A Birth Certificate From God

Not long ago I lost my billfold and all of its contents. It was simple to call the bank that issued me my credit card and ask them to cancel it. But when I went to get a new driver’s license, it took much more than a phone call. I had to produce three different documents – including my birth certificate. I was able to locate two of the documents with no difficulty. However my birth certificate was the most important of them all and was difficult to obtain.

But a birth certificate that says we are heaven-born and heaven-bound is certainly the most important document we will ever possess. In Psalm 87:6 we read that "The Lord will write in the register of the people this one was born in Zion" – referring to the community of believers – which for us, one day, will be Heaven.

One night, after dark, a religious leader named Nicodemus went to visit Jesus. As their conversation unfolded, he asked, “How can one get into heaven?” Jesus replied, "No one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again."

"Nicodemus," Jesus said, "your earthly birth record will not allow you to enter heaven. You need a birth certificate that will be issued by God!"

At birth, we are born into an “earthly family” because we have an “earthly father.” However, when we accept Christ as our Savior, we are born a “second time” – we are “born again” – and God becomes our “Heavenly Father.” Then we become a member of God’s family and enjoy the benefits and blessings God in store for us as our Heavenly Father. Jesus said, “I am the WAY” – the only way there is – to be born again, have a heavenly birth certificate, and have the honor of calling God our Heavenly Father.

Prayer:  Thank You, Lord, for wanting to be our Heavenly Father. Thank You for inviting us into Your Kingdom, and to become Your child - forever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:  Psalm 87:6 The Lord will write in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.”