Jesus says in John 3: 7 “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
In the third chapter of John we read of a man by the name of Nicodemus who visited Jesus at night. This story should be of utmost importance to every individual for it embraces two worlds. Nicodemus was a religious man, an influential man, a sincere man. Probably a member of the Sanhedrin, the highest court of the Jewish people.
The Master Teacher’s words in Jn. 3:3-7.
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?”
5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
JESUS TAUGHT THREE THINGS CONCERNING THE NEW BIRTH.
First: It is a re-birth. We read in John 3:3
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Colossians 3:3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
DEAD CREATURES SHOULD BE BURIED.
Romans 6:4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:4-5
4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,
Second: It is an absolute necessity. John 3:7 “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
He did not say “may not” nor “shall not,” but cannot,” the imperative of the new birth.
Is it important or is it essential?
Third: It is wrought through water and Spirit. John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Mark 16:16 “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.
The coordinating conjunction “and” makes the birth of Spirit as important as the birth of water. The Spirit begets the new life through His word. 1 Peter 1:23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.
Do you have trouble with the old life? Start a new one! You have heard the Word, which has the power to beget the new life.