Free-To Be Born Again!"
IT'S YOUR CHOICE
As OUR children grew into their formative years I told them: "You can do whatever you want to do but always remember this (like your father) - you will live and die with the choices you've made!"
Therefore, the matter of ones salvation has always been and shall forever remain your choice. You personally choose to accept that the Bible is true or reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Your standing before Almighty God can not be made for you by your parents or guardians. Some organized churches may not adhere to that fact but the scriptures do!
Everyone makes choices throughout their life. Some choices will prove to have been very regretful while others will be very much appreciated and thankful. Some may have been hurtful to yourself or others while special choices may have resulted in a much more meaningful life. The person you may choose to marry or have already marred (if they are or were in agreement) all reflect upon the choices you will make or have already made.
During the latter part of my teenage years, I was a Canadian student at Bible college in Tennessee. As a young man, I was already very familiar with "country music" and at that time, some friends thought I should make singing my career. However, that was never the avenue I chose to pursue, because "preaching the Gospel" was far more important to me than trying to become a "country star!" However, I've always known, and can not deny the fact that many old country songs do express a sad truthfulness surrounding our human experience and several "pickers and grinners" have made many "love-sick folks" keenly aware of both their human dilemmas, suffering and joyous triumphs.
Apparently, George Jones (a country music star) earned the title of "No Show Jones" as a result of his becoming as addicted to alcohol as he was to his music. Loyal fans, often believed their life experiences were mirrored in the songs he sang with deep feeling and emotion. It's regretful, however, that many people do wear their emotions on their shirt sleeves. Probably the most popular recording George ever sung, was actually written about a dead man and entitled: "HE STOPPED LOVING HER TODAY!" However, his recording company apparently had to coerce him into recording that song because he was personally convinced such a morbid reality would never sell. In fact, he bet 100 dollars with the producer - predicting it would not work. Millions of fans around the globe (and millions of dollars later), proved George to be - "dead wrong!"
Another song was called "CHOICES" and the year it was released, he was suppose to sing that very tune on the national Country Music Awards show. Evidently, producers wanted George to only perform 30 seconds of the song - just before a commercial break on TV. To George, it appeared that the commercial was more important to the producers than his singing. The lyrics of that song started with a chorus that went like this:
"I've had choices since the day that I was born
There were voices that told me right from wrong
If I had listened, no I wouldn't be here today
Living and dying with the choices I've made..."
Consequently, George chose to not come to the performance that night for he did not feel justified in only doing part of his song. During the same live performance, Alan Jackson (another famous country singer) also chose to make his statement against the CMA'S production and stopped singing his full version of "POP A TOP" and midway through his presentation, started singing the full version of George's song. Alan felt completely justified for making that choice because he recognized the truth behind George's refusal to sing! Sometimes it does take a real man to stand up for what is right and I believe Alan already knew that God wants us to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly beside Him and being humble demands strength on the part of every believer.
After Alan broke the format and performed "CHOICES," it is rumored that he walked straight out the back door saying, "That might be the end of my career." Of course, the vast majority of viewers passionately loved his presentation and this performance proved to be anything but the end of his career! George saw Jackson's performance on TV at his home, and applauded the effort. A couple of years later, Jackson was again at the center of the CMA awards and performed, (for the first time) his post 9/11 tribute song entitled: "WHERE WERE YOU?"
Now, shifting gears somewhat on the matter of choices - in the mid seventies, I was asked to accompany my grandfather and uncle on a flight to San Diego, California where my grandfather ultimately went across the border to visit a cancer clinic in Tijuana Mexico. He chose to try a cancer treatment which had not been sanctioned in Canada or the U.S.A. A few days into our visit to California, I asked him about accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior. His response was typical of many good (but lost) people. Apparently, in his earlier years, some church member or members had caused him to feel "put off" by Christianity in general and so it became his choice to have nothing to do with Christ for many years thereafter.
Now in his early seventies, he told me that he had not served the Lord all these years and it was too late for him to start now! He knew "about" Christ but regretfully, never came to know Christ. However, (in my opinion) that was the worst choice he could have ever made. I loved my grandfather dearly and had to stop preaching mid sermon (at the Nauwigewauk Christian Church) one Sunday after returning to Canada. I suddenly began sobbing uncontrollably, knowing he recently passed away having (to my knowledge), never made a commitment toward the saving grace and lordship of Jesus Christ.
I must sincerely confess that I too have made a lot of bad choices in life, (even as a Christian) but neglecting my need for the Savior's love and forgiveness has never been one of them. Therefore, I once again reiterate: " We live and die with the choices we've made!"
EVERYTHING ABOUT JESUS CHRIS IS "GOOD NEWS" AND IT REMAINS YOUR CHOICE TO RECEIVE IT OR REJECT IT.
IF YOU TRUST IN GOD, PLEASE PRAY FOR HIS LEADING BEFORE PROCEEDING THROUGH THE NEXT SECTIONS BECAUSE YOU ARE EITHER GOING TO "TAKE GOD AT HIS WORD" OR "TAKE MEN AT THEIR WORD" AND YOU CAN TAKE "MY WORD" ON THAT!
WHEN YOU HAVE A CHANGE OF HEART
Had I not had open heart surgery some years ago, I could have possibly passed away by now, but ONLY GOD KNOWS! I knew, I’d been given new life, after that surgery! In fact, a very good HEART SURGEON (a rather non-flighty fellow) named "Parrott," said to me: (a few days following my procedure) - “Conrad you’ve been given a second chance!” Not every person has a second chance at physical life but everyone on earth has a second chance for spiritual "eternal life." Some might even consider a successful open heart surgery akin to being "born again" but that type of re-birth is only maintenance on a physical heart that has developed problems .
But I'm not writing these messages to instruct you on how to have a cholesterol free life - I’m writing about receiving a new life in Christ - “freed from the consequence of sin!" The "great physician" (Jesus Christ) is prepared to perform this required surgery on your spiritual heart, and his operational procedure will result in your being “born again. ” This spiritual surgery enables both you and I to live in God's presence forever.
HAVE YOU BEEN BORN AGAIN? If not, DO YOU WANT TO BE BORN AGAIN? If you recognize that you need of this operation, then you should listen carefully to the procedure Jesus use to perform transformational surgery on your spiritual heart. Our Lord, Jesus Christ is the only specialist who can perform this spiritual operation. In fact, "the Great Physician" can and will do far more for you and than a spectacular physical "by-pass" surgeon ever will or could ever possibly do.
Jesus has guaranteed that he will completely cure your sin problem! ANYONE submitting to His care, will receive "a new heart" after allowing him to perform this unique surgery for everyone does have a sin problem and he definitely wants you and I to be born again and have a real “second chance” at participating in and enjoy a Spirit filled life. This is your opportunity to claim a sinless life in the eyes of God. If you believe in the reality of Christ, and trust him with "all your heart" - I shall herein disclose the scriptural answer to a fundamental question: “What must I do to be born again?”
In order to place this matter in perspective, we'll look at first things first! If you will place your trust in God and believe Jesus Christ is able to perform this corrective surgery - the Great Physician has already started his procedure on your heart. If you've heard the Good News about God's Son and can openly proclaim: "I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God!" - you have openly placed your faith in Christ!
Many sincere PREACHERS and believers do adhere to a "faith only" solution to our sin problem and teach a simple procedures to follow which may adhere to their denominations concept of how to be born again. Even though both they and I share much in common regarding matters of faith, the traditions they have been taught might bring, (what you are about to read) into a manner of doctrinal conflict with what they may teach. I believe (as do many others) that we should only follow those procedures dictated by the Holy Spirit and authorized by Jesus, as outlined in New Testament Scriptures.
Many of my "faith only" brethren might ask you to think of this entire matter as if it is only a type of non-evasive open heart surgery and far less disruptive than having to open up the entire "spiritual" chest cavity. But never forget that we are both talking about spiritual matters here and I maintain that Jesus has specifically outlined his procedures which are to be following if we are going to allowed him to be our great physician.
Therefore, what you may want to believe or think you believe may not be entirely in agreement with the procedures Christ has laid out in his "great commission" to the disciples. I’d personally much rather hear about Christ's procedure concerning "re-birth," than well-intended procedures described by some modern theologians. Have I just lost you here, or are you still with me?
Therefore, this leads into my next question, “If theologians have openly moved away from Christ’s foundation teaching regarding procedures which must be used in order for a person to be born again - which operating theatre should you or I enter into in order to get a proper answer to the most fundamental questions: "What can I do to be born again?” Some say -"you can do absolutely nothing" but when I was personally wheeled into the operating theatre, for open heart surgery, I had "to move" or "be moved" from the gurney onto the operating table. Are you beginning to get the picture? Don't fall off the gurney!
When Christ suffered and died on the cross of Calvary, he did so, to purchase our soul's salvation. Therefore, I truthfully and lovingly maintain: “All sectarian theological divisions" and speculations about the re-birth, may have absolutely nothing to do with Christ’s will for you and His church!
However, many (well intended) theologians still maintain HUMAN traditions, which have been sanctified over time and these traditions can be and often have REMAINED full of long standing errors. Official matters of opinion and hierarchy will, have often been given presentence over those things that are deemed essential as first taught to the early church and If you agree with that (and I truly hope you do) - you have cause to continue reading!
Theological expediency has drastically altered the course Christ first gave to His Church. That course is referred to, (by our Lord) as being on the “straight and narrow path.” Spiritual errors gradually crept in whenever well intended church leaders (historically) chose to divert from "the procedures” our Lord first taught His disciples to follow but men have replace them with man ordained procedures that became the teaching of choice for the church in the middle ages and immediately thereafter.
Again, we must remember that CHRIST IS THE GREAT PHYSICIAN! The church belongs to him - does it not? Is there any other name given among men whereby we must be saved? NO, THERE IS NOT! I want to Honor the great physician today! Listen to His teaching. Subsequently, all are welcomed into the family of God by the Heavenly Father - whenever they accept Jesus as being "the Christ, the son of the living God” and choose to obey Christ's Gospel. There is nothing complicated about that! Are you clear about that?
Christ said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life - no man comes to the Father except through Me.” When ANYONE (including you or I) follows the clear instructions he gave to His APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES - they will become one of the innumerable souls God has added to Christ's Church. New Testament scriptures emphasize this fact in (Acts 2:47) NIV “…and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved”
THEREFORE, WILL YOU CHOOSE CHRIST AS YOUR GREAT PHYSICAN?
Are you willing to TRUST that THE GREAT PHYSICIAN is able to completely transform your SINFUL life?
ANY person who has concluded that Jesus Christ is telling the truth must also believe what the Lord told Nicodemus (a first century Pharisee and member of the political Sanhedrin) when he said: “You must be born again!” But (with tongue in cheek today) it seems many modern political figures believe this only pertains to members of the public but does not pertain to them! After all, WHAT WOULD THE REACTION OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC BE, IF THEIR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE WERE TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN OR EVEN BE PERCIEVED AS BEING A CHRISTIAN? Would this be for or against their chances of re-election?
What do scriptures actually teach concerning the re-birth? Is there a blueprint, to follow, (so to speak) in order for anyone to be born again? The apostle John wrote, “these things are written that you might "know' that you have eternal life.” Therefore, any confusion over the spiritual re-birth can only and will only be eliminated if you go to the Bible and take God at His word.
This entire matter does not center around what you "feel" but what you "know" to be true. Even the Old Testament had this to say about the time of Christ as recorded in Isaiah 1:18 where it is recorded: "Come now and let us settle the matter," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
Let me further explain what I'm presenting here. First… to rightly divide the Word of God, you must acknowledge the context in which that scripture is referring to and next examine the content of that message itself. Remember, the Lord said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my word shall never pass away.” Therefore, I plead with you to not just "feel" you have been saved but actually "know" you have been saved.
Your conscience will be absolutely clear (in this matter of faith) when you completely commit your whole life into the care of our great physician for in Matthew 7:21 it is written: Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, BUT HE WHO “DOES” THE WILL of my Father who is in heaven WILL ENTER.”
Some have made an honest mistake by thinking they can earn or merit their salvation! It IS God’s will that you submit to Christ's authority in order to enter His Kingdom. Only Jesus can offer you the “FREE GIFT of LIFE” but if you will not accept his gift and chose to take no action in order to receive it, but "ONLY BELIEVE" that he can do this - then the teachings of Christ maintains that you have a problem! Are you still following me here or have I just lose you on the playing field of tradition?
Continuing in Matthew 7:22 “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?” vs. 23 “And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness." So - are you willing to do things Christ’s way or only the way that "feels" right to you?
Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock (throughout Scripture Christ has always been the rock of our salvation).
vs. 25 “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on that rock. vs. 26 “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. vs. 27 “The rains fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell - and great was its fall.”
(Whose house do you want to be in?) vs. 28 When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; vs. 29 for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes….."
Christ points each of us toward the fact that He was sent here by God (his miracles attested to this) and therefore He was FIRMLY COMMITTED TO PROCLAIMING GOD'S TRUTH WITH ALL POWER AND AUTHORITY!
On many occasions Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee (with His disciples) in a small boat, but one night a great wind arose and the apostles thought they were MOST CERTAINLY GOING TO PERISH as the vessel took on water and began to sink. But Jesus remained asleep on a pillow! They awoke him rather indignantly screaming: “Save us Lord; we are perishing!” That was an understatement, if there ever was one! He came here because we were perishing in our sin and our sin destroys our relationship with God! THAT IS THE FACT SURROUNDING THIS ENTIRE CASE.
In Matt. 8:26 "Jesus said unto them, 'Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” (He didn’t get cross with them - he just stated the facts) Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. vs. 27 The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” Interesting isn’t it! The wind and WAVES listen to and obey his voice, but generally speaking, many people will not obey him and neither do they care to listen TO HIM.
If Jesus were to ask ;“Have you been born again?” - He’d already know the truth, but would let you give your answer! What I'm getting at, is just this: Would you base your answer on some supposed sanctified traditional theological teachings or would your answer be based on the truths our Lord taught his early disciples as outlined in scripture?
Many of the very early disciples left off following Jesus after he made definitive statements regarding his body and blood - so he asked his chosen Apostles (the twelve) - “Will you also go away?” and one answered, “Where can we go Lord? for ONLY YOU HAVE THE WORDS OF LIFE!”
I'm asking you now - are you willing to take Christ at His word? Do you have faith in Him? Again, would YOUR answer be BASED ON THE FOUNDATION TEACHING of Jesus Christ, (who alone is THE ROCK of our salvation) or is your answer only going to be based on the sands of popular theological opinion and what many have been told to believe? Or do you even have any particular belief at all?
In order for this matter to be clarified (should you choose to continue) please come with me next, to that time when JESUS dealt directly with Nicodemus and gave him the answer to the question.
OUR GREAT PHYSICIAN ANSWERS THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR BEING BORN AGAIN.
When Nicodemus came to meet Jesus, IT WAS DARK! HE DIN'T WANT CHRIST'S ENEMIES TO KNOW THAT HE HAD VISITED THE "POSSIBLE" MESSIAH. This would have been at the same time as several other members of the Sanhedrin were seeking to have Christ assassinated.
Therefore, Nicodemus chose to met secretly with Jesus for he apparently did believed in the Lord's teachings. In many Pharisee's minds, Jesus' teachings were totally unacceptable. The Sanhedrin was being up-staged by Jesus and many Pharisees and Sadducees were specifically looking out for their own self-interests (much like some politicians and church leaders today). On this dark night, even before Nicodemus found enough courage to ask the questions - JESUS WOULD ANSWER THE REASON WHY ANYONE SHOULD ASK: "Why do I need to be born again?" and “What must I do to be born again?”
In my opinion, Jesus perceived Nicodemus' thoughts! Have you ever had someone look you in the eye and commence telling you what was on your mind? This sort of wakes you up in a hurry! Jesus often knew what people were thinking or plotting. He often commented on what his Apostles had actually been arguing about among themselves while He was physically away from them. Therefore, on this night, (it is certainly possible) Jesus knew exactly what Nicodemus’ was trying to articulate but did not know exactly how to ask the question!
Look at John 2:23.…. “Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast; many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. vs. 24 But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, vs. 25 and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.”
One Christmas, (a while back) I heard a preacher named "Snowy" speaking at a congregation in Alberta about the shepherds on the night of Christ's birth. They were told: "YOU will find the Savior wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger!" They knew that the first born perfect lamb would be wrapped in cloths and laid in a manger to protect it from injury for these were the ones which would later be offered as the perfect sacrifice. The angelic messengers directed them to the savior of the world - THE LAMB OF GOD!
Next, I ask you to notice that Jesus never (even once) broke the tenets of the Mosaic law which had been given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai. He fulfilled every requirement outlined under the MOSAIC DISPENSATION. He did not sin! No other person, (who ever lived) can claim such righteousness! Not one! Consequently, it is written in Romans 3:23 (to the people of the Nations) “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
Therefore, we must understand that mankind has always had a sin problem and Jesus was God's solution to that problem. He was the only man who could and would fix this situation in the eyes of God! This "problem" persisted ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed the Word of God in the Garden of Eden.
Jesus knew his ultimate purpose for coming to earth and therefore, he intended to do whatever it took to protect that purpose. This meant - no political assassins or anyone else would keep Him from His prophetic appointment and destiny to be nailed to the cross and physically offering himself as the supreme sacrifice on our behalf.
He would not nor could not fulfill prophecy if he were to die just in any ole place, or at any time other than His appointment (on the Jewish Passover) nailed to the cross, lifted up, blood shed - His death in exchange for our life! He justified our standing before God and RANSOMED OUR SOULS. He alone, is able to free us from being eternally separated from the presence of God. Thereafter, Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead, confirmed His mighty authority over the laws concerning sin and death. His ascension back into Heaven, affirms that he does make intercession (once for all) before Almighty God, on our behalf!
Pause for a moment, and let your thoughts go back to the time of Jesus' ministry. THERE WERE many things which he considered to be vitally important for us to know concerning our salvation. Now, also consider this! Jesus walked approximately 60 miles to be baptized (immersed in the Jordan River) by John, and in effect he told John this had to be done “in order to fulfill all righteousness” As He came up out of the water, the Father declared "This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased….HEAR Him!"
JESUS EPITOMIZED THE LOVE GOD HAS FOR EACH ONE OF US! The Mosaic Law (as a school teacher) could no longer separate anyone from the love, mercy and grace (unmerited favor) of God. Anyone "in Christ" has been set free from the consequence of sin (having been born again by the will of God) and they can approach the Heavenly Father directly, having placed their entire faith and trust in Christ's promises.
If you've ever listened to the singing selections on this web site, (The CD "THANK GOD" was originally recorded in 2007) you may have noticed the fact that in the song "The Angel of Death", I've included additional lyrics which declare: “If you’ve been buried with Christ, you will never die twice!” It's one thing to actually depart this fleshly body at death (we’ve no use for it any more) but if we die "in Christ," we will not be separated from the presence of God at the Judgment. This is precisely what the scripture teach us. This is the total hope and ASSURANCE we now live by!
According to the Bible, you can "only" be made alive "through Christ" and that is because of his redemptive power and atoning blood. The blood of atonement must be spiritually applied to your life if Jesus is to become your righteousness. "In Him" you are declared by God to be "righteous." He bought and paid for you and I at Calvary. We rise up out of the waters of baptism in the likeness of his resurrection, having been buried with Christ in the likeness of his death. Therefore, if you are "IN CHRIST" you ARE BORN AGAIN in the eyes of God. But don‘t just take my word for that, you must examine the scriptures to see whether or not this is true!.
AGAIN, (AT THIS POINT) SOME CHRISTIANS WILL TRUTHFULLY MAINTAIN (and I agree) THAT WE ARE SAVED "by grace" and according to their teaching, you are saved by FAITH "ONLY" but many fail to recognize or confirm that the word "only" had been added by Martin Luther in the 16th century in reaction to the teachings of what was then a works based salvation. We are in complete agreement on the point that "without faith it is impossible to please God" but the Biblical narrative confirms the fact that our Lord Jesus Christ expects us to have an obedient faith and not just an "intellectual assent" of facts to be believed!
BY NOW, YOU MUST HAVE RECOGNIZED THAT THIS IS A SHORT STORY RATHER THAN A TWENTY MINUTE SERMON. HOWEVER, WE ARE LOOKING FOR ELEMENTS OF TRUTH RATHER THAN PLAYING "BEAT THE CLOCK"! Are you still with me here?
As stated in the title of this section, in John 3:1 again we read: "Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know (apparently he was referring to everyone who believed) that You have come from God as a teacher for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
(In my opinion) Nicodemus wanted so very much to know if Jesus actually is the long awaited and promised Messiah, who will usher in the new physical Kingdom of David! He was probably openly attempting to confirm what a few other politicians were also thinking at that time. He had the Kingdom of God on his mind all right and I suspect he thought Jesus "could be" the promised Messiah who would re-establish a new Jewish State and drive out the Romans forever! However, Nicodemus (like most others) did not realize or totally comprehend that God also foretold about a New Covenant which would take effect upon Christ‘s ultimate death and resurrection!
On the morning of his trial, Jesus ANSWERED Pilate when he asked: "ARE YOU A KING?" - Jesus affirmed positively and added: “My Kingdom is not of this world!” Christ's Kingdom (the church) is therefore a spiritual kingdom, and completely unlike that which existed under the Mosaic Covenant and now everyone in the entire world has been invited to qualify as a citizen in his kingdom. Oh course, you should also know, that when Jesus speaks about the Kingdom of God, He speaks from a position of authority - He has IN HOUSE KNOWLEDGE on the subject.
Therefore, I firmly believe Jesus is PURPOSELY redirecting Nicodemus’ thinking concerning the Kingdom of God! All people of FAITH are true children of Abraham. They take God at His word! They listen to Jesus (God's son!). Now, Jesus gets straight to the nitty gritty. 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.”
If we go back in time, we see that Abraham believed God- (he trusted and obeyed the Word of God)- He followed God‘s leading and GOD MADE A PROMISE TO ABRAHAM THAT THROUGH HIS SEED, THE WHOLE WORLD WOULD ONE DAY BE BLESSED AND GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES! (JESUS WAS THE FULFILLMENT OF THAT PROMISE.)
That is the point Christ is making while teaching these things to Nicodemus and this should answer the question concerning both Nicodemus' and our personal relationship to God. This secret meeting means Jesus came straight to the point. Nicodemus was carefully following CHRIST'S TEACHINGS and apparently he does not know exactly what to believe any more.
He is totally SINCERE in his religious convictions but maybe he had been SINCERELY WRONG! The “what if - factor" was gnawing at his soul. (Nicodemus may have been thinking: "IF THIS MAN REALLY IS THE MESSIAH - AM I GOING TO OBEY HIS VOICE OR ONLY DEPEND UPON MY RELIGIOUS CONVICTIONS?"
Jesus has just presented Nick with a major spiritual broadside! In this secluded one on one setting, Jesus will not speak in parables (indirect answers) as He often did in public. HE REVEALS GOD'S ULTIMATE TRUTH! There is no double talk! With this conversation, Jesus has just confirmed the solid facts about the necessity of being "born again."
1. Unless one
2. Is born again
3. He cannot SEE
4. The Kingdom of God.
Jesus has just gone directly to "the heart" of the matter. “Unless” there is an entirely new beginning in your life (a fundamental redirection if you will), you will continually be heading away from the Kingdom of God, rather than moving toward it! Jesus is telling the truth, for REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD IS OF PRIMARY IMPORTANCE. You must turn from sin and return to God or else you will miss out on even recognizing the fact that the Kingdom of God is only found by those who choose to be in Christ. John, the baptizer, was the one who immersed Jesus in water at the Jordan River and John came preaching, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” Jesus never shunned the truth concerning where He came from, who he was, why he came. or what he now can accomplish for each of us!
True repentance is like having spiritual cataracts removed from you eyes and until they have been removed, you will not get to see the Kingdom of God. Therefore, "Every believer" must truthfully ask themselves one fundamental question: "Have I been born again according to the will of God?" That answer can only come after you look at the illumination Jesus shone on this issue during this intriguing meeting with Nicodemus.
John 3:4 "Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old?" (apparently he was a very mature man) "He cannot enter a second time into His mother’s womb and be born, can he?”
I wonder if Nicodemus was thinking - “I hear what you are saying Jesus …. I accept your words to be truth but what in the world are you talking about?” “Lord, I’m quite confused with this whole subject so please help me understand things more clearly!” “I know that I came forth out of my mother’s womb when I was born… but who or what will I come out of - this second time - in order to be born again?”
JESUS ANSWERS THE QUESTION
Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ responded to Nicodemus’ open question by stating the entire matter clearly and precisely so that Nicodemus (as well as you and I) could comprehend his affirmation of what it means to be born again. Starting at John 3:5 ONCE AGAIN we read where Jesus answered:
1. Truly, truly, (Take what I’m about to say, totally serious Nicodemus)
2. I say to you (I speak with AUTHORITY- this is God SPEAKING TO YOU NICODEMUS)
3. Unless (Salvation does have conditions attached to it so what I’m about to say next is extremely important)
4. One is (THAT IS ANYONE, EVERYONE - for God loves all the people in the world Nicodemus)
5. Born (Nicodemus, you‘re not going to come out of your mother - you are going to come out...)
6. of water (This will be your part - the mode for your entrance into my Kingdom Nicodemus, and you must choose to do this yourself rather than it having been the choice of your PARENTS OR GUARDIANS. Your faith IN ME will compel you to do this! Do you remember how God brought His people through the Red Sea Nicodemus?)
7. AND (Take note of this little conjunction which joins things of equal value Nicodemus for there are two parts of this equation)
8. The Spirit (This will be my part Nicodemus - I will send the Holy Spirit into you, and He will always lead, comfort and strengthen you as you walk in new paths of righteousness for my names sake.)
9. He cannot enter (Don't be fooled Nicodemus - for unless you follow my plan for being born again , you‘ll always be looking for the Kingdom but will never find it in any of the religions of this world)
10. Into the kingdom of God (Nicodemus, my people are called "out of" the world. They are sheep in my pasture and they listen to my voice. Right now, people are outside of my Kingdom but by being born again as I'm telling you - God will add them to His forever family - the church).
Again , regretfully, some well meaning theologians teach that water has nothing to do with your salvation. They WANT to spiritualize water away and say it isn’t really necessary - it has nothing to do with being born again but after reading John's account, would you agree with them? Or do you now believe what Jesus taught Nicodemus on that night? I believe Jesus was very clear with His instructions - do you?.
As alluded to in point 6 above, I ask you to notice that GOD DELIVERED HIS PEOPLE THROUGH WATER ONCE BEFORE! They placed their complete faith and trust in God while walking through the midst of the Red Sea on dry ground. Turn to 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 and carefully read what the Apostle Paul had to say.
In the NIV, we read: “For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.”
Now listen up - how much clearer does it have to get than that? Stay with me here - and let's look at this deeper. According to the Apostle Paul, after approximately 430 years (more or less) Abraham's descendants (the Hebrew’s) grew into a great nation while in Egypt. Upon first arriving there, Abraham's lineage had been invited to stay as Royal privileged guests and over the ensuing centuries, they were being forced to stay as Royal underprivileged slaves. But God ultimately sent a savior to rescue His people. Moses was only a type of Christ for the GENUINE SAVIOR WAS YET TO COME.
In our day, whenever an individual recognizes that he/she is a slave to sin, Christ (in effect) sends the following "Good News": “I have come to free you from your slavery to sin.” Therefore, every unbelievers is still being held in bondage to Satan’s slavery of sin, just as surely as the Hebrew’s were physically being held as slaves in Egypt.
The Hebrews yearned for freedom yet had no idea how it could possibly come about but "the deliverer" did came as God had promised. They finally chose to follow Moses, after God used many convincing proofs that He had sent him and would accomplish the task of deliverance - through him. Do you begin to see interesting parallels between Moses (a type of Christ) and Jesus Christ - Savior/ redeemer of the world?
After causing ten awesome plagues in Egypt, God brought this great company to a place of decision at the Red Sea. They could either remain slaves or have complete faith that God alone would set them free forever. He brought them to a place where they were literally “hemmed in.” Do you feel hemmed in today? They had no place to run, No place to turn, No place to hide. They had to trust in his power and obey his promises or go back with Pharaoh and remain in slavery.
Pharaoh’s MIGHTY military force came to enslave them once again. He was not willing to lose all his Hebrew slaves and now they appeared to be trapped and their only escape was (you guessed it) through water! There would not be thousands of wooden boats to ferry a few million of them across the Red Sea. Only a direction intervention of Almighty God could possibly save them and HE DID! Consequently, ONLY THE DIRECT INTERVENTION BY ALMIGHTY GOD SAVES YOU AND I THROUGH THE POWER OF CHRIST - AND HE WILL!
On that day, God told Moses to raise his staff over the waters of the Red Sea and “see the salvation of the Lord!” God parted the deep water and THEY CHOSE TO OBEY Gods command and (by faith), they went forward into the parted waters. Through God's awesome power Moses led the people to the other side of the Sea and they were all delivered safely into freedom.
When Pharaoh's terrified army attempted to follow them into the sea, God left the Egyptian pursuers buried in the same water by which He had just delivered His people to safety. IS IT DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO RECOGNIZE HOW YOUR BAPTISM INTO CHRIST PARALLELS THIS FACT?
They were freed from slavery. In this same way, when you and I are buried with Christ in believer’s baptism we become freed from our enslavement to sin. Christ's redeeming blood allows each of us to walk safely away from slavery and into freedom. Therefore, in the same way, when we are immersed with Christ in believers baptism - this is the place and time our slavery to sin is buried in God's sight as surely as the Egyptian army perished while attempting to enslave the Hebrews once again.
God's chosen people had to trust the words of Moses and obey what God said to do. A Hebrew would certainly not have been set free had he chosen to stay on the west side of the Red Sea and blatantly refused to go down into the water and neither you nor I (my dear friend) are any different! The old hymn goes: "TRUST AND OBEY FOR THERES NO OTHER WAY TO BE HAPPY IN JESUS BUT TO TRUST AND OBEY."
The Hebrews took Moses at his word and proceeded through congealed walls of water on dry ground, clear across to the other side of the Red Sea. - This was God’s mode of escape and He saved them through water! For centuries hereafter, whenever his people trusted and obeyed His voice, they found God always renewing his covenant with Abraham's descendants for He had given them the promised land by driving out its former inhabitants before them.
Do you need further clarification? Please allow me to give you a modern example .
NOW ASK YOURSELF ONE QUESTION "HAVE I BEEN BORN AGAIN?"
It's summer and you have an in-ground swimming pool, the diving end is probably very deep. Now, go out on the diving board and take a leap of faith into the swimming pool. Ask yourself one question - Is it necessary for you to have water in that pool, in order to go for a swim? You know it’s necessary! The pool needs lots of water, if you are going to dive in. In theory, some theologians teach that actually having water in the pool is not necessary!
All you’ll have to do (according to their theology) is jump off the board with the complete assurance of faith that everything will be just fine, because their teaching holds that faith "only" is all that’s required in order to go for an “eternal swim”.
How can anyone believe, (in all truthfulness) that his is what Christ just told Nicodemus? Was Jesus referring to real water after walking 60 miles to be baptized by John? Or was he only referring to the spiritual water such as He talked about with the woman at the well? John could not give Jesus living water for it was not his to give - but Jesus promised this woman that he would give her living water and she would never thirst again! Look closely here - Jesus told Nicodemus to be born again (of the water) and (of the Spirit) …. Two distinct entities are they not? When we supply the faith and act upon it - God supplies the blood of Christ and forgives us of our sin.
But let’s get back to the empty swimming pool! What’s going to happen to you? Wake up friend! It's a long way down to the bottom! Are you beginning to get the analogy here? “Not a happy camper” when you land on your head in the bottom of the empty pool! It’s highly unlikely that anyone would have the audacity to empty the water out of their swimming pool before attempting to dive in for a swim , excluding their being on drugs or alcohol of course! Therefore, in all reality, Jesus would have the swimming pool filled with water (lots of real H20).
In order to be born again, your faith in Christ will display a willingness to response to the Gospel message. You obey the Gospel after hearing the message, believe in Christ with all your heart, repenting toward God by openly confess your faith in Christ and are then immediately choose to be buried with Christ in believers baptism (immersion).
Or would you much rather have believers baptism declared non-essential by theologians who teach - baptism is only an option and not necessary? Remember the words of Jesus when he said: "So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin."
Jesus taught his disciples that water is part of His plan for our salvation . It is included in God's scheme of redemption. What if you were only to sprinkle a tiny bit of water in the bottom of the pool….Do you still want to take that jump of faith off the springboard under those conditions? I shouldn’t think that it would not make a lot of sense… do you? Remember God's words at Jesus baptism: “This is my beloved Son - HEAR HIM!”
If you’ve been taught that water has nothing to do with your salvation, when Jesus emphatically teaches the very opposite, where do you stand in His scheme of redemption? To be born again, Jesus says water has to be there and you dare not “spiritualize it away." Do you know more than Him? Remember, everything Jesus taught Nicodemus on that night, referred to a universal re-birth into the Kingdom of God.
At this point some will point to the thief on the cross - not taking notice that both Jesus and the thief died under the Old Dispensation and Law of Moses. When Christ arose from the grave - EVERYTHING CHANGED! Therefore, it is not for me to question whether your "religious experience" is in line with Biblical teaching. THAT REMAINS FOR YOU TO DECIDE. IT IS YOUR CHOICE.
But, I’ll ask you this: "Who or what do you chose to believe?" Do you want a theologian to perform your spiritual surgery or the spiritual heart surgeon? Listen to Jesus! Listen to Him very carefully! You don’t need theological expediency here - Jesus has clearly given the answer of how you can and must be born again! Follow His procedures if you want the operation to be successful. Ask yourself this question…”Who and what have I been listening to, when asking myself the question: “Have I been born again?”
Being reminded that John's Gospel was written to believers, Jesus continued teaching Nicodemus in John 3:6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, (You’re absolutely right Nicodemus - you can’t enter your mother's womb again) and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. vs. 7 “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.”
Christ once also said, “there is a way that seems right to a man but the end thereof is the way of death." and when He declares “You must be born again” - He chose to ACCOMPLISH the transition for your new birth "through water and by the Spirit.” Never the less, you can rest assured that “Without faith it is impossible to please God,” We will either take Christ at His word or he might bring our so called “faith” into question! The Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans giving a precise explanation of the part water plays in being born again. (He helps to connect the dots - so to speak!)
Romans 6:3 “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? vs. 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. (born again) vs. 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, vs. 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; vs. 7 for he who has died is freed from sin. vs. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, vs. 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. vs. 10 for the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. vs. 11 even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. …. (born again)
I pray that you never think that I believe water (in and of itself) somehow saves you! However, water became the mode which God chose to use in order for our faith in Christ to be expressed through our action. Through faith, we do that which is pleasing to God! It is simply not enough to "only believe" that God wants to forgive your sin - you must reach out and obey Christ's Gospel thus accepting what He has to give!
Paul also writes in Galatians 3:26-29 (N.I.V) “You are all sons of God through faith in Jesus Christ, for all you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.”
In Acts 2:36-38 Peter clarifies the water issue even more when he said, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ - this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the Apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent and each one of you be baptized (this is what you can do) in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Jesus promises to send God's Holy Spirit into you)
BAPTISM IS NOT AN END, IT IS A NEW BEGINNING. 1Peter 1:22-23 , “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, vs. 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.” (Who do you choose to listen to? Whose teachings are acceptable to you?)
In 1 John 5:1 the matter is clarified even further when John writes, “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him, vs. 2 by this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. vs. 3 for this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. vs. 4for whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. vs. 5 Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (Pause right here for a moment!)
John has just asked a question. Is believing that Jesus is the Son of God, all that is required in order for you to overcome the world’s (Satan’s) influence over your life? He is talking about saving faith - he is explaining that you might believe who Jesus is - however, when you believe the fact of who He is - saving Faith comes into play as you act upon that belief and thereafter, follow Christ's commands.
Belief, only acknowledges your position on a matter. Faith that is not acted upon is not faith at all! (Based on this observation) I can unashamedly say, that neither faith only nor water only is all that’s required for your salvation!) Listen up!
1 John 5:6 (ESV) the apostle continues with his answer of what enables the believer to be born again in the eyes of God. "This is he who came by water and blood -Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by the water and the blood. (Baptism is no more than a bath, if a person has not come to Christ in Faith, committing their deliverance from sin to Him by trusting in His atoning blood) And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the spirit is truth.
vs. 7 For there are three that bear testify vs. 8 the Spirit (the power that raised Christ from the dead) and the water (how we contact the merits of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection) and the blood (the ransom and release from sin‘s grip over us) and these three agree. vs. 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater (Have you listened to a theologian or to Christ?) for this is this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son.
vs. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. 11 And this is the testimony, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. (so get into the Son and out of sin) vs. 12 Whoever has the Son has the life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have the life. vs. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (BORN AGAIN)
Mark 12: 24 “Jesus said to them, (this was over an unrelated issue) “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?”
Pious religious people are no different today. Anyone can be honestly mistaken over this issue….but grant this if you will…..Jesus did not make a mistake over the paramount issue surrounding the new birth.
Mark 10: 17-18 states, “As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” vs. 18 And Jesus said to him, Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.” (The entire inference here has Jesus implying that if you are to call him good you should also recognize that He is God for the truth is THIS: No one is good except God alone and Jesus had plainly told others…“if you have seen me, you have seen the Father.”
Mark 16: 15-16 "And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. vs. 16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” There was that familiar little conjunction “and” once again, which joins things of equal value) This is our commission as recorded in Mark and the same though was expanded slightly in Matthews Gospel account
Matthew 28:18-20 "(NIV) 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you always, to the vey end of the age."
This is the way Peter worded his message in 1 Peter 3:18-22 “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; vs. 19 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, vs. 20 who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. (don’t try to spiritualize that one folks)
vs. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism (the burial of a repentant sinner in a literal watery grave in order for that sinner to rise up out of the water as a new baby in Christ) now saves you - not the removal of dirt from the flesh,(again, this is not a bath) but an appeal to God for a good conscience- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
(I was baptized into Christ AT 14 YEARS OF AGE and have baptized people in their 90's - because both I and they totally accepted everything Jesus Christ had accomplished on our behalf. Over the years I have openly acknowledge my faith in the facts surrounding His death, burial, resurrection and ascension back into heaven. When his blood was applied to my life - he became my Passover lamb) vs. 22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.”
Know this - Every demon ACKNOWLEDGED Jesus as being the Son of God when He walked on earth in the flesh. Since demons know who Jesus really is, that’s all they ever confessed about Him. They know that they are destined to a Godless Hell even though they believe who Jesus really is! Are you being any different from them? They would not WORSHIP HIM, but always had to ACCEPT HIS COMPLETE AUTHORITY OVER THEM. One day every knee will bow in Heaven and on earth DECLARING “JESUS IS THE CHRIST….THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD!” Remember this, if that is all it takes to be saved from sin - Demons were already doing that while Jesus walked on earth. THEY ARE NOT SAVED! Are you?
Jesus said, “UNLESS YOU are “BORN AGAIN” of the WATER and of the SPIRIT you will not see or even enter GOD’S FOREVER KINGDOM.” The Lord Jesus Christ wants you to obey his Gospel. YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN AND YOU CAN BE FOR THAT IS CHRIST'S FOREVER PROMISE.
"THE ASSENSIONS" were a Maritime Gospel singing group and one of the many recorded numbers on one of their CD's entitled "I STILL BELIEVE" was called: "HOW LONG WILL YOU WAIT? " How long has Jesus Christ BEEN WAITING for you to decide if you will allow him to perform your "spiritual open heart surgery?"
Have you been BORN AGAIN? The wind and the waves obey His voice – WILL YOU?
HAVE YOU BEEN BORN AGAIN IN OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST’S COMMANDS OR HAVE YOU BEEN FOLLOWING THE TEACHINGS OF MEN? “Marvel not when I say to you that you must be born again!” IF YOU BELIEVE THAT THE GREAT PHYSICIAN, taught Nicodemus HOW you can be born again - you can also be born again this very day. Heaven will not be empty if you’re not in it, but you’ll be sorely missed - if you’re not there!
Jesus wants you to be there! HE CAN SAVE YOU. HE DIED AND AROSE FROM THE DEAD - ASCENDE INTO HEAVEN IN ORDER FOR YOU TO GET THERE.
READ CHRIST'S GREAT COMMISSION as recoded Matthew 28:16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
ANY CHRISTIAN CAN ASSIST YOU IF YOU TRULY ARE A BELIEVER AND DO WANT TO OBEY THE GOSPEL. TODAY CAN BE YOUR DAY OF SALVATION. Be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of your sin and you will receive the gift of God's Holy Spirit.
IT REALLY IS YOUR CHOCE AND I'M PRAYING, THAT IF YOU HAVE READ DOWN TO HERE - YOU WILL HAVE MADE CHRIST YOUR GREAT PHYSICIAN AND WILL HAVE CHOSEN TO OBEY HIS GOSPEL.
R. CONRAD CLINE
BACK BAY CHURCH OF CHRIST
NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
WRITTEN BY: R. CONRAD CLINE revised on February 06, 2026.