1 Peter 1:23
Verse
Context
The Enduring Word
22Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Being born again - For being born of Abraham's seed will not avail to the entering of the kingdom of heaven. Not of corruptible seed - By no human generation, or earthly means; but of incorruptible - a Divine and heavenly principle which is not liable to decay, nor to be affected by the changes and chances to which all sublunary things are exposed. By the word of God - Δια λογου ζωντος Θεου· By the doctrine of the living God, which remaineth for ever; which doctrine shall never change, any more than the source shall whence it proceeds.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Christian brotherhood flows from our new birth of an imperishable seed, the abiding word of God. This is the consideration urged here to lead us to exercise brotherly love. As natural relationship gives rise to natural affection, so spiritual relationship gives rise to spiritual, and therefore abiding love, even as the seed from which it springs is abiding, not transitory as earthly things. of . . . of . . . by--"The word of God" is not the material of the spiritual new birth, but its mean or medium. By means of the word the man receives the incorruptible seed of the Holy Spirit, and so becomes one "born again": Joh 3:3-5, "born of water and the Spirit": as there is but one Greek article to the two nouns, the close connection of the sign and the grace, or new birth signified is implied. The word is the remote and anterior instrument; baptism, the proximate and sacramental instrument. The word is the instrument in relation to the individual; baptism, in relation to the Church as a society (Jam 1:18). We are born again of the Spirit, yet not without the use of means, but by the word of God. The word is not the beggeting principle itself, but only that by which it works: the vehicle of the mysterious germinating power [ALFORD]. which liveth and abideth for ever--It is because the Spirit of God accompanies it that the word carries in it the germ of life. They who are so born again live and abide for ever, in contrast to those who sow to the flesh. "The Gospel bears incorruptible fruits, not dead works, because it is itself incorruptible" [BENGEL]. The word is an eternal divine power. For though the voice or speech vanishes, there still remains the kernel, the truth comprehended in the voice. This sinks into the heart and is living; yea, it is God Himself. So God to Moses, Exo 4:12, "I will be with thy mouth" [LUTHER]. The life is in God, yet it is communicated to us through the word. "The Gospel shall never cease, though its ministry shall" [CALOVIUS]. The abiding resurrection glory is always connected with our regeneration by the Spirit. Regeneration beginning with renewing man's soul at the resurrection, passes on to the body, then to the whole world of nature.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Being born again,.... As they were of God, according to his abundant mercy, by the resurrection of Christ, to a lively hope of a glorious inheritance; as in Pe1 1:3 and therefore seeing they were brethren in a spiritual relation, they ought to love as brethren; being children of the same Father, belonging to the same family and household, having the same spirit, and the same nature and disposition, and being members one of another, and heirs of the same grace and glory; and not only so, but were taught of God their Father, in regeneration, to love one another: it became them highly, therefore, to exercise that grace, and particularly since they were born, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible; referring not to seed cast into the earth, which first corrupts and dies, and then is quickened, and rises, and brings forth fruit; but to human seed, and which the Jews call , "the filthy drop" (k); which is in itself corrupt, and is corrupted, and whereby the corruption of human nature is propagated; for whatsoever is born of the flesh is carnal and corrupt; and so the apostle has reference to the first birth, or natural generation of men, in which they are polluted and depraved, and confirms what the evangelist says, Joh 1:13 that regenerate persons are not "born of blood"; or become new creatures, and holy men, by their natural descent, or first birth, be it from whom it will; for all men are of one blood originally, and that is tainted with sin; nor by the will of fallen creatures, of corruptible men, themselves or others; but of water, and of the Spirit, of the grace of the Spirit of God, which is seed pure and incorruptible, having no mixture or taint of sin, nor any degree of pollution in it, and which remains so; nor can it be corrupted by all the wickedness there is in man's heart; nor by all the pollutions of the world, or temptations of Satan; and this seed is conveyed into the heart by the Spirit of God, in regeneration, and it contains all grace in it, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever; for the incorruptible seed, and the ever living and abiding word, are two distinct things; though interpreters generally confound them: and by "the word of God" is either meant the essential Word, the Lord Jesus Christ; who is concerned in regeneration as well as the Father and the Spirit; by whose resurrection, and in consequence of it, the elect of God are begotten again; and who, as the Word, is able to build up all the sanctified ones, and give them the inheritance they are born heirs unto: or the Gospel, the word of truth, which is made use of as a means of begetting souls again; and the rather, since it seems to be so interpreted, Pe1 1:25 the phrases, "which liveth and abideth forever", may be either read in connection only with "God", and as descriptive of him, who is the living God, is from everlasting to everlasting, in distinction from idols; and here added, to show that he can give power and efficacy to his word, to regenerate and quicken, and will continue to preserve and make it useful to all his saving purposes; so Jarchi explains the passage in Isa 40:8 after referred to, "the word of our God shall stand for ever", "because he lives and abides, and it is in his power to confirm it therefore it follows, "O Zion, that bringeth good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain"; for because he lives forever, this promise is published. Or else with the word of God, and is true both of Christ, and of the Gospel. Christ is the Word which lives; in him, as such, is life; he has life in himself as God, as man, and as Mediator; and is the author of life, natural, spiritual, and, eternal; and abides for ever in his person, without any change; and in his offices and grace, and righteousness; he abides a priest continually, has an unchangeable priesthood, and ever lives to make intercession, and of his kingdom there is no end: the same is said of the "Memra", or Word of God, in the Chaldee paraphrase on Hos 11:9 "I am God", "my word abideth for ever": compare Joh 12:34. The Gospel also may be said to live, in opposition to the law, which is the killing letter; and because it points out the way of life and salvation to sinners; and is a means of quickening dead sinners, and of ingenerating that faith by which men live on Christ; and of revealing to them that righteousness which is unto justification of life; and of supporting and maintaining spiritual life in them; and of reviving drooping saints; the Syriac version renders it, "the living Word of God": and it remains, and will abide; all its promises, blessings, doctrines, and ordinances, are lasting; it will continue in the world until all the elect of God are gathered in, until the second coming of Christ, and to the end of the world; notwithstanding all the persecutions of men, and cunning, craft of false teachers, and all the ridicule and contempt it is treated with by mockers and scoffers: and will abide in the effects of it, in the hearts of the saints, to all eternity, (k) Pirke Abot, c. 3. sect. 1. & Bartenora in ib. Zohar in Exod. fol. 62. 1. & 78. 2.
1 Peter 1:23
The Enduring Word
22Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 3): Begotten Again Unto a Living Hope
By A.W. Tozer14K31:30Living HopeEZK 36:28JHN 1:122CO 5:171PE 1:31PE 1:23In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a young lady eagerly preparing for a long-awaited reunion with her loved one. However, unbeknownst to her, the ship he was on has sunk, and he is now floating lifeless in the sea. The preacher then discusses his preaching style, which focuses on uncovering the principles behind the text rather than simply preaching the words. He emphasizes the importance of supernatural grace and the miracles that are at the core of the Christian faith. The preacher also shares a story of a preacher who was forced out of a missionary society for emphasizing supernatural grace and the unexplainable experiences that believers have in Christ.
Faith to Leave the Gas Station
By Major Ian Thomas12K50:13FaithROM 3:202CO 5:19PHP 2:12JAS 1:171PE 1:231PE 1:25In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of how he came to have faith in God. He emphasizes the importance of mixing the truth of God's word with faith in order to experience its transformative power. The speaker explains that teaching alone is not enough, but preaching is necessary to exhort individuals to apply their faith to the truths they have learned. Ultimately, the sermon encourages listeners to obey the truth of God's word and experience the abundant life that comes from a relationship with Him.
Ye Must Be Born Again - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill10K46:04Born AgainObedience to GodRegenerationJHN 1:12JHN 3:3JHN 14:6ROM 8:92CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:8TIT 3:51PE 1:231JN 5:12Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of being born again, arguing that mere morality is insufficient for true spiritual transformation. He critiques the modern church's focus on superficiality and calls for a deeper understanding of biblical regeneration, highlighting that true Christianity is about receiving Christ into one's life rather than just adhering to moral standards. Ravenhill illustrates his points with historical references and personal anecdotes, stressing that the essence of salvation is a radical change of heart and life, which is only possible through the Holy Spirit. He urges believers to seek a genuine baptism of obedience and to recognize the urgency of the gospel message in a world increasingly detached from God.
(Basics) 11. God's Word Helps Us Overcome Satan
By Zac Poonen7.9K12:51CondemnationMAT 4:4MAT 4:7EPH 6:17HEB 8:121PE 1:231PE 2:21JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and believing in the forgiveness and acceptance offered by God through Jesus Christ. He explains that God not only forgives our sins but also declares us righteous, justifying us through faith. The preacher uses the analogy of being accused of a crime and being forgiven by a judge, highlighting that God does not remember our sins and does not view us with shame or condemnation. He encourages believers to combat the attacks of Satan by using the weapon of God's word, which is compared to a seed that brings new life, milk that helps us grow, and a sword to fight against spiritual enemies.
(Basics) 10. God's Word Is Our Food
By Zac Poonen7.1K13:11GEN 1:2GEN 1:312CO 4:161PE 1:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to the word of God. He refers to Genesis chapter 1, where the earth responded to the word of God and something happened. The speaker explains that if Christians respond to the word of God by accepting, believing, and obeying it, their lives will be transformed. He highlights that God works in our lives slowly, day by day, to remove chaos and shapelessness, and to make us more like Christ. The speaker also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit and the word of God working together to bring about change.
Americas Only Hope
By Keith Daniel5.0K1:19:36Revival Praying2CH 7:14MAT 18:3JHN 3:3JHN 3:7ACT 3:19ACT 17:301PE 1:23In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep concern and sorrow for the state of the country and the erosion of freedom of speech. He recounts a powerful experience where he witnessed a building burning down after praying for it to happen. The preacher also shares his burden for the land and his own family, acknowledging the absence of a father figure in their lives. He describes a disturbing scene in a large church where evil music was playing and people were dancing, prompting him to pray for God to intervene. The sermon emphasizes the need for self-respect and the consequences of disregarding it.
Witness of the Spirit - Part 1
By Paris Reidhead4.3K28:28Witness Of The SpiritAssurance of SalvationJOB 32:8JHN 3:16JHN 3:24ROM 8:162CO 5:17GAL 4:4EPH 2:11PE 1:231JN 4:131JN 5:10Paris Reidhead emphasizes the significance of the witness of the Spirit in confirming one's relationship with God, drawing from John 3, 4, and 5 to illustrate how the Spirit assures believers of their eternal life. He stresses that true assurance comes from the Holy Spirit's testimony within us, rather than from external affirmations or mere profession of faith. Reidhead recounts personal experiences and historical insights, particularly from John Wesley, to highlight the importance of understanding the inner workings of the Spirit in awakening, convicting, and regenerating the human spirit. He encourages believers to guide those uncertain of their faith to seek the Spirit's confirmation through God's Word. Ultimately, the sermon underscores that only the Holy Spirit has the authority to affirm one's status as a child of God.
Gods Abundant Mercy
By A.W. Tozer3.2K37:59Mercy Of GodMAT 28:6ROM 8:14EPH 1:31PE 1:31PE 1:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding God's mercy. He shares a story about a missionary disciplining a young convert who repeatedly broke the rules. The missionary humorously compares their forgiveness to a bottle that is almost empty. The preacher then transitions to a story about an artist hiring a man to pose for a painting, but the man spends his money on improving his appearance instead. The sermon concludes with the preacher encouraging honesty in prayer and reminding listeners of the mercy of the Lord.
(Genesis) Genesis 24:36-49
By J. Vernon McGee2.8K03:20GenesisGEN 24:36ROM 8:172CO 5:171PE 1:23In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham's servant finding a bride for Isaac. The servant is sent by Abraham to find a wife for his son, and he prays to God for guidance. At the well, he meets Rebecca, who not only offers him water but also offers to give water to his camels. The servant recognizes that Rebecca is the chosen bride for Isaac and blesses the Lord for leading him to her. The preacher emphasizes that God calls sinners to be transformed and become children of God, just as Rebecca was chosen to be Isaac's wife.
A Word of Reconciliation, Participation, Emancipation
By Major Ian Thomas2.7K44:37ReconciliationJHN 14:62CO 5:172CO 5:19PHP 2:12HEB 4:21PE 1:231PE 1:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and embracing the truth. He highlights that while people may argue about untruth, they cannot argue about the truth. The preacher quotes John 8:30, where Jesus declares that those who continue in his word will know the truth and be set free. He uses the analogy of a glove to illustrate how believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and empowered to live a life that is possible through Christ. The preacher concludes by inviting the audience to receive God's forgiveness and embrace the truth through a simple prayer.
(Christ—the Way God Makes Man Righteous) 3. the Fallen State of Man
By Denny Kenaston2.3K1:08:51Fallen ManMAT 3:11JHN 3:3ROM 12:22CO 5:17EPH 2:8TIT 3:51PE 1:23In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of reading and studying the Bible. He assigns the audience to read specific chapters in the book of Romans and encourages them to memorize the word "regeneration" as it relates to the doctrine of salvation. The speaker also shares a personal experience of visiting a museum and being impressed by the acoustics of the building, which made him reflect on the power of preaching without the need for a PA system. He then delves into the concept of the fall of man and how it changed human nature, leading to self-centeredness and independence. The speaker emphasizes the significance of recognizing this change and the need for redemption through Jesus Christ.
The Singular Origin of a Christian Man
By C.H. Spurgeon2.0K47:37PSA 33:9ISA 40:13JHN 1:12JHN 3:8EPH 2:10HEB 10:241PE 1:23The sermon transcript discusses the concept of man as God's workmanship, both in the initial creation and in the process of being created anew. The speaker emphasizes the marvels of grace that have been wrought upon humanity, despite their sinful nature. The importance of labor and toil is highlighted, as it is seen as a necessary part of life and a means to earn one's daily bread. The sermon concludes with the assurance that God will continue to work on humanity with His power, long-suffering, and wisdom until they are perfected and complete.
Assurance of Salvation
By Emanuel Esh2.0K1:17:26AssuranceISA 1:18MAT 6:33JHN 1:12ROM 3:23ROM 6:231PE 1:231JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a prepared heart to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. He acknowledges that while some young people may be ready and open to believe in Jesus, others may not yet understand that they are lost and in need of salvation. The preacher explains that there are three key things that must be understood and accepted in order to be saved. He also highlights the parable of the sower, illustrating how different types of hearts can either receive or reject the gospel message. Ultimately, the preacher emphasizes the need for a prepared heart to bear lasting fruit in one's faith.
(Following the Footsteps of Christ) With Nicodemus at Night
By Willie Mullan1.9K1:10:06NicodemusISA 61:1JHN 4:7EPH 5:251PE 1:231PE 1:25In this sermon, the preacher describes a wicked and cruel man who imprisoned God's servants and put them in darkness. However, an earthquake later occurred, freeing the prisoners. The man, thinking they had escaped, was about to kill himself but discovered that all the prisoners were still there. This event made him realize that there is a guard who is not prepared for him. The preacher then goes on to explain the importance of the gospel and how Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. He emphasizes the need for belief in Jesus and confessing with one's mouth to be saved. The preacher also mentions the concept of being born again, as described by Peter in the Bible.
The Saved Jew Blesses His Merciful God
By Willie Mullan1.6K1:22:42MercyMAT 6:33LUK 20:1LUK 20:20TIT 3:1TIT 3:31PE 1:231PE 1:25In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing a conversation he had with someone about believers' baptism. He takes his time to explain every text in the New Testament that supports this belief. The speaker challenges the other person to show him where their belief in infant baptism is written in the Bible. He then transitions to discussing a passage from the book of Luke about the parable of the vineyard and the wicked husbandmen. The sermon concludes with a call to praise the Lord for His goodness and blessings.
Teach Us to Number Our Days Part 2
By Keith Daniel1.5K31:10PSA 95:7ISA 55:6JHN 3:3JHN 3:16ROM 10:132CO 6:2HEB 3:151PE 1:23This sermon emphasizes the crucial message of being born again, as illustrated through the encounter of Nicodemus with Jesus in John 3. It highlights the necessity of a spiritual rebirth, the urgency of responding to God's call for salvation, and the eternal consequences of rejecting Christ. The preacher passionately urges the audience to seek God while they are still young and emphasizes the importance of making a decision to follow Christ without delay.
Reaching the Nations for Christ
By John Hwang1.4K54:15MissionsMAT 6:33ROM 10:141CO 1:181TH 2:11TH 2:142TI 4:11PE 1:23In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the importance of a strong introduction in preaching. However, he admits that he will ignore this rule for the sake of delivering a meaningful message. He then turns to the book of 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 and highlights practical lessons from the missionary example of the Apostle Paul. The speaker emphasizes the call to reach the nations for Christ and quotes Romans 10:14-15 to emphasize the importance of verbal preaching in sharing the gospel. He also mentions the significance of lifestyle evangelism, but emphasizes that speaking the gospel is essential.
16 Vital Facets of the Word of God
By Keith Daniel1.4K1:27:00PSA 119:9PRO 14:13ROM 15:42TI 3:15HEB 11:331PE 1:23This sermon emphasizes the vital facets of the Bible, highlighting its role as the source of salvation, the evidence of true faith, the moral compass, and the means of spiritual growth, renewal, and survival. It delves into the importance of soaking oneself in the Word of God daily to combat backsliding, resist evil influences, and navigate life safely. The sermon also underscores the power of God's promises in testing and strengthening one's faith, offering hope, comfort, and courage in times of trial.
John 3:1
By Worth Ellis1.4K42:45JHN 1:12JHN 3:1JHN 3:3TIT 3:5JAS 1:181PE 1:231PE 2:2In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man who was concerned about his protege and wanted to see if he had changed. The man searched for his protege and found tracks that led him to a pig pen. The preacher emphasizes that the man found the pig in the pig pen because that which is pig is pig. The message of the sermon is that no matter how much you try to clean up or join someone to a church, if their nature is still sinful, they will remain unchanged.
Zion
By Milton Green1.4K04:56MAT 6:33JHN 8:32JHN 14:6ROM 3:23EPH 4:152TI 3:161PE 1:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and having a genuine love for the truth. He warns against relying on religious traditions and doctrines that do not align with God's word. The preacher also highlights the role of the powers of darkness in promoting teachings that do not conform to godliness. He emphasizes the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, which provides a place for repentance and forgiveness of sins. The sermon emphasizes the need to turn away from criticism, hatred, and worldly practices, and instead, focus on the blood of Jesus for healing and transformation.
Robert Murray Mccheyne - Saintly Pastor of Dundee (Famous Saints #1)
By Stephen Hamilton1.3K57:10Robert Murray McCheynePSA 27:8MAT 6:33JHN 9:4ACT 16:141CO 2:2JAS 1:211PE 1:23The video is a sermon transcript about the preaching of the word of God by Robert Murray McShane. The main focus of the sermon is on John chapter 9 verse 4, where Jesus says, "I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." McShane's life and ministry were marked by this verse, as he emphasized the importance of living in a way that would be missed at one's departure. After only two years of ministry, McShane's health began to fail, and he eventually passed away. Despite his short time in ministry, McShane's intellect and dedication to studying the Bible were evident, and he left a lasting impact on both the town and the church.
8 Reasons to Be Committed to God's Word
By Don Allen1.2K47:42Bible ReadingEXO 20:6JOS 1:8DAN 9:4JHN 14:212TI 4:21PE 1:231JN 5:2In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fast-paced and distracted nature of the current generation, with the presence of technology like cell phones and personal computers. The speaker emphasizes the importance of slowing down and meditating on God's Word, which is described as living and active. The sermon highlights the character of God as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving kindness, who forgives sin. The speaker emphasizes the significance of the Scriptures in getting to know God and the importance of personally entrusting one's life to Jesus Christ for eternal life.
The Priority of Regeneration Part 2
By John Murray1.2K47:13RegenerationJHN 3:3ROM 8:282CO 5:17EPH 1:20TIT 3:5JAS 1:181PE 1:23In this sermon, the speaker discusses the relationship between regeneration and responsibility in the context of the preaching of the word of God. The speaker emphasizes that our belief or knowledge of being regenerated should not be the basis for our actions, but rather the rule of God should guide our actions. The speaker also highlights that regeneration and responsibility are not mutually exclusive, and that we should not delay repentance and belief until we are regenerated. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding regeneration in both a restrictive and inclusive sense, as outlined in specific passages of the Bible.
Awaken the Time Is Short: China and the End-Times
By David Demian1.0K23:49ChinaZEC 4:6MAT 6:33JHN 15:5ROM 12:12CO 5:171PE 1:23REV 21:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not only proclaiming the need for Christ for eternal life, but also the need for transformation in our minds, hearts, and emotions. The speaker urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices and be transformed by the renewing of their minds. They highlight the increasing speed of revelation and the need to continually enroll oneself in the process of transformation. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of a pure seed, which will lead to the downloading of God's kingdom principles and the transformation of individuals and ultimately nations.
Christian Growth
By Roger Ellsworth81131:05GrowthMAT 6:33LUK 24:25JHN 3:3HEB 2:161PE 1:231PE 2:22PE 3:18In this sermon, the pastor discusses the desire for growth in the Christian faith. He emphasizes that believers are not saved to simply consume religious teachings, but to serve and advance the kingdom of Jesus Christ. He encourages those who may not be able to be as active in church ministry to devote more time to prayer. The pastor also compares physical birth to spiritual birth, highlighting the manifestation of new life in a believer's actions and lifestyle. He concludes by acknowledging the vastness and incomprehensibility of salvation, stating that even with unlimited time and resources, it would be impossible to fully grasp its glory and wonder.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Being born again - For being born of Abraham's seed will not avail to the entering of the kingdom of heaven. Not of corruptible seed - By no human generation, or earthly means; but of incorruptible - a Divine and heavenly principle which is not liable to decay, nor to be affected by the changes and chances to which all sublunary things are exposed. By the word of God - Δια λογου ζωντος Θεου· By the doctrine of the living God, which remaineth for ever; which doctrine shall never change, any more than the source shall whence it proceeds.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Christian brotherhood flows from our new birth of an imperishable seed, the abiding word of God. This is the consideration urged here to lead us to exercise brotherly love. As natural relationship gives rise to natural affection, so spiritual relationship gives rise to spiritual, and therefore abiding love, even as the seed from which it springs is abiding, not transitory as earthly things. of . . . of . . . by--"The word of God" is not the material of the spiritual new birth, but its mean or medium. By means of the word the man receives the incorruptible seed of the Holy Spirit, and so becomes one "born again": Joh 3:3-5, "born of water and the Spirit": as there is but one Greek article to the two nouns, the close connection of the sign and the grace, or new birth signified is implied. The word is the remote and anterior instrument; baptism, the proximate and sacramental instrument. The word is the instrument in relation to the individual; baptism, in relation to the Church as a society (Jam 1:18). We are born again of the Spirit, yet not without the use of means, but by the word of God. The word is not the beggeting principle itself, but only that by which it works: the vehicle of the mysterious germinating power [ALFORD]. which liveth and abideth for ever--It is because the Spirit of God accompanies it that the word carries in it the germ of life. They who are so born again live and abide for ever, in contrast to those who sow to the flesh. "The Gospel bears incorruptible fruits, not dead works, because it is itself incorruptible" [BENGEL]. The word is an eternal divine power. For though the voice or speech vanishes, there still remains the kernel, the truth comprehended in the voice. This sinks into the heart and is living; yea, it is God Himself. So God to Moses, Exo 4:12, "I will be with thy mouth" [LUTHER]. The life is in God, yet it is communicated to us through the word. "The Gospel shall never cease, though its ministry shall" [CALOVIUS]. The abiding resurrection glory is always connected with our regeneration by the Spirit. Regeneration beginning with renewing man's soul at the resurrection, passes on to the body, then to the whole world of nature.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Being born again,.... As they were of God, according to his abundant mercy, by the resurrection of Christ, to a lively hope of a glorious inheritance; as in Pe1 1:3 and therefore seeing they were brethren in a spiritual relation, they ought to love as brethren; being children of the same Father, belonging to the same family and household, having the same spirit, and the same nature and disposition, and being members one of another, and heirs of the same grace and glory; and not only so, but were taught of God their Father, in regeneration, to love one another: it became them highly, therefore, to exercise that grace, and particularly since they were born, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible; referring not to seed cast into the earth, which first corrupts and dies, and then is quickened, and rises, and brings forth fruit; but to human seed, and which the Jews call , "the filthy drop" (k); which is in itself corrupt, and is corrupted, and whereby the corruption of human nature is propagated; for whatsoever is born of the flesh is carnal and corrupt; and so the apostle has reference to the first birth, or natural generation of men, in which they are polluted and depraved, and confirms what the evangelist says, Joh 1:13 that regenerate persons are not "born of blood"; or become new creatures, and holy men, by their natural descent, or first birth, be it from whom it will; for all men are of one blood originally, and that is tainted with sin; nor by the will of fallen creatures, of corruptible men, themselves or others; but of water, and of the Spirit, of the grace of the Spirit of God, which is seed pure and incorruptible, having no mixture or taint of sin, nor any degree of pollution in it, and which remains so; nor can it be corrupted by all the wickedness there is in man's heart; nor by all the pollutions of the world, or temptations of Satan; and this seed is conveyed into the heart by the Spirit of God, in regeneration, and it contains all grace in it, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever; for the incorruptible seed, and the ever living and abiding word, are two distinct things; though interpreters generally confound them: and by "the word of God" is either meant the essential Word, the Lord Jesus Christ; who is concerned in regeneration as well as the Father and the Spirit; by whose resurrection, and in consequence of it, the elect of God are begotten again; and who, as the Word, is able to build up all the sanctified ones, and give them the inheritance they are born heirs unto: or the Gospel, the word of truth, which is made use of as a means of begetting souls again; and the rather, since it seems to be so interpreted, Pe1 1:25 the phrases, "which liveth and abideth forever", may be either read in connection only with "God", and as descriptive of him, who is the living God, is from everlasting to everlasting, in distinction from idols; and here added, to show that he can give power and efficacy to his word, to regenerate and quicken, and will continue to preserve and make it useful to all his saving purposes; so Jarchi explains the passage in Isa 40:8 after referred to, "the word of our God shall stand for ever", "because he lives and abides, and it is in his power to confirm it therefore it follows, "O Zion, that bringeth good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain"; for because he lives forever, this promise is published. Or else with the word of God, and is true both of Christ, and of the Gospel. Christ is the Word which lives; in him, as such, is life; he has life in himself as God, as man, and as Mediator; and is the author of life, natural, spiritual, and, eternal; and abides for ever in his person, without any change; and in his offices and grace, and righteousness; he abides a priest continually, has an unchangeable priesthood, and ever lives to make intercession, and of his kingdom there is no end: the same is said of the "Memra", or Word of God, in the Chaldee paraphrase on Hos 11:9 "I am God", "my word abideth for ever": compare Joh 12:34. The Gospel also may be said to live, in opposition to the law, which is the killing letter; and because it points out the way of life and salvation to sinners; and is a means of quickening dead sinners, and of ingenerating that faith by which men live on Christ; and of revealing to them that righteousness which is unto justification of life; and of supporting and maintaining spiritual life in them; and of reviving drooping saints; the Syriac version renders it, "the living Word of God": and it remains, and will abide; all its promises, blessings, doctrines, and ordinances, are lasting; it will continue in the world until all the elect of God are gathered in, until the second coming of Christ, and to the end of the world; notwithstanding all the persecutions of men, and cunning, craft of false teachers, and all the ridicule and contempt it is treated with by mockers and scoffers: and will abide in the effects of it, in the hearts of the saints, to all eternity, (k) Pirke Abot, c. 3. sect. 1. & Bartenora in ib. Zohar in Exod. fol. 62. 1. & 78. 2.