My Father's Genes - Part X - Postamble

(As opposed to a Preamble? )

To literal-minded men like Nicodemus (and many of us), Jesus’ command to be “born again” posed a physical impossibility bringing into question the validity of the command itself. Other Biblical commands raise the same logical hurdles to our greater understanding (e.g., “it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (see I Peter 1:16. KJV) How is that possible?)

But if we agree that God does not command the impossible, it would then follow that our task is to apply the intellectual capacities He has so graciously given us so we can begin to understand and enjoy the goodness He intends for us in giving the command in the first place.

In this series, which we have called “My Father’s Genes” (and are now concluding), we have compared the human and spiritual facts of life. This in turn should enlarge our comprehension of what it really means to be born again and to serve, fellowship with, and worship our great and gracious Creator, Sustainer and Heavenly Father!

A quick review:
(Remember, because of the nature of most blogs to show the latest postings first, the series appears on the website in reverse sequence. To review Part I, e.g., and other original and succeeding parts, you will probably need to access the website archives.)

In PART I we suggested that a working knowledge of the science of human conception and birth will help clarify our understanding of Jesus’ command to be “born again”. As the series progressed, some important questions were posed to help frame the discussion.

PART II examined the Biblical connection between the “original” sinful nature of mankind and our common understanding of the propagation of this nature through the human birth process. The subject of human genetics is raised in conjunction with the possibility of the existence of spiritual genetics.

PART III delved deeply enough into the principles of genetics and DNA to equip us with sufficient working knowledge and understanding to progress into a discussion of the whole conception and birth process.

PARTS IV & V compare the rather astounding details of the “complexity of conception” to the simple yet complex act of being “born again”.

PART VI expanded our understanding of the extreme (to us) complexity of DNA. PART VII directed our thoughts to the concept that if we think and/or speak of God’s attributes as DNA, it may help us understand being “born again”. Just as human conception combines two people’s DNA to create a new and distinctive person still containing and reflecting the original DNA contributions, so being “born again” should reflect not only our DNA, but God’s as well.

PARTS VIII & IX clarify the differences between “Gifts of the Spirit” and “Fruit of the Spirit”. Perhaps a clear understanding of these will help us live the joyful “born again” life God wants for each of us.

Our challenge is to correctly prioritize the blending of our DNA with God’s. This blending will reflect God’s will as we give Him preeminence in every area of our lives. As John the Baptist correctly points out in John 3:27b-36 (especially v.30 - ASV), “He must increase, but I must decrease.”