When my girls were born I was beyond so excited. I felt like I had live baby dolls. I kept them clean, dry, fed and tried to give them a good life filled with love and laughter. I tried to teach them how to be kind and respectful. We raised them in a Christian home preparing them for the most important event of their life. Their second birth - a spiritual birth - which only they can choose.
In the lyrics of Hark The Herald Angels Sing I love the line, "Born to give them second birth". I think that sums up what Jesus did for us. We are intended to have a second birth. Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." Before our second birth, we are spiritually dead, we are selfish and we are rebellious.
The flesh is what we are naturally. The Spirit of God is the supernatural Person who brings about the new birth. John 3: 6, "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."
Jesus says it again in John 6: 63, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all.”
Jesus explained salvation to Nicodemus three times. The first time in John 3: 3, "Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." Even though Nicodemus was a respected teacher who knew the letter of the Law, he was spiritually blind to Truth. He did not understand the spirit of the Law and the need for a second birth. He did not understand the need for a sinful man to be forgiven of his sin.
In John 3: 5, Jesus expanded on this saying, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit." Jesus was letting Nicodemus know that his high position, vast knowledge, obedience nor wealth would help him into heaven. Nicodemus needed to be born again - spiritually.
The third time Jesus told Nicodemus, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit". Jesus is explaining that there are two types of birth. The first if physical into the world and the second is spiritual into a new creation. One is physical into a family of man and the second is spiritual into the family of God. Everything connected with the flesh is human like - our nature, our character, etc It is sinful. We are incapable of entering heaven unless we are born again.
When God’s Spirit takes up residence in our heart, He will open up truths about Jesus as we study the Word. As David said, those truths are more precious than gold and sweeter than honey to your soul. Psalm 19: 10, "They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb." It is only by God’s grace—His undeserved mercy—that we can have eternal life with Him in heaven. All we have to do is believe Christ died for us and ask Him to forgive our sins.
Have you had your second birth?
Yes I have Jill and am so, so thankful!