ACTS 9:10–19
Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again
(Acts 9:18a).
After Jesus’ appearance, Saul was blind for three days. On the third day, Ananias visited and laid hands on him. Something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see.
The imagery of receiving sight occurs other places in the New Testament as a symbol of the new birth. One such place is Mark 8:22–25. There we find a blind man being healed by Jesus. First Jesus spat on the man’s eyes and laid His hands on them, and the man said he could see people “like trees walking around.” Then Jesus put His hands on the man’s eyes again, and the man’s sight was fully restored.
This story is recorded primarily as history. It serves as an example of Jesus’ healing power and compassion. In addition, the story relates to rebirth in a special way. There is a difference in that while the healing took time and used the medium of spit, with rebirth the change is immediate and free of any secondary means.
After rebirth the new Christian experiences a type of progressive revelation. Just as the blind man was able to see better as time progressed, so are we better able to understand the things of God and grow in sanctification.
While rebirth is instantaneous and immediate, our spiritual growth proceeds over time and through means. Jesus left a number of means to help us focus on Him. One is the diligent and disciplined study of the Word of God. Another is spending time in prayer, because it also puts us in contact with Him.
The church is a powerful aid to Christians growth. Particularly important is spending time with more mature Christians who can show us how to live as new people. Also important are the sacraments because the body and blood of Jesus are presented to us in the Lord’s Supper.
The goal of rebirth is sanctified living. The goal of sanctified living is to see the ultimate sight—the face of God. As Paul tells us, “Now we see but a poor reflection; then we shall see face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12).
CORAM DEO
Jeremiah 1–2
2 Thessalonians 2
WEEKEND
Jeremiah 3–6
2 Thessalonians 3
As evangelicals, we often downplay the “means of grace.” Examine your use of these God-given gifts. Seek to develop the use of those which you have neglected and strengthen your dependence on those from which you have benefitted.
For further study: Colossians 1:3–14; Born Again series.
WEEKEND