A Day-by-day devotional

February 4, 2023

Twin birth or Twin death?

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Exodus 28-29

Scripture of the Day: John 3:1-21

Growing up, I was fond of reading the children’s novel series Sweet Valley Twins as well as the detective series Bobbsey Twins. Reading both, I became fascinated by twins.

Biologically, we get to be born once and also leave this earth once when we die. However, spiritually, it is possible to experience what I would call “twin birth”. This kind of birth, however, does not involve two babies being born. What it involves is one person being born twice. In the biblical passage found in John 3, this was what confused the Pharisee Nicodemus when Jesus told him about being born again. Jesus then told him that no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit (John 3:5).

When you have decided to follow Jesus, it is because you believe that Jesus was sent by the Father and that it is in Him that we have eternal life (John 3:16). When you believe this and live a life in accordance to the will of the Father, by following His Son, Jesus, you get to experience a second birth. Your first birth is thus your physical birth; the second, your spiritual. On the very day that you first decided to give your life to God, and follow Jesus, you are birthed once more in the Spirit. In this way, you experience a “twin birth”. On the day that the Lord calls you home, you leave this world and die, but only once.

However, if you do not believe and refuse to acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God sent to save us, you do not become a follower of Jesus. Those who do not believe and accept Jesus within their lifetime, get to be born once. They are born into this world physically by their mother. When their time on earth is over, their physical body dies. That is their first death. They, however, would experience a second death if they passed away not believing and acknowledging Jesus as their Lord and Savior. This is because God made it a pre-requisite to salvation and eternal life. Hence, after their physical death, their spirit also withers away, with no hope for salvation (John 3:18).

Those who believe in God’s Son Jesus Christ and follow Him get to be born twice and die once. That is what I would call a “twin birth”. On the other hand, those who refuse to believe and acknowledge Jesus as Savior, get to be born once but die twice. That is what I would call “twin death”.

Reflection: Where do you prefer to be headed in life? Would you like to experience a twin birth or a twin death? This is a serious and hectic question that needs an honest answer and an urgent decision.

Prayer: Father, I know that I have sinned against you many times in my life. Forgive me. Jesus, I believe that you have died on the cross for my sins. I acknowledge you to be the Lord and Savior of my life. I turn my life to you from this moment on and ask you to help me follow you. Thank you for your sacrifice for me. Holy Spirit, guide me in the way that I should go. Amen.