The Born Again Experience
Have you ever wondered what the words of Jesus meant when He said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3. We have heard it often being taught from our pulpits, Bible discussion circles, and studies. Many who have studied deep into the subject know it in theory but lack experience.
Biblical statements such as, "...many are called, but few are chosen...", "...many shall say unto me...Lord Lord, but I know them not...", "...narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it..." said Jesus; are a clear depiction that the born-again experience will be experienced only by a blessed few, it is a rare experience, but not impossible.
Don't be discouraged by thoughts like, "I can't do it!" or "This is very difficult to achieve!" Jehovah is the God of the impossible, and with Him, all things are possible, including the born-again experience. What you and I have to learn is to trust in His power and leadership to get us through it.
Despite his esteemed position as a ruler and teacher of Israel, Nicodemus found it difficult to understand the words of Jesus. "How can these things be?", said he. Written for our admonition, the state of Nicodemus is the symbol of many professed Christians of today. In the eyes of the world, our external piety may seem to portray a state of holiness while in our hearts God still sees a lot of things to be improved upon.
You and I must be born again. This experience changes a person into a totally new and different one. Do not try to fully understand the full mechanics of how God will do this. "The wind blows where it wants, no one knows where it comes from, or where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.", said Jesus.
What must we do then?
Jesus then said to Nicodemus, "...as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:14-15. There is only one remedy for sin: the atonement of Christ. The work of the Holy Spirit is to bring you into a deeper understanding of the story of Jesus Christ.
Why is this story so important? The first letter to the Corinthians answers, "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18. Paul adds, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth..." Romans 1:16.
Within the story of Jesus Christ is embedded the power of God to forgive, change, and preserve one who reads it. So where do we begin then? At Bethlehem where He was born? At Gethsemane where He drank of God's wrath? No no, my friends.
As you look to the uplifted Saviour, as yourselves questions like, "What is that? What is Jesus doing on that cross? Why is He doing it? How did it come to this? How did He do it? Who is it doing it for? What is the purpose? How do I respond to what He did?" As you begin to ask these questions, the Holy Spirit will begin to guide you into deeper truths that are going to change your heart, steadily and surely.
My work in this blog post is not to provide you with the full details of what it means to be born again, but simply to say, "Please dedicate your time to studying the background of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. There is power in this journey that is a blessing to your heart, and all those you preach it to."
Calvary is the peak of God's demonstration to the whole universe that He is Love. The past, present, and future of the story contain the key to the salvation of the sinner. It is my prayer that you will study more into it. God bless you all.
Biblical statements such as, "...many are called, but few are chosen...", "...many shall say unto me...Lord Lord, but I know them not...", "...narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it..." said Jesus; are a clear depiction that the born-again experience will be experienced only by a blessed few, it is a rare experience, but not impossible.
Don't be discouraged by thoughts like, "I can't do it!" or "This is very difficult to achieve!" Jehovah is the God of the impossible, and with Him, all things are possible, including the born-again experience. What you and I have to learn is to trust in His power and leadership to get us through it.
Despite his esteemed position as a ruler and teacher of Israel, Nicodemus found it difficult to understand the words of Jesus. "How can these things be?", said he. Written for our admonition, the state of Nicodemus is the symbol of many professed Christians of today. In the eyes of the world, our external piety may seem to portray a state of holiness while in our hearts God still sees a lot of things to be improved upon.
You and I must be born again. This experience changes a person into a totally new and different one. Do not try to fully understand the full mechanics of how God will do this. "The wind blows where it wants, no one knows where it comes from, or where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.", said Jesus.
What must we do then?
Jesus then said to Nicodemus, "...as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:14-15. There is only one remedy for sin: the atonement of Christ. The work of the Holy Spirit is to bring you into a deeper understanding of the story of Jesus Christ.
Why is this story so important? The first letter to the Corinthians answers, "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18. Paul adds, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth..." Romans 1:16.
Within the story of Jesus Christ is embedded the power of God to forgive, change, and preserve one who reads it. So where do we begin then? At Bethlehem where He was born? At Gethsemane where He drank of God's wrath? No no, my friends.
As you look to the uplifted Saviour, as yourselves questions like, "What is that? What is Jesus doing on that cross? Why is He doing it? How did it come to this? How did He do it? Who is it doing it for? What is the purpose? How do I respond to what He did?" As you begin to ask these questions, the Holy Spirit will begin to guide you into deeper truths that are going to change your heart, steadily and surely.
My work in this blog post is not to provide you with the full details of what it means to be born again, but simply to say, "Please dedicate your time to studying the background of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. There is power in this journey that is a blessing to your heart, and all those you preach it to."
Calvary is the peak of God's demonstration to the whole universe that He is Love. The past, present, and future of the story contain the key to the salvation of the sinner. It is my prayer that you will study more into it. God bless you all.
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