(John 3:10, NKJV)<\/p>\n
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:<\/p>\n
\nRabbi, 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.<\/em><\/p>\n
John 3:2 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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:<\/p>\n
\nMost assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.<\/em><\/p>\n
John 3:3 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Nicodemus was confused. How could a grown man be \u201cborn again\u201d? Jesus explained that this rebirth was not physical but spiritual:<\/p>\n
\nMost assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.<\/em><\/p>\n
John 3:5 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
SPIRITUAL IGNORANCE IN RELIGIOUS POSITIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n
At this point, Jesus expressed His amazement. Nicodemus, a scholar in Israel, someone tasked with teaching others about God\u2019s ways, did not understand such a foundational spiritual concept. That\u2019s why Jesus asked:<\/p>\n
\nAre you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?<\/em><\/p>\n
John 3:10 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This is a rebuke that echoes into our time. Today, many who occupy pulpits and hold religious titles\u2014pastors, teachers, prophets, and apostles\u2014are 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.<\/p>\n
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BORN AGAIN?<\/strong><\/p>\n
To be \u201cborn again\u201d means to be spiritually reborn by the power of God\u2019s Word, water baptism, and the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n
This spiritual rebirth begins with:<\/strong><\/p>\n
1. Genuine repentance<\/strong> \u2014 a turning away from sin (Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19), and<\/p>\n
2. Water baptism<\/strong> \u2014 as a public declaration of faith and a symbol of being buried and raised with Christ (Romans 6:3-4),<\/p>\n
3. Receiving the Holy Spirit<\/strong> \u2014 which regenerates and empowers the believer to live in holiness (Titus 3:5; Acts 2:38).<\/p>\n
\u27a4 Repentance<\/p>\n
True repentance is more than remorse; it is a change of heart and direction. One must intentionally turn from sin\u2014whether it be fornication, lying, pride, or any other disobedience\u2014and submit to the Lordship of Christ.<\/p>\n
\nRepent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.<\/em><\/p>\n
Acts 3:19 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\u27a4 Water Baptism<\/p>\n
Baptism is not a religious ritual\u2014it is a command and a part of entering into Christ\u2019s death and resurrection:<\/p>\n
\nOr do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?<\/em><\/p>\n
Romans 6:3 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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\nTherefore 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.<\/em><\/p>\n
Romans 6:4 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The biblical mode of baptism is by immersion in water\u2014not sprinkling\u2014and should be done in the name of Jesus Christ:<\/p>\n
\nThen Peter said to them, \u2018Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.<\/em><\/p>\n
Acts 2:38 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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\n\u2026They had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.<\/em><\/p>\n
Acts 8:16 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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\n\u2026He commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.<\/em><\/p>\n
Acts 10:48 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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\u20135).<\/p>\n
\u27a4 Receiving the Holy Spirit<\/p>\n
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):<\/p>\n
\n\u2026You shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.<\/em><\/p>\n
Acts 2:38 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This is the true sign of regeneration\u2014a transformed life through the indwelling Spirit of God.<\/p>\n
SALVATION IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT REBIRTH<\/strong><\/p>\n
Some may claim to be saved because they believe in Jesus\u2014but faith alone, without obedience, is incomplete. James reminds us that:<\/p>\n
\nFaith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.<\/em><\/p>\n
James 2:17 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Jesus Himself said:<\/p>\n
\nHe who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.<\/em><\/p>\n
Mark 16:16 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
If we avoid baptism or delay repentance, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
IT\u2019S PERSONAL \u2014 NOT TRADITIONAL<\/strong><\/p>\n
The decision to be born again is personal. You must seek salvation intentionally. No one can make this decision for you\u2014not your parents, not your pastor, not your friends. You must recognize your need for Christ and pursue new birth with urgency and seriousness.<\/p>\n
If it means traveling far to find a church that baptizes properly\u2014then do it. Salvation is too important to leave to chance or convenience.<\/p>\n
Remember, baptism is not a church doctrine\u2014it is Jesus\u2019 command. And the urgency of new birth should reflect your hunger for eternal life.<\/p>\n
IN SUMMARY<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u2714 Being born again is not optional\u2014it is essential for salvation (John 3:5).<\/p>\n
\u2714 New birth involves repentance, baptism in Jesus\u2019 name, and receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).<\/p>\n
\u2714 Salvation is not complete without obedience to Jesus’ words (Hebrews 5:9).<\/p>\n
\u2714 If your baptism was not in line with Scripture, be baptized again (Acts 19:5).<\/p>\n
\u2714 The Kingdom of God is for the born again, not merely the religious.<\/p>\n
May the Lord bless you as you seek to obey His truth.<\/p>\n
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