John Bunyan (1628-1688) was an English preacher, Christian author, and one of the most influential religious writers in history. Born into a poor family, he worked as a tinker, repairing household utensils. He became a powerful preacher but was imprisoned for approximately twelve years because he refused to stop preaching without government authorization. During his imprisonment, he wrote much of his famous allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress, which became one of the most widely read Christian books ever published.
His final recorded sermon was preached on August 19, 1688, at a meetinghouse near Whitechapel in London, just twelve days before his death. His text was John 1:13:
“Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
1. A BIRTH THAT IS NOT INHERITED
Bunyan emphasized that spiritual birth does not come through family ancestry or religious heritage. Being born into a Christian household, possessing a religious name, or belonging to a particular religious community does not automatically make someone a child of God. Natural birth cannot produce spiritual life. We must be born of God.
2. A BIRTH THAT IS NOT MANUFACTURED
Spiritual life cannot be manufactured through human determination, religious ceremony, or personal achievement. Salvation is not something we can produce by our own power. It is God’s work in bringing us into a new relationship with Himself through Jesus Christ.
3. A BIRTH THAT IS DIVINELY ORIGINATED
The Christian life begins with God. John 1:12 speaks of those who receive Christ and believe in His name, and verse 13 explains that their birth is of God. Genuine Christianity is more than outward religion; it involves a transformed relationship with the living God.
Bunyan’s final recorded sermon was moving. After a lifetime of preaching, suffering, writing, and imprisonment, his closing message concerned the necessity of being born of God. His earthly pilgrimage was nearly finished, but his concern remained the spiritual condition of others.
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Heavenly Father, thank You for the new life You offer through Jesus Christ. Help us never to substitute religious heritage, outward ceremonies, or human accomplishments for a genuine relationship with You. May we live as those who have been born of God, reflecting Your character in everything we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
BDD
