The Necessity of Spiritual Rebirth

"As is true of man who is born naturally and receives a human nature from his parents, so man born anew receives a new nature, a new capacity for service and devotion to God."  - John F. Walvoord

Spring will soon be upon those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere. Every year, we longingly look forward to it; especially after months of cold, dreary winter weather. Along with the change in temperature, spring brings the promise of renewal and freshness.

Similarly, this happens to us when we are reborn, or born again to Jesus Christ. It's not so much a physical transformation, but rather a regeneration of our inner spirit that occurs. In nature, spring-time refreshes the earth; bringing new life and an uplifting feeling to our entire outlook on life.

When we are "born again" in Christ a similar renewal of sorts takes place. But instead of an outward change in appearance, it is a rebirth of our inward selves that we experience. Does this happen naturally, or by chance? Let's explore this a little more...

Nicodemus was a member of the great Sanhedrin, a senator, private counselor, and a man of authority in Jerusalem who was intrigued by Jesus' miraculous signs and wanted to speak to him. However, because of obvious reasons, Nicodemus could only approach him by night, out of the sight of prying eyes and ears. (John 3:3-7)

He recognized that Jesus was a special teacher, and God sent. Like many of us today, he had concerns about his own soul and salvation and was hoping to get some some things cleared in his head. You see, being a Jew and of the seed of Abraham, he was entitled to a free pass to the kingdom of God. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

But, Jesus set him straight. He basically told him that no outward affirmation, ceremony, or privilege of birth, could entitle anyone to the blessings of the Messiah's kingdom. Only a total change of heart and life could bring this about. (1 John 3:9)

As Jesus plainly states in John 3:3, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." In other words, a new birth was necessary for this to happen. This doesn't mean a minor tune-up to the spirit; but a completely new foundation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

To be reborn or renewed in Jesus Christ will require a good inward cleansing and Divine influence. Thus, this spiritual change is an act of God by which eternal life is granted to the person who believes. And who is the agent for this spiritual change? You guessed it, Jesus Christ is!

In closing, only those who are born again have their sins forgiven and have a relationship with God. This is what Jesus was trying to get across to Nicodemus, and it still applies today. It's never too late to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and be born again. Why not take that step, if you haven't already!

Scripture: John 1:12-13; Romans 6:6; 2 Peter 3:9; Mark 16:16; John 3:36

Prayer: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Amen   - 1 Peter 1:3

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey