Read John 3.
Not all Jewish religious leaders were hardened against Jesus. Nicodemus
is given to us as an example of one whose heart was open. He concluded
that "no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him"
(v.2). Jesus knew of the national stature of Nicodemus, calling him
"the teacher of Israel" (v.10). Typical of Jesus, He did not
respond to Nicodemus' words but seemingly changed the subject. Making
such a personal and penetrating statement is how Jesus also dealt with the
woman at the well and the rich, young ruler.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the
kingdom of God." (v.3)
The term born again was foreign to Nicodemus. Literally, the translation
is "born from above." This speaks directly against a system of
belief to a personal experience that results in a new life. It is a
transformation of the person. Once they were not born and now they are.
This teaching is not isolated to John 3. Being "born
again," "born of God," "born of the Spirit" is taught
by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 4, by the Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 2, and by
John again in every chapter of 1 John except chapter one.
1. The Contrast. (v.6a)
John 1:12-13 says "....children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of
the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."
"Blood"-Jesus made it clear that being born into one's earthly family
is not enough to get to heaven. Parental decisions have no bearing.
"Will of the flesh"-Others cannot make this decision for you.
"Will of man"-All of our good works will not allow us to be a part of
God family.
"But of God"-This is a spiritual birth that the Spirit of God enacts
at the moment a person receives Jesus as their personal Savior.
2. The Comparison (v.8)
Since this is a spiritual birth, it has nothing to do with any external doings
on our part. Jesus compared it to a blowing wind. We do not see the
movement of air, but when it moves the results are evident. When one
experiences the new birth, their life change becomes obvious to everyone around
them. They are no longer the same.
3. The Condemnation (v.18)
There is a natural place in every one's conscience that one day there will be an
eternal judgment of each life. Just notice how often unbelievers use the
word hell, the place of eternal torment. The problem with the thinking of
so many is that any condemnation by God happens later. Jesus clearly said
that "whoever does not believe is condemned already." That
statement alone should strike fear in every unbelieving heart. First, a
person must realize their peril and their need of God's forgiveness now, in
this life. Then, there must be an acknowledgement that Jesus is their
only hope. The reason Jesus came the first time to earth was "in
order that the world might be saved through him" (v.17). He is the
one and only Savior (v.16). The good news of faith in Jesus is
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ
Jesus." (Romans 8:1)
4. The Condition.
How can one be born again into God's family? Jesus said regarding
Himself, "...whoever believes in him may have eternal life" (v.15).
Note that this is not a religion but a relationship. It is not
faith in a philosophy but a person. This is not a belief of content but a
believing, or trusting, in Jesus that transforms a person from the inside out.
"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey
the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." (v.36)
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