Physical Birth as a Type of Spiritual Birth

I'm in a New Testament class this semester that requires me to read the four Gospels in 2 weeks. Reading that while reading the first books of Mere Christianity has been most instructive. A connection I came across just today was particularly cool, and it is that connection I will relate to you now.

In Chapter 5 of Book Two, Lewis makes the case (both vaguely and respectfully) for physical birth (conception and delivery) sharing patterns with spiritual birth (baptism, belief and communion). He argues that a proof for something being true is that you never would've guessed it, never could've sorted it out in your own head. In relation to physical birth, he says that he would've "never seen any connection between a particular physical pleasure (sex) and the appearance of a new human being in the world" (61). This is an interesting perspective. In a similar pattern of not being able to guess the causes and effects, Lewis says that the process of 'baptism, belief and communion' equal a spiritual birth that can get you into heaven is similarly odd to him. But, he counters, this is reality (as sex is a reality to conceive a child), and we should take it as it is (61).

Christ argues the case of spiritual vs physical birth to Nicodemus in John 3: 3-7. He tells Nicodemus that it is necessary to "be born again" in order to enter the kingdom of God. He then says that "except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God"(vs 5). So, just as certain things need to happen for a baby to come into this world, we must be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost (a difference from CS Lewis' opinion, unless Communion equals the receiving of the Holy Ghost) before we can enter the new realm of life with Heavenly Father. It does seem interesting to me, however, that Lewis points out that these steps (baptism, 'belief and the Communion') are both necessary and in some way arbitrary. Arbitrary in that we don't understand them at least, or see exactly why the physical practicing of ordinances is necessary to our reconciliation with God.

Alright. I'm exhausted, and that was all way too academic. But it's long enough, right? :P To close with a couple of my feelings, I think this idea of spiritual birth, a rebirth into a second life, is fascinating. However, it is crucial (and Lewis acknowledges this as well) that we maintain the quality of our spiritual life so as to not suffer spiritual death and distance ourselves from God. CS Lewis suggests that we do that by continuing to repent and begin over again each time we stumble. I agree, and would add that this process is most crucial in the upkeep of our attitudes, especially those of true humility and charity. These attitudes, most typical of a disciple of Christ, are easy to lose, and require prayer and real desire to maintain. Still, when these qualities are maintained we can reach the highest throes of spiritual life, and truly live as a branch off the One True Vine.