For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (v. 23)
"Born again", just like "purified" from the previous verse, is a perfect participle in Greek. This signifies one decisive act in the past that has abiding results in the present. Because we have been born again is another reason why we should love one another.
Peter gives us a firm foundation to build on in this verse by indicating that God is at work in the life of a believer, through His eternal Word. This is not just a temporary work, but something that will last for all time and eternity. Through His Word He is continually cleansing us and preparing us for our destination with Him.
For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you. (v. 24-25)
In these verses Peter quotes from Isaiah 40:6-8. He reminds us that one day everything in life will pass away. God alone is eternal. We need to quit focusing on the temporary things and situations of this life, and begin focusing on God and His Word. Our life in Christ is all that will last for eternity.
God's Word continues to speak to men down through the ages because it is truth, and truth never changes. The Word is living and abiding because the Holy Spirit continues to confirm God's truth in us.
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