Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
When we consider man and the condition the Bible declares us to be in, it’s easy to grasp that we all need help. In Jeremiah 10:23 we read, “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Man, in our sinful pride, believes we know best, but scripture declares otherwise. Solomon wrote by inspiration of the Spirit: Proverbs 16:25, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”; Proverbs 16:2, “All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.” Since it is not in man to know, and the ideas of carnal man are contrary to the way of peace, it is easily concluded that the Lord is the One we should look to for direction.
The questions that are now stirred in my mind are: Who asks for the direction of God? Who receives the leadership of His Spirit? And who obeys and walks in the Lord’s led ways? According to our study verse, it is “the sons of God.” These words literally mean those who are born again; elect children of God. In my own words this verse is teaching that anyone who follows the leadership and direction of God was/is already born again.
When I was younger (with the Missionary Baptist), I vividly recall the multiple times I stood behind the pew during the closing hymn (or as we called it, the altar call hymn) feeling stirred in my heart to go forward. The pastor asked for those who felt the Spirit leading to “come forward and be saved”. There were many times that I answered the pastor’s request, but never really felt in my heart what he said I would feel. As I consider the truth found in Romans 8:14, if I was being led of the Spirit, I was already born again. I am now assured that I was not in need of regeneration during those times, but the comfort of the truth concerning salvation.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, if you feel or believe in your heart that God has led you. If you have walked in obedience to His leadership, the Bible is clear. This is a precious evidence that you belong to Him. If this has been your case, I will encourage you to continue to follow Him in obedience, for therein you will enjoy the assurance and peace of His fellowship.