How Can We Be Born Again? (John 3)

‘There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling Council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no-one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no-one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born?” Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no-one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, you must be born again. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound but you cannot tell where it comes from, or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” ( John 3:1-8).

Here we see that Nicodemus was a man of high position: he came to Jesus during the night – he did not wish to come during the day, fearing the people’s judgment of such a man calling Jesus ‘Rabbi.’ He wanted to know and verify how to be part of the kingdom of God and was puzzled by Jesus’ answer about being ‘born again.’ Jesus explained it was not a birth of flesh to flesh, but from flesh to spirit. You first receive the word of God into your heart but cast out everything which is rubbish and earthly: you will then want to be baptized and your past sins will be forgiven. This new birth into Jesus Christ is not like wearing fashionable clothes so that when you walk in the street you will be seen smart and be admired, but it is the change in your life and character that will be noticed. People will see that you have received the call of the Lord Jesus and made him your Saviour and Master of your life.

Gal. 3:26-29: ‘You are all sons of God through faith in Jesus Christ, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Then if you belong to Christ you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.’ Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none are found to have fallen short of it.

Bro. Weston Kamota (Magunje, Zimbabwe.)