“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified]"
The concept of “The New Birth”, as explained in John 3:1-21 of the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC), is a foundational teaching within Christianity that holds profound relevance for believers today. This passage records a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, in which Jesus explains the necessity of being born again in order to enter the kingdom of God. The spiritual truths conveyed in this passage have enduring significance for contemporary believers, offering insight into salvation, transformation, and the nature of faith.
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
John 3:1-21 (AMPC) “Now there was a certain man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler (member of the Sanhedrin) among the Jews, who came to Jesus at night and said to Him, “Rabbi (Teacher), we know [without any doubt] that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs [these wonders, these attesting miracles] that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh [the physical is merely physical], and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be surprised that I have told you, ‘You must be born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].’ The wind blows where it wishes and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be possible?” Jesus replied, “You are the [great and well-known] teacher of Israel, and yet you do not know nor understand these things [from Scripture]? I assure you and most solemnly say to you, we speak only of what we [absolutely] know and testify about what we have [actually] seen [as eyewitnesses]; and [still] you [reject our evidence and] do not accept our testimony. If I told you earthly things [that is, things that happen right here on earth] and you do not believe, how will you believe and trust Me if I tell you heavenly things? No one has gone up into heaven, but there is One who came down from heaven, the Son of Man [Himself—whose home is in heaven]. Just as Moses lifted up the [bronze] serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross], so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life [after physical death, and will actually live forever]. “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him]. This is the judgment [that is, the cause for indictment, the test by which people are judged, the basis for the sentence]: the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For every wrongdoer hates the Light, and does not come to the Light [but shrinks from it] for fear that his [sinful, worthless] activities will be exposed and condemned. But whoever practices truth [and does what is right—morally, ethically, spiritually] comes to the Light, so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are—accomplished in God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence on Him].”
In this passage, Nicodemus approaches Jesus under the cover of darkness, indicating his initial uncertainty and perhaps a sense of secrecy in seeking answers to his spiritual inquiries. He acknowledges Jesus as a teacher from God due to the miracles He performed. However, Jesus swiftly redirects the conversation to the core issue at hand: the need for spiritual rebirth.
The New Birth Explained: Jesus tells Nicodemus that in order to see or enter the kingdom of God, a person must be "born again" or "born from above." This new birth is not a physical one, but a spiritual transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit. It involves a radical change of heart, character, and allegiance. Jesus clarifies that this transformation is necessary because humans are born with a sinful nature inherited from Adam, and thus need a new nature to commune with God.
Water and Spirit: Jesus mentions being born of water and the Spirit. This likely refers to both physical birth (water) and spiritual rebirth (Spirit). Just as water symbolizes purification and cleansing, the Holy Spirit brings spiritual cleansing and renewal. The Spirit's work is essential in regenerating believers and bringing them into a new relationship with God.
Belief and Salvation: Jesus emphasizes the centrality of belief in the process of the new birth. He states that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. Belief involves more than intellectual acknowledgment; it entails trust, surrender, and commitment. This points to the fact that salvation is not earned through works but is a gift received through faith.
God's Love and Salvation: Verse 16 contains one of the most well-known verses in the Bible: "For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life" (John 3:16 AMPC). This verse encapsulates the heart of the Gospel message—God's immense love demonstrated through the sacrificial gift of His Son for the salvation of humanity.
Light and Darkness: Jesus also explains the significance of light and darkness in the context of the new birth. Those who practice evil avoid the light because their deeds will be exposed, while those who do what is true come to the light. This speaks to the transformative power of the new birth, which leads believers to embrace truth and righteousness.
Relevance for Believers Today
Salvation: The new birth underscores the foundational truth that salvation is a spiritual rebirth, not merely a set of rituals or rules. This offers believers assurance that their relationship with God is rooted in a personal transformation through faith in Jesus.
Transformation: The new birth signifies a profound transformation in character, desires, and outlook. Believers are encouraged to pursue holiness and righteousness, guided by the Holy Spirit's work within them.
Grace and Love: John 3:16 highlights God's incomparable love and grace. In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, believers can find comfort and security in knowing that God's love remains constant.
Faith: The emphasis on belief reminds believers that their relationship with God is based on faith, not merit. This encourages humility and a deep reliance on God's grace.
Accountability: The analogy of light and darkness challenges believers to live transparently and authentically. It encourages a life of integrity and accountability before God and others.
Rebirth of Communities: Just as individuals experience the new birth, communities of believers can also undergo transformative renewal, impacting society through acts of love, justice, and compassion.
In conclusion , “The New Birth" as explained in John 3:1-21 speaks of a spiritual transformation that remains vitally relevant for believers in the present day. It underscores salvation through faith, the depth of God's love, the power of the Holy Spirit's work, and the call to live transformed lives marked by light and truth. This passage serves as a timeless reminder of the foundational truths of Christianity and the ongoing work of God's grace in the lives of believers.
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