Born Again

John 3:3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
 
THE Pharisee Nicodemus hasn’t asked a question; yet, he has confirmed he and others are truly wondering about Jesus and perhaps beginning to believe, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God.” Then Jesus replied to his searching student with this New Testament promise of hope, grace and love, “No one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Nicodemus was ready to learn. But he certainly didn’t expect Jesus to make such a radical, even confusing claim. Whoever heard of being born again? And why must one be born again to enter the kingdom? Is this a real promise or a real restriction?
   What do you think? Years ago, “born again Christiaan” seemed to be spoken more than now. If one were a Christian, it wasn’t necessary to say, “I’m born again.” Right?
   Or maybe it was and is necessary. Perhaps the phrase was to sort cultural Christians from true, repentant followers of Jesus. But sometimes, too, it seemed, “I’m a born again Christian.” was said with a prideful attitude: “I know I’m a Christian. Prove to me you are, too.” 
   What we must know is that “unless you are born again” is our Lord’s magnificent promise to all of us. Far from being a restrictive rule, it is God’s grand, glorious promise of a new life the Lord has prepared for all believers in the Spirit’s power. As we talk of Kingdom substance or element – what is needed in the Kingdom – the Spirit’s life is certainly the most essential. We must realize we all were born dead in our sin nature to a life relationship with God. And then we humbly, gratefully know “born again” is our Lord’s life-giving hope, grace, forgiveness and love. Yes, rejoice and be a born again Christian.
   What, then, does “born again” look like? The Bible gives us images of this new, regenerative life in the Great Flood and through Abraham, who was called out of pagan worship into God’s “born again” covenant. See also Jacob’s life transformed from deceiver to overcomer. The New Testament shows us the Christ’s profound regeneration in his dead body risen from the grave. He was “born again” physically to be the means for all believers to be birthed forever into glory. Revelation 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.
   See born again also in the disciples’ growing faith to become passionate apostles for the gospel. Witness the abrupt regeneration of Saul into Paul and even Stephen’s martyrdom in Acts 7. All are indications of becoming new in Jesus Christ’s life.
   Born again is the Holy Spirit’s breath of life resurrecting our sin-dead souls to know and follow Christ in love. As he formed the earth and brought life to Jesus’ mortal body, the Spirit enters our heart’s emptiness to re-form our lives fresh and free, released from sins prison.
   Born again, you live ignited with the Spirit’s fire to be a light into the world. You reject earthly limitations to live in heaven’s expectations.