New Life in Christ

John 3

​The Bible is clear that in our first birth, we are “born of the flesh” and “born of water”; but in our second birth, we are “born from above or born again” and “born of the Spirit.” Our first birth leads to death, but our second birth brings eternal life. The new birth is a new beginning that results in “newness of life.”

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 (ESV)

Dr Tony Evans writes, “When Jesus died two thousand years ago, we died too. When he was buried, we were buried with him. Paul uses baptism to illustrate how this works. In Greek, the word translated baptism was used for dyeing clothes. You would dip a cloth in purple dye, let it soak (or be “baptized”), and it would absorb the color. The properties of the dye became part of the cloth, so that its visible identity was transformed. That’s what happens to Christians: we are dipped in the blood of Jesus, so that the properties of Jesus become a part of us.”

“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 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.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 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?” 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. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 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.” John 3:1-8

Nicodemus went to Jesus under cover of darkness so that he could avoid the scorn of his fellow Pharisees. Jesus explains, “To enter God’s kingdom, you must not only be born physically (of water and flesh) but also supernaturally (of the Spirit). Human birth and even an impressive physical ancestry are insufficient for obtaining eternal life.” Upon accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, Forgiver and Redeemer, God’s Spirit invisibly does its work inside the human heart. We can’t see it happening. All we see are the results of exhibiting and bearing much fruit.

“Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.” John 3:9–13 (ESV)

Nicodemus couldn’t understand the concept concerning the new kingdom age of the working of the Spirit was visible and taught in the Old Testament. As a teacher and leader, he should have known and understood this concept. If he could not grasp earthly things that were plainly taught in the Scriptures, how could he grasp the heavenly things that only Jesus could reveal—that is, that God in grace can give people a new heart? Jesus could reveal deep heavenly truths since He had descended from heaven—humbly stepping down from His Glory and Kingship to sacrifice, suffer, and seek to save the lost. (All humanity)

Warren Wiersbe states that, “Jesus is the Son of God come down from heaven. He is the serpent Moses wrote about in Numbers 21:4–9; He is the Father’s love gift; He is the Light in a dark world.”

Like the serpent, discussed in verses 14 and 15, Jesus was lifted up, and He died on a cross for the sins of the world. All who look to and accept, believe, and confess Him—His birth, sinless life, death, resurrection, and ascension--by faith receive eternal life.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:16-21 (ESV)

God loved the world of people, and His love was not merely sentimental. Rather, it prompted Him to put love into action. God the Father gave His one and only Son as a substitute for sinful human beings. He would die in their place, bearing their sins. But salvation from sin through the Son requires faith: “Everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” When you trust in Jesus alone as your personal sin-bearer or sacrificial lamb, divine judgment is removed and eternal life is freely given. His motivation? LOVE!

"After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. 23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized 24 (for John had not yet been put in prison). 25 Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” John 3:22-26 (ESV)

John’s disciples had become concerned because everyone was going to Jesus. Thus, they essentially told their master, “This Jesus fella is moving in on your ministry. Now fewer people are coming to you.”

“John answered, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.” 31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. 33 Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3:27-36 (ESV)

Jesus will one day rule the world as King. Thus, the matter is simple. Believe in the Son to receive eternal life. Reject him and experience divine wrath.

Wiersbe continues, “John’s ministry was given to him from heaven. His task was to bear witness to Jesus. Jesus is the Word, and John was only a voice proclaiming the Word. Jesus is the Bridegroom, but John was only the best man. John did no miracles, but his witness was used to win people to Christ, even after he was dead. Can you honestly say, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

John was simply the opening act, expected to warm up the crowd and then get off the stage. Jesus was the main event, the star attraction. John was content with and grateful for His role. Are you?

Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? Is your eternity secure in Christ Jesus alone? Do you understand He wants a relationship with you where you are at and in who you are? Will you surrender to Him, receive His love and forgiveness, and follow and obey Him all the days of your life this side of eternity? Will you receive His Spirit? Will you choose to follow Him in Baptism?
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Today, I pray that you would receive Jesus Christ as you personal Lord and Savior. I pray that if you have questions or concerns that God would put someone in your path or that you would reach out to me.

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