Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—the King of kings and Lord of lords! Welcome, dear reader, as we reflect on the Scriptures together.
We live in the last days, and in this generation, many people claim to know Jesus. They know the story of His life: where He was born, who His earthly parents were, how many disciples He had, where He is now, and that He will one day return. Ask almost anyone today if they know Jesus, and the answer will likely be “Yes.” Ask if they believe in Him, and again, many will say “Yes.” Only a few people will openly admit that they neither know nor believe in Him.
This is the reality of our time. But I want to share a vital truth with you today—perhaps to tell you for the first time or to remind you:
Merely knowing about Jesus is not the same as receiving eternal life.
Let us examine this truth through the lens of Scripture:
John 3:2–3 (ESV)
“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.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’”
Nicodemus, a religious leader and Pharisee, came to Jesus at night. He openly acknowledged that Jesus came from God, and even affirmed the miracles He performed. Yet Jesus did not respond with praise or say, “Well done, Nicodemus, for recognizing who I am.” Instead, Jesus gave him a radical and unexpected answer: “You must be born again.”
Jesus was saying that no amount of head knowledge or religious acknowledgment can give a person access to the Kingdom of God. Even sincere belief in Jesus’ divine mission is not enough if it is not accompanied by the new birth—a spiritual transformation.
In other words:
Knowing Jesus with your mind is not the same as being born of Him in your heart.
Let’s go further.
❓What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?
Nicodemus himself asked Jesus the same question:
John 3:4–5 (ESV)
“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?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’”
Jesus explained that to be born again is to be born of water and the Spirit. This is not a physical rebirth, but a spiritual one, and it involves two essential elements:
✅ 1. Being Born of Water — Water Baptism
To be “born of water” refers to baptism by immersion—a public act of repentance, identification with Christ’s death and resurrection, and the washing away of sin.
Acts 2:38 (NKJV)
“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; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
Water baptism is not an optional ritual. It is a direct command from Christ (see Matthew 28:19) and a vital step of obedience following genuine repentance and faith. While baptism in itself does not save us (see Ephesians 2:8–9), it is the outward expression of our inward transformation. Through baptism, we publicly declare our allegiance to Christ and our willingness to die to our old life and rise with Him (see Romans 6:3–4).
✅ 2. Being Born of the Spirit — Receiving the Holy Spirit
The second part of the new birth is being “born of the Spirit.” This means receiving the Holy Spirit, who comes to dwell within believers at the moment of true conversion. The Holy Spirit regenerates, seals, empowers, and sanctifies us.
Ephesians 1:13 (ESV)
“In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.”
Romans 8:9 (ESV)
“Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him.”
Receiving the Holy Spirit is not merely an emotional experience—it is the mark of true belonging to God. He is our comforter, teacher, and guide (John 14:26), and it is by the Spirit that we are enabled to live the new life God calls us to.
🍼 The New Birth Is Just the Beginning
When a person is born again—baptized in water and filled with the Spirit—they become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). But like a newborn baby, this is only the beginning of the journey. Spiritual growth is essential.
1 Peter 2:2 (NKJV)
“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.”
Without growing in God’s Word, in prayer, and in fellowship, a new believer can wither spiritually. Just as physical life must be nourished to thrive, spiritual life must be cultivated with intentional discipleship, obedience, and daily walking with Christ.
🎁 The Blessings of the New Birth
There are countless blessings that come with being born again—peace with God, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, victory over sin, and the hope of eternal life. But the greatest blessing of all is this:
“Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” —John 3:3
Being born again is not just about improving your life here and now; it’s about entering the eternal Kingdom of God.
📣 Have You Been Born Again?
If not, what are you waiting for? Now that you know the truth, do not delay. Seek true baptism—by full immersion in water and in the name of Jesus Christ, in accordance with the teaching of the apostles (Acts 2:38). And pray to receive the Holy Spirit, the promise given to all who believe (Luke 11:13, Acts 1:8).
Let your knowledge of Jesus lead you to a relationship with Him through the new birth.
“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” —Hebrews 3:15
May the Lord bless you as you respond to His call. Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus!