“Born again Christian”? Much confusion on this subject What is it? How does it take place?

We can understand the new birth

Mentioned 3 Times in N.T.Jn. 3 – When Jesus teaches about the new birth

Mentioned 3 Times in N.T.Jn. 3 – When Jesus teaches about the new birthJn. 7:50-51 “Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?”

Mentioned 3 Times in N.T.Jn. 3 – When Jesus teaches about the new birthJn. 7:50-51 “Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?” Jn. 19:39-42 – Nicodemus brought spices and myrrh to prepare Jesus’ body for burial

Ruler of the JewsMember of SanhedrinTeacher in Israel

PhariseeOutward observanceBound laws on people

John 3:1-2 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 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."

Came to Jesus at night Believed Jesus was from God Rabbi = my master

Logical Reasoning1. If a man can do miracles then he is from God2. Jesus did miracles3. Therefore He was from God

Present truth so Nicodemus would understand

Used a “figure of speech”Jn. 6:35 “bread of life”Lk. 13:32 “tell that fox”

Of Jewish background – pride in his birthDescendant of AbrahamTell him of a “new birth”

v. 3 Jesus answered and said to him,

"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless

one is born again, he cannot see the

kingdom of God."

3.3.

You must Be Born Again to enter kingdom

If and only if he is born again.

Dividing line between kingdom and world.

3.3.

v. 4 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?"

3.3.

Nicodemus did not understand

He thought it was physical

How can this be?

3.3.

v. 5Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to

you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit,

he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

3.3.

Born of water and the SpiritWater = Baptism

“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life”

Rom. 6:4

3.3.

Born of water and the SpiritWater = Baptism

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17

3.3.

Born of water and the SpiritWater = Baptism

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

Gal.

3:27

3.3.

Born of water and the SpiritWater = Baptism

“see here is water what hinders me from being baptized?”

Acts

8:36

3.3.

Born of water and the SpiritSpirit = the Spirit revealed the Word

Jn. 16:13 “guide you into all truth”I Jn. 5:6-8 “the Spirit is the truth”Jn. 17:17 “thy word is truth”Rom. 10:17 “hearing the Word of God”Lk. 8:11 “seed is the word of God”

*** Born of the Spirit means to be taught by the word of God

3.3.

Born of water and the SpiritSpirit = the Spirit revealed the Word

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off”

Acts 2:38-39

3.3.

Born of water and the Spirit

One Birth not TwoTwo things are essential = water & SpiritNot a physical birthBirth of “spirit” not the body

*** We are born again when we comply with the teachings of the Spirit (i.e. Word of God)

3.3.

v. 6-7 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'

Man has two parts = body and spirit

Fleshly man born to have earthly life Spiritual man born to

have spiritual life

spirit must be born again. None are exempt !

v. 9-10 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, "How can these things be?“ Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?

v. 11-12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. "If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

How can these things be ?

Jesus answered: Teacher of Jews should understand Jesus spoke the truth But they would not accept You should know this from the Law

Natural birth Receive the image of our parents

Spiritual birth Bear the image of Christ Col. 3:1-2 Col. 3:5-10

Put off the old manPut on the new man

Should live more like Christ every day