JEWELS FOR THE SOUL

YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN

You may say, what does being born again mean? That is the question Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee ruler of the Jews asked Jesus. v.2. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.

John 3:1-21

v3. Jesus answered him, "Truly, Truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God".
Nicodemus said to him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?
 v.5. Jesus answered, Truly, Truly, I say to you, unless one is born of Water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
v6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.
v.7. Do not marvel that I said to you, "You" must be born again.
v.8. The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So, it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.

Nicodemus was not getting what Jesus was speaking about being born again. He was too old to return to his mother’s womb, and you say Jesus that I must be born of water and spirit. “How can this be Jesus”? Nicodemus needed a heart change, he needed to get a heart transplant, take out the old stony cold, uncaring, sinful heart, for a new heart of flesh with compassion, love, caring, and obedience for the Holy Word of God. An obedient heart will bring about TRUST in God, trust in the Bible, and the Holy Word of God, and then a person can learn about God’s salvation plan for the world. Jesus Christ is God’s plan for man being Born Again, the very question Nicodemus was puzzled about. Nicodemus had a problem believing what Jesus was saying to him. Nicodemus, your flesh is sinful, sin was brough on all people born of a woman ever since the disobedience of Eve who ate of the fruit which God plainly told her not to eat, and also gave it to her husband, so now all people must be born again, so now Nicodemus, “You must be born again”, born of the Spirit, born of God’s Spirit. Nicodemus you need to have a spiritual transformation (a heart change) which is from above. Sinful flesh has separated mankind from God, your spirit is dead Nicodemus, you need to be saved and rejuvenated unto God. (Ephesians 2:1) “And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sin”. Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to be born of Water and Spirit. He needed to accept Jesus Christ as his savior, he needed to be baptized in water, (meaning submerge under), and raised up out of the water (a symbol of Jesus Christ, death, burial, resurrection) Nicodemus you need to die to your old way of life by laying it down and burying it. And then by rising to a new life in Christ Jesus. You are not Born Again by just being Baptized, you are born again by putting your Faith in Jesus Christ and accepting Him as your Lord and Savior. And then Nicodemus, you will be a child of God in the family of God.

God has restored you back to life because you were dead in trespasses and sins. Only those who are Born Again have their sins forgiven and have a relationship with God.

You Must Be Born Again!!!

You asked Nicodemus, How Can a Man be Born Again? Ephesians 2:8-9 tell us “For by grace are ye save through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the grace of God: v.9. Not of works, lest any man should boast. When you are saved you have been Born Again, spiritually renewed, and is now a child of God by right of New Birth. “Trusting in Jesus Christ, the one who paid the penalty for sin, when He died on the cross, is the way to be “Born Again”. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come!” (2Corinthians 5:17)

If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and be Born Again, say this prayer. Remember saying the prayer is not what saves you (but you should pray the sinner’s prayer), your Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ is what saves you from your sins. The Prayer is a means to express to God your Faith in Jesus and to thank Him for giving you salvation.

LET’S PRAY!

God, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe He died on the cross for me. I believe on the third day He rose from the dead, and now have the key of David and sits on the right-hand side of God the Father, interceding for me. I know that I have sinned against you and am deserving of death. But Jesus Christ took my place upon the cross when He died for my sins, Jesus took my punishment that I deserved, that through Faith in Him I could be forgiven. Forgive me Jesus of my sins. I place my Trust in you Jesus for my Salvation. Thank you for your wonderful gift of Grace and Mercy. Thank you for forgiveness of sins and the gift of Eternal Life!!!  AMEN!!!

Jewels of Nuggets / Jewels for the Soul Blog April 21, 2021, Praise the Lord!!!