The New Birth
Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3 (CSB)
The Jewish religious leader, Nicodemus, approached Jesus with the question that everyone seeks to answer: “What must one do to gain eternal life?” People may not express it in terms of eternal life, but they do seek to understand the causes and solutions to evil and injustice in the world. The answers to these questions lie in understanding sin, its effects, and the solution provided by the gospel. Jesus responded to Nicodemus with the simple assertion that a person must be “born again” to attain eternal life.
Spiritual in Nature. Jesus used the physical understanding of birth to convey the necessity of being born again. He did not imply that one must experience a physical rebirth is required to attain eternal life; rather, He used this imagery to emphasize the importance of a genuine spiritual birth. This spiritual birth pertains to the salvation of the soul. It encompasses the presence of the Holy Spirit, the experience of forgiveness, and the cleansing of our sins.
Work of the Spirit. The work of the rebirth is the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides the reborn's life to pursue the Lord's ways. The Holy Spirit guides the believer in the new life of seeking to live according to the ways of the Lord. We strive to live in genuine love for the Lord and love others. The life of new birth lives out the fruit of the Spirit and strives to live out their spiritual gifting. Before the new birth, such a life remains pointless but at the new birth, the Spirit guides the life to pursue this new way of life and to bring true meaning to life.
The Only Way to Eternal Life. Jesus recognized that Nicodemus was a religious man and understood the truth of the law. He knew that Nicodemus would strive to uphold every letter of the law to please the Lord. Thus, Jesus used this opportunity with Nicodemus to emphasize that Jesus alone is the only path to gain eternal life. Faith in Christ alone provides the means to be born again.
Regeneration signifies a moment of new birth. This new birth represents a pivotal moment that marks the transition from the old self to the new self. It's important to note that regeneration embodies a simultaneous occurrence of death and rebirth.
QUESTIONS
Why is the concept of new birth often difficult for unbelievers to comprehend?
How do people ever allow religion to become the barrier to rebirth?
