It's a Must

A Christian colleague and I have recently teamed up to answer spiritual questions and share the gospel with a hospice patient. Our basic message and plea to him has been what is found in John 3:3 & 7 – “you must be born again.” The kind man told my friend something shocking as he considered his spiritual choice. He basically said, whether he goes to heaven or hell, he is at peace. That shocking perspective can only be explained by the fact that the man does not truly understand the reality of eternity and the gravity of his decision. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit speaks to him before it is too late.

The Spirit of God was working in the heart of a very smart and influential man named Nicodemus. This religious Jewish ruler would have been a rule keeper and influencer. Nicodemus was an expert in Old Testament law. But he would have also bought into a system of man-made additions and regulations that led to a pious perspective of what life was all about. Anytime anyone mingles the truth of the Bible with additional humanistic teachings, one goes to a dangerous place.

Yet, Nicodemus seemed sincere and captivated by the early signs or miracles for which the teacher Jesus was becoming known. He came alone at night, stating that he recognized God was with Jesus (John 3:2). He would soon learn that God the Father was not only with Jesus, but that Jesus was indeed God.

Jesus’ first words jump into the heart of the matter. They reflect that Jesus knew the Pharisee’s heart. Nicodemus may have been surprised at what Jesus said clearly. Our Lord got to the heart of the matter which is the heart of a person. Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (3:3). Nicodemus had not asked how to see God’s kingdom. But he needed to know that heaven is not attained by being a religious rule-keeper. To be born again means “born from above.” Something must take place in one’s soul that reflects a higher calling and a miraculous work far beyond water being turned to wine in an instant.

The reply of Nicodemus was not unlike what my hospice patient or many others may ask. How can someone be born when they are old? Surely, they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born! (4)” There is no indication that the ruler was being a wise guy. He was thinking not of being born from above but having a second physical birth. Regeneration as an act of God is what each person must experience. Being of the right lineage and keeping the law was not enough.

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again’” (5-7). What Jesus adds here would have brought some clarity to Nicodemus. An Old Testament expert knew that water figuratively referred to cleansing, especially when used in connection with the Spirit (Eph. 5:26; Titus 3:5). A spiritual washing of the soul must take place to be part of God’s eternal kingdom. Pharisees, like so many people today, focus on the flesh and the works of the flesh. The one from whom Nicodemus sought answers was an equal member of the Trinity who was pointing to the work of the Holy Spirit in convicting one of their fleshly nature and the need of a supernatural work in one’s life.

Jesus told Nicodemus not to marvel at being told “You must be born again” (7). The powerful Holy Spirit works even when we do not realize that he is doing something. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit (8). As John MacArthur stated, “Jesus’ point was that just as the wind cannot be controlled or understood by human beings but its effects can be witnessed, so also it is with the Holy Spirit. He cannot be controlled or understood, but the proof of his work is apparent. Where the Spirit works, there is undeniable and unmistakable evidence.”

That should be a freeing truth to Christians as we pray for and witness to pre-Christians. The powerful Spirit is the one who initiates salvation. The one whom Nicodemus was interviewing would die and be raised to provide salvation.

As smart of this ruler of the Jews was, he still was perplexed. How can these things be (9)? Jesus called him the teacher of Israel (10). One of such high position should have been able to connect the proverbial dots. Yet, Nicodemus’ failure to “get it” reflected the spiritual state of this ritualistic sect. It is no wonder that the Pharisees would be constantly disputing with Jesus and not seeing him for who he was. They may have been revered and looked impressive. In reality, they were very lost. Their problem was they did not believe.

In verses 11-21 Jesus used the word “believe” seven times. It was as if the Lord wanted to move from the back-and-forth conversation to a longer explanation of salvation. Whether Nicodemus knew he was referring to himself as God (13) is unclear. An Old Testament reference to Moses lifting up the serpent (for healing) and the Son of Man being lifted up (for spiritual healing) was something that must have resonated with Nicodemus (14-15). Belief in Jesus dying as God’s Son to provide salvation for those who believe allows one to avoid condemnation and judgment (16-21). Being born again allows one to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).

The narrative with Nicodemus is left in limbo at this point. However, reading the rest of the gospel of John, we learn that he did indeed become born again. He defended Jesus among his colleagues (7:50-52) and risked a lot by helping to give Jesus a decent burial (19:38-42). His story is a reminder that the simple gospel story must be told to those who are lost. Many people today may be religious, but they have not been born from above. The Holy Spirit works in these folks. He longs to use us. It’s a must.