Unless One Is Born Again…

This lesson examines the account of Nicodemus and Jesus from John 3–what all we know (and don’t know) about Nicodemus, how Jesus responds to him, and discussing in depth the meaning of being “born again.” The focus of the discussion is how one enters the kingdom of God, and the only way to do that is by being born again. This leads into the oft-quoted Jn. 3:16 where Jesus says “whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Because it’s all part of the same context, we must put these ideas together and understand that salvation (i.e., everlasting life, entering the kingdom of God) requires belief AND being born again of water and the Spirit.

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  • Nicodemus – Only mentioned in Jn. 3; 7:50-52; 19:38-39
    • Ruler, member of the Sanhedrin – came to Jesus by night
      • Ashamed or scared?
      • Or honestly seeking the truth?
      • Apparently only member of Sanhedrin who studied with Jesus
    • Knowledge/Faith
      • v. 2 – “We know you’re a teacher from God”
      • Admits signs are from God; cf. Jn. 9:16; Lk. 20:2
  • Jn. 3:3 – Must be born again/anew to see kingdom of God
    • 2nd birth/spiritual rebirth
    • “See” – possess/enjoy, Ps. 16:30; 90:15; Jn. 8:51
  • Jn. 3:5 – Born of water and the Spirit
    • Jn. 1:33 – Baptism of John v. Jesus
    • Tit. 3:5
  • Jn. 3:7 – You must be born again.
    • Must – language indicates necessity; cf. “unless/except” from v. 3, 5
    • Statement made 3rd time.
  • Jn. 3:14 – Allusion to bronze serpent
    • Num. 21:4-9 – Whoever looked upon bronze serpent after being snake bitten would live.
    • Jesus would be similarly lifted up—when on cross, for man to “look upon” to be saved
      • Look = Belief = Born anew
  • Jn. 3:16 – Read within context of “born again”
    • “Begotten” – as Christ was God’s only Son born physically and spiritually, we must be born anew…
  • Jn. 3:19-21 – Contrasts of light v. darkness
    • v. 21 – “But he who DOES THE TRUTH…”
  • From full context of Jn. 3, Belief includes:
    • 3:3 – Being born again
    • 3:5 – Born of water and Spirit to enter the kingdom of God
    • 3:12 – regarding heavenly things
    • Action required
      • 3:14 – Look
      • 3:16 – Believe
      • 3:21 – Do

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