by esther phinias | 29 February 2020 08:46 am02
(John 3:10, NKJV)
In the Gospel of John, we are introduced to a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a respected teacher and ruler among the Jews. Despite his religious status and deep knowledge of the Law, Nicodemus recognized that Jesus was different. Coming to Him by night, he acknowledged:
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 3:2 (NKJV)
Nicodemus spoke not just for himself but on behalf of many religious leaders who knew the truth about Jesus but still rejected Him out of fear, pride, or love of status (see John 12:42-43). But before Nicodemus could say much more, Jesus revealed an eternal truth:
Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3 (NKJV)
Nicodemus was confused. How could a grown man be “born again”? Jesus explained that this rebirth was not physical but spiritual:
Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
John 3:5 (NKJV)
SPIRITUAL IGNORANCE IN RELIGIOUS POSITIONS
At this point, Jesus expressed His amazement. Nicodemus, a scholar in Israel, someone tasked with teaching others about God’s ways, did not understand such a foundational spiritual concept. That’s why Jesus asked:
Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?
John 3:10 (NKJV)
This is a rebuke that echoes into our time. Today, many who occupy pulpits and hold religious titles—pastors, teachers, prophets, and apostles—are either unaware of or choose to ignore the doctrine of being born again. But this doctrine is not optional; it is central to the gospel of Christ.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BORN AGAIN?
To be “born again” means to be spiritually reborn by the power of God’s Word, water baptism, and the Holy Spirit.
This spiritual rebirth begins with:
1. Genuine repentance — a turning away from sin (Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19), and
2. Water baptism — as a public declaration of faith and a symbol of being buried and raised with Christ (Romans 6:3-4),
3. Receiving the Holy Spirit — which regenerates and empowers the believer to live in holiness (Titus 3:5; Acts 2:38).
➤ Repentance
True repentance is more than remorse; it is a change of heart and direction. One must intentionally turn from sin—whether it be fornication, lying, pride, or any other disobedience—and submit to the Lordship of Christ.
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.
Acts 3:19 (NKJV)
➤ Water Baptism
Baptism is not a religious ritual—it is a command and a part of entering into Christ’s death and resurrection:
Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
Romans 6:3 (NKJV)
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead… even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4 (NKJV)
The biblical mode of baptism is by immersion in water—not sprinkling—and should be done in the name of Jesus Christ:
Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
Acts 2:38 (NKJV)
…They had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 8:16 (NKJV)
…He commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
Acts 10:48 (NKJV)
If you were baptized as an infant or not according to this pattern, it is biblically sound to be baptized again with full understanding and in the correct way (Acts 19:1–5).
➤ Receiving the Holy Spirit
After repentance and baptism, the believer receives the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers, sanctifies, and seals us for the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14):
…You shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 (NKJV)
This is the true sign of regeneration—a transformed life through the indwelling Spirit of God.
SALVATION IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT REBIRTH
Some may claim to be saved because they believe in Jesus—but faith alone, without obedience, is incomplete. James reminds us that:
Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:17 (NKJV)
Jesus Himself said:
He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
Mark 16:16 (NKJV)
If we avoid baptism or delay repentance, it’s a sign that our commitment to Christ is not yet genuine. And without genuine surrender, the Holy Spirit will not dwell in us, and we remain vulnerable to the power of sin.
IT’S PERSONAL — NOT TRADITIONAL
The decision to be born again is personal. You must seek salvation intentionally. No one can make this decision for you—not your parents, not your pastor, not your friends. You must recognize your need for Christ and pursue new birth with urgency and seriousness.
If it means traveling far to find a church that baptizes properly—then do it. Salvation is too important to leave to chance or convenience.
Remember, baptism is not a church doctrine—it is Jesus’ command. And the urgency of new birth should reflect your hunger for eternal life.
IN SUMMARY
✔ Being born again is not optional—it is essential for salvation (John 3:5).
✔ New birth involves repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
✔ Salvation is not complete without obedience to Jesus’ words (Hebrews 5:9).
✔ If your baptism was not in line with Scripture, be baptized again (Acts 19:5).
✔ The Kingdom of God is for the born again, not merely the religious.
May the Lord bless you as you seek to obey His truth.
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Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/02/29/are-you-a-teacher-of-israel-and-do-not-know-these-things/
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