We will now attend to the present effects that the truth of this birth has upon us here, and notice at the same the phrase, “kingdom of God.”

The question now arises; do not some experience the new birth in this life?  They do.  But in what sense do they experience it?  Ans.  By faith.  In this world we pass from death to life:  not that we have actually been in the grave and brought to life beyond it; but the believer experiences this by faith.  And this faith has a most powerful and happifying influence on his affections, and consequently on his life and conduct.  All, that God has revealed for the salvation of the world—­our justification, our sanctification, our new birth, our heaven, our all—­yes, all these important and heavenly changes are summed up, and embraced in our immortal resurrection, will actually take place through death; and while in this world we can embrace them, only by faith.

The scriptures declare that “we walk by faith and, not by sight.”  Paul says, “the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”  Paul knew that he had eternal life given him in Christ, before the world began, and faith in that glorious truth produced a happiness—­a divine life in his heart, called the kingdom of God within.  Let us notice these several points.

1.  First; “Christ rose again for our justification.”  Our justification then exists in our resurrection state, and will there in all its reality take place.  But cannot a man be justified here?  Yes; he can be justified through faith in that truth.

2.  Second; “By the which will, we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”  Our sanctification then, by the will of God, will take place through death.  But cannot a man be sanctified while here?  Yes; he can be sanctified through faith in that truth!

3.  Third; Christ was “put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the spirit.”  So in his resurrection he passed from death to life, and thus revealed the truth that we shall also pass from death to life by the power of God, and be like him who is the “first fruits.”  But cannot a man pass from death to life while on earth?  Yes; he can pass from death to life through faith in that truth.  Jesus says—­“He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life.”

4.  Fourth; our eternal life will be realized beyond death.  “The things that are not seen are spiritual and eternal.”  But can we not enjoy it here?  Yes; “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life;”—­ that is, he enjoys it faith.

5.  Fifth; Christ was the “first born from the dead.”  So we also shall pass the reality of the new birth by faith.  But can we not enjoy it here?  John says—­“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, and this is the victory that overcometh world even our faith.”