, Acts 2:15-16).

5. Every born-again believer experiences peace with God (Romans 5:1; John 14:27; Philippians 4:7; Isaiah 9:6). This is why they are less susceptible to depression; the peace of God, surpassing all understanding, resides within them. The Prince of Peace dwells in them, and any fleeting troubles shouldn’t shake your faith; questions should lead to self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5). You must consider if the peace of God is manifesting in your life (Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 4:7).

I recall being asked if I face problems; I said perhaps I do not notice them. True peace is a vital sign of new birth. Acknowledge whether you genuinely have peace with God or if you are contentious with Him. My belief is that God’s plans are always for my good. Even in the face of death, I remain at peace. I was preaching about overcoming death when the spirit of death attempted to intimidate me, yet I stood firm in my faith.

If your life lacks the elements of love, peace, and righteousness described here, it’s crucial to reassess your standing as a Christian. Your spiritual DNA as God’s child is inherent, not something to be prayed for. True connection with God will expose transformative qualities within you (Exodus 14:14). God will fight your battles; this is the wonder of His peace. Anything born of God triumphs over the world (1 John 5:4).

Be mindful of the primary signs of new birth in your life (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Born-again individuals experience unspeakable joy (1 Peter 1:8). It’s a hallmark of salvation; we belong to a joyful family that laughs in the face of challenges (Psalm 2:4).

In this family, despair is replaced with laughter. This joy produces strength and resilience, as we meet difficulties with humor and faith (Psalm 2:1-4). I remember a time when my wife’s health was at risk, yet I found myself joyful and full of praise, unaffected by the surrounding circumstances.

People often carry the burdens of the world without being its creator—what causes them such distress?

When our youngest daughter was nearing the end of her life, I spun around in my office chair, determined to frustrate the enemy. With a smile, I said to Jesus, “There must be a way out,” and indeed, a way out appeared. The scripture, “He who sits in heaven shall laugh,” was vividly illustrated. If you are truly saved, depression should not be a part of your life. The concept of salvation today differs significantly from what it used to be. In the past, you could trust someone with your money and walk away, but now, you might need to follow them with an auditor or a checker. Where is the true salvation? Where is the evidence of your faith?

Many claim to be born again, yet they struggle to recall even one command from God’s word.

New birth illuminates the scriptures for the redeemed, and I share this with deep gratitude. I received salvation in 1969 and was baptized in the Holy Spirit in 1975; however, the foundational truths that built my faith came before my baptism. The Bible says, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” (Mark 4:17), which are parables to those who are outside.

Being born again grants access to the kingdom’s mysteries. The Holy Spirit enhances that access, but you still have fundamental access right from the start. Back in 1979, through the Holy Spirit’s revelation, I realized that “God is not slow” (2 Peter 3:9, Lamentations 3:27). To be sure of this, I prayed and told God that I would bear any burdens early in life, even at just 16 years old.

In 1970, I learned I had been redeemed as both a priest and a king, which made me evaluate my actions: Would a king present himself in such a manner? (Revelation 5:10).

By 1973, I came to understand that “no weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17), placing the responsibility of my protection in my own hands. If you are born again, God opens His word to you; if the scripture remains a mystery, you are still outside its truth.

In 1974, I encountered Jeremiah 17:11, which taught me not to take what isn’t mine, as it may shorten my life. I hadn’t yet received the Holy Spirit, but during a meeting at Wesley Gain Mission in Ilesha, a song expressing a desire for my life to be a melody moved me deeply. Last week, while singing it from memory after many years, I realized how profoundly impactful the message was. It all begins with opening your heart to Jesus. I had multiple experiences with the word before I was baptized in the Holy Spirit. The choice is yours: if your Bible feels foreign to you, seek to be born again and genuinely invite Jesus into your life. “Unless a man is born again, he cannot see,” and only those who are truly within can truly understand.

In John 3:3, the desire is expressed to see Jesus, emphasizing that the essence of being born again is fundamental, as one must be reborn to hold authority. Healing is a right for every child of God; health and wholeness are part of our new inheritance. As members of God’s family, we no longer bear hereditary illnesses since our healing has been paid for (Isaiah 53:5).

In Matthew 15:26, Jesus tells a woman that it is not appropriate to give the children’s bread to dogs, indicating that healing and well-being are meant for God’s children (3 John 1:2-4). God delights in our prosperity and health, having taken upon Himself our ailments (Matthew 8:17, Hebrews 4:17). We are encouraged to approach the throne of grace boldly to claim our healing when faced with challenges, as reflected in Matthew 6:9-11, which suggests that no sickness should last beyond a day, and there is a daily provision of healing from Jesus (Luke 11:3).

Healing is not merely a gift but a right of every believer, as we have been redeemed at a cost and must honor God in our bodies and spirits (1 Corinthians 6:20). There is a significant price in our lives that grants us access to healing, health, and vitality (1 Peter 2:24, Romans 6:4). Reflecting back to 1969, the speaker recounts experiencing tuberculosis and the isolation it brought. In a moment of desperation, they called out to God for healing, and their prayer was answered, showcasing the simplicity of faith that healing requires.

Notably, the speaker was filled with the Holy Spirit in 1975, but these healing events occurred in 1969—indicating that one does not have to wait for spiritual milestones to receive divine healing. In closing, it’s essential for those who feel secure to remain vigilant lest they stumble, as not everyone who left Egypt reached the promised land (1 Corinthians 10:13, 9:24). Life is a race, and we must run it with the goal of receiving the prize, as the finish line is still within sight.