I grew up on a farm and as small boy I observed calves and pigs being born. There is something special about new life. New life has lots of energy. Newly born pigs and calves are designed to have a special attraction to their mother. New life is a signpost that tells us that “There is a God.”
As humans designed in the image of God, we are much more important than animals. We, as humans, have a beginning but not an end. We will either spend eternity with our heavenly Father in heaven because we have been born again or be separated from God in hell because we have rejected the Lord. The Lord does not want you to spend eternity in hell! Jesus paid for our sins on the cross, so we can be born again. We can humble ourselves and come to Jesus and accept His free gift of salvation.
Nicodemus was Confused
When Nicodemus encountered Jesus, he was told that he needed to be born again. Jesus was not talking about physical birth but a spiritual birth. 3 John 3:3Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” [1]
What was Jesus saying? Nicodemus was confused. This spiritual new birth Jesus was speaking about would be like a birth because it was a new beginning. This new birth has a dramatic effect because it opens spiritual eyes and a heart to the Kingdom of God. It is only possible to experience and begin to understand the Kingdom of God when one is born again.
Relationship not Religion
Without faith in Jesus as our Savior, the Kingdom of God does not make any sense because our eyes are blinded. 2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. [2].
You may go to church, but perhaps you are still searching. There is an empty place in your heart, and something inside tells you that you’re not really right with God. Why did Jesus say that Nicodemus must be born again? Jesus said this because He could read the heart of Nicodemus. Jesus saw that Nicodemus had covered himself with religion but did not have a relationship with God. Like Nicodemus, you too, need to be born again. If you are not born again, the following prayer is a first step.
Prayer to be Born Again
God, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need and want You in my life. Your Son Jesus Christ gave His life for me on the cross at Calvary, and I long to receive the forgiveness you have made freely available to me through this sacrifice. Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus’ precious and holy name. Amen.” [3]
Listen here to learn more about Nicodemus and his encounter with Jesus: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/encountering-jesus-with-nicodemus
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers..
[3] https://www.allaboutgod.com/salvation-prayer.htm accessed Sept. 18, 2020.