Historical Posts

Ye Must Be Born Again

Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus one night. He said, “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). Jesus responded: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). Nicodemus thought only of a literal birth, but of course that was not what Jesus meant!

What is the New Birth?

Whatever the “new birth” is, it is clear that it is essential to our spiritual and eternal well-being. Do you remember a few years back when there was so much talk about “born again” Christians? I should point out that there is no other kind of Christian. In fact, the phrase “born again Christian” is redundant. It is impossible to be a Christian in the New Testament sense without experiencing the new birth!

The new birth signifies the beginning, not the consummation of our response to Jesus Christ.

The process is clearly illustrated in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Paul). He underwent a change in thinking from doubter to believer! He demonstrated a change in conduct from persecutor to preacher! He experienced a change in relationship from being a religious Jew to that of being a Christian! The elements of this birth are water and the Spirit.

The new birth consists of two elements – water and the Spirit.

Water can have reference to but one thing – BAPTISM! No honest and fair-minded person has trouble connecting the new birth with baptism given the emphasis in the New Testament on the subject (Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:1-6; etc).

The Spirit here has reference to the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit’s role in bringing about the new birth. Conversion is a process involving faith derived from the Word leading to obedience (Romans 10:17). Peter acknowledges this to be true when he wrote of our being born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, through the word of God (1 Peter 1:23).

The Lord’s command to Nicodemus is as relevant now as ever.

I cannot improve on Jesus’ own words: “Ye must be born again!” The new birth necessitates an immersion, or baptism, in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). That’s what the Bible teaches. Will you accept it?