This section deals with the issue of salvation by looking into the message of the new birth. These verses are taken from the first and third chapters of the Gospel of John in the New Testament.

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:  (John 3:1 KJV)

The Pharisees were a particularly strict sect of the Jewish community. Many of the Pharisees opposed Jesus vehemently, but we find Nicodemus coming to Jesus and seeking to understand spiritual truths from him.

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.  (John 3:2 KJV)

No one knows for sure why Nicodemus came to see Jesus at night. We do know that if he had come during the daytime in the presence of his fellow Pharisees, he would have been ridiculed. Would your church friends scorn you if they knew you were serious about Jesus, or about being “born again”? Nicodemus admits here that he believes Jesus is from God, but he doesn’t know what to do with that information.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  (John 3:3 KJV)

Jesus knows exactly what Nicodemus needs, and why he came to him. Nicodemus is a religious man in need of salvation. Jesus uses the image of birth to illustrate salvation to Nicodemus. The first birth is the one that we all have. We became the children of our parents by way of physical birth, and we must become the children of God by way of spiritual birth. Jesus is telling Nicodemus that without the second birth, there is no salvation.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?  (John 3:4 KJV)

Because Nicodemus is not saved, he doesn’t understand. Nicodemus knows about the first birth, but the second birth is a complete mystery to him. If it is a mystery to you also, then perhaps you have not yet received it either. Nicodemus is thinking in physical terms, but Jesus is speaking in spiritual terms.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  (John 1:12 KJV)

When we agree with God that we are lost sinners, and receive from God the free gift of salvation through Jesus, God births us into his family.

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  (John 3:5 KJV)

Some would pervert the message of the gospel by saying that we are saved through baptism, and assert that the “water” of verse five alludes to it. However, Jesus is reiterating to Nicodemus that there are two births, one physical and one spiritual. In physical birth water is expelled when the “bag of waters” erupts. Thus, the water is a sign of the coming physical birth. The Spirit of verse five refers to God’s Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. When the Spirit is working within a person, it is a sign that something is happening, and that a spiritual birth may be drawing nigh.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  (John 3:6 KJV)

In verse six, Jesus makes it plain what is meant by verse five. The “flesh” is the water of physical birth, and the “Spirit” is the Spirit of God. This entire passage of scripture deals with birth, and nowhere is baptism mentioned.

What remains to be asked is whether or not you have been “born again”. Are you a religious person as Nicodemus was? Church attendance, tithing, making many prayers, and doing good deeds do not add up to a new birth. Only receiving Jesus as your Savior can make you a child of God.

If you now realize that you need to accept Christ to be saved, then bow your heart right now and pray: Oh God, I know that I am a sinner, and that because of my sin, I deserve to go to hell. I now believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. Oh God, I accept the salvation that you offer through your Son, Jesus. Help me to live for Him all my days. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

The Bible says:

As it is written, . . . whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  (Romans 9:33b KJV)

Go and tell others what a great thing God has done for you, sharing the good news of God’s gift of salvation far and wide.

If you made the choice to accept Christ, or if you’re still thinking about it, please contact me, and I would love to be a help in any way I can.