Birth Through the Word (James 1:18)

- God chose to give us birth (new life, regeneration) through the word of truth (His Word, the proclamation of the gospel). "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God." 1 Peter 1:23
- It's God's desire/choice/will for us to be saved, born again, and have eternal life.
- The early Christians were called "firstfruits" because they were an indication that many more people would eventually be born again.
- This verse shows the ultimate "good and perfect gift" from God to us. We're reminded here that salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn. "For 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." Ephesians 2:8-9