John 3:3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.
The first thing we
must take away from the clear message in this verse is what the word "again" really
signifies. The first place we see this term used is in the meeting between
Jesus and Nicodemus, who was confused about how a person could be born again (John
3:4). There is still much confusion today surrounding the term born again,
so much so that some Christians say we should not use the term any longer. The
problem with disregarding the term "born again" is that Jesus told
Nicodemus and, in extension, all people, that no one can see God's kingdom
without a New Birth.
The Greek word for "again" in this verse is "anothen" (Stongs 209) which means from above, from heaven, or anew. In other words, to see the kingdom of God, a person must have experienced a new spiritual birth from heaven. Many people have come to church, week after week, for many years that have never experienced a new spiritual birth from heaven. Christ Jesus was clear concerning what was necessary to know eternal life with God for eternity. Good attendance in church, being a church member, generous giving of tithing, being a part of a particular denomination, or any other self-proclaimed works or deeds will not suffice.
Being born again is not a makeover or overhaul of one's life. Some say, "I need to straighten out my life and start going to church." This lie is something that Satan will convince people to blind them because the only way to eternal life with God is a new life in Christ Jesus, being born from heaven, born again. It has no connection with instructing or enlightening ourselves into becoming a better person. Rebirth or renewal is a supernatural act of God in imparting eternal life through the leading, guiding, and direction of the Holy Spirit's work in someone's life. The Holy Spirit is the Mediator of renewal or rebirth. Regeneration tremendously and exceedingly alters an individual's life and creates a new sphere of power in the person who is born again.
Humanities means and technique, and the direction of most religions and sects (other than biblical Christianity), is attempting to gain eternal life with God through the individual's good deeds and works. Satan is convincing too many people that getting to heaven is accomplish by only pleasing God. The hope is that their good deeds and works will overcome their evil deeds. However, this is not hoping; this is sheer and utter hopelessness.
The way of God, the only way to eternal life with Christ Jesus, is by placing our faith and trust in Jesus and accepting His free gift of Salvation (Romans 6:23b). Cleansing ourselves of our sin is impossible. We can clean or wash ourselves; however, we could never birth ourselves. Without the new birth in Christ, no person will see God's kingdom and spend eternity with Christ Jesus. The good news is Jesus is standing at the heart's door of every lost person. All that is necessary is to open the door and let Him in.
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