The new birth

By Pastor Doug Sarver.

John 3:1-7, “Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;

2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’

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.’”

When I was child, I had no idea how children were born. I simply remember my mother telling me that I was going to have a  little sister. I don’t feel quite so foolish now, seeing that Nicodemus didn’t understand birth, either. Oh, he understood physical birth, but not spiritual birth.

Nicodemus was a Pharisee, and the Pharisees believed in spiritual things; therefore, his curiosity compelled him to seek the truth of what he had been hearing in the streets of the city. (Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t understand some spiritual things. Nicodemus was a leader of the Jews, and he didn’t understand.)

Jesus responded to Nicodemus’ question by introducing the new birth –the spiritual birth. “…unless one is born spiritually (from Above), he cannot enter Heaven, the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus was thinking strictly of the physical birth. Jesus was speaking of the spiritual birth. The “water” refers to the physical birth. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” When all the information had been conveyed, Jesus said, “You must be born from Above.”

It is the same with us as with Nicodemus. He possessed wealth and position; but, he had not experienced the “new birth.” Jesus is not primarily concerned about our wealth, or our position in church or community. He is vitally concerned about whether you have truly committed your life to Him in faith. Pray a simple prayer: “Dear Lord, please forgive me of my sins. Come spiritually into my life and make me a new person. Help me to live for You! In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.” Just believe that what you have prayed, He has heard. Believe that He has saved you! It all occurs by faith! Your life will never be the same! Praise the LORD!