REBIRTH PART ONE

 

John 3:1-22

 

There is an expression in the modern-day church that says “Everybody talkin about heaven ain’t goin’ there.” Outwardly they identify with Christ, but inwardly they have never been genuinely converted. Why? It’s because in their ignorance they cling to their false profession, they fool themselves into thinking they are heading heavenward. They are deceived by… Water-downed man-centered gospels Cheap grace that involves zero commitment and active obedience. Market-driven ministries that excites them to be apart of something that is bigger and better. Emotionalism with zero brokenness over their sin.

 

Sadly, as we have seen in the ending verses of chapter two, many today are like this in the church; they fail to examine their profession with their daily life. But Paul wrote, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!...“ 2 Cor 13:5-6. Paul calls on them to examine themselves, because there was a fear that many of them had been deceived with a different gospel. All Christians should be brought to examine the foundation of their hope of eternal salvation at times. Paul not only says examine yourself but he says “Test yourselves” this is a stronger expression in the Greek, it means to “prove yourselves” This word, prove, refers to evaluating, or trying metals, by the powerful action of heat. So what Paul is saying is, “Prove that your confession is real, as it’s being tested by trials to see whether it would stand the test.

 

This is in line with what Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthian church. “Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.” 1 Cor 3:12-13

 

But unfortunately, the unchanged are not concerned with being changed at all. If were honest with ourselves we see this all the time, especially when some dies “They are in a better place now”. Where under our breath you say, “Are you sure about that? Because, what Jesus says here to Nicodemus is very blunt, truthful, and in your face. And it goes against all seeker sensitive, progressive, universalism, and easy believism. (Basically, many churches/denominations today)

 

Jesus said “You MUST be Born Again”

 

“Must” has many different meanings when it comes to you and me. In the realm of physics “What goes up [within the earth’s gravitational field] must come down.” In in our human ability to live each moment “One must breathe or he will die.” Here in the text before us, goes beyond the realm of physics and human ability. Scripture tells us, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. This is a “must” that does not involve human choice; it will happen no matter what. It is an inevitable “must.” “Must” here has the same meaning; something that is absolutely necessary in the divine scheme of things, which is essential in the execution of the sacred plan of redemption. This statement that Jesus confronts Nicodemus with is something the church needs to take more seriously today. It’s so sad to see in so many evangelical churches, lessening the gospel by being undressed to 4 or 5 spiritual laws that person must do, or jump through, in order to be saved. Examples like…. God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life; so, sign a confession card or say this prayer after me; and “abracadabra” welcome to the family of God.

Does the church realize the dangers of this sort of evangelizing, that if you do this, and say this, you are truly born again? The only thing it leads too is destruction and the wrath of God, through their own false profession of faith, from a man centered gospel. I say all this because Ray Comfort said in his book “Hell’s Best Keep Secret” In the late seventies, Ray began to travel, and he had access to church growth records. This what he said, “To my horror that something like 80% to 90% of those making a decision for Christ were falling away from the faith. That is, modern evangelism with its methods is creating something like 80% to 90% of what we commonly call backsliders for every hundred decisions for Christ.  Let me make it more real for you. In 1991, in the first year of the decade of harvest, a major denomination in the U.S. was able to obtain 294,000 decisions for Christ. That is, in one year, this major denomination of 11,500 churches was able to obtain 294,000 decisions for Christ. Unfortunately, they could only find 14,000 in fellowship, which means they couldn’t account for 280,000 of their decisions, and this is normal, modern evangelical results, and something I discovered way back in the late seventies; it greatly concerned me. I began to study the book of Romans intently and, specifically, the gospel proclamation of men like Spurgeon, Wesley, Moody, Finney, Whitfield, Luther, and others that God used down through the ages, and I found they used a principle which is almost entirely neglected by modern evangelical methods.”

 

What Ray discovered is that these men proclaimed the whole counsel of God and the pure un-adulterated gospel as the Law of God convicts the hearts of man. But sadly, the tides have shifted to paganism and entertainment to draw people to the gospel with hopes they will follow Christ, at least on a surface level. Emotionalism that centered on your feelings, rather than genuine repentance and faith in Christ; this is what’s trending in so many so-called evangelical churches across Canada. Sadly, this profession only leads to emotionalism and no external or objective truth that bear no real fruit. As Jesus said, "For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:43-45

 

We know this is true according to Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount”

 

Two kinds of judgements over sin. Matt 7:1-6

Two kinds of praying. Matt 7:7-11

Two kinds of gates. Matt 7:12-14

Two kinds of fruit bearing. Matt 7:15-19

Two kinds of professions. Matt 7:21-23

Two kinds of foundations. Matt 7:24-27

This chapter begins with a sort of covert meeting, its a meeting that provides a stark contrast to the contemporary evangelical confusion in so many churches today. It’s a meeting that destroys today’s seeker sensitive movement, and man centered evangelism. It’s a meeting that would display a refusal to compromise the truth of the gospel, or give anyone a false hope. We call this the unadulterated gospel truth; something that is desperately lacking in North American evangelical churches. What were about to see in this chapter is the true gospel, up close and personal. 

The gospel according to Jesus, not man. 

Nicodemus was a religious leader of Israel, He was a member of the Sanhedrin, which is the ruling body of the Jewish people. (Note) Not all Pharisee’s were elevated to the membership of the Sanhedrin, and those who did were considered as senators or heads of parliament, like we have today today.) Nicodemus, was a man who was highly educated and was zealous for Law of God; but like most pharisees, this was based more on mere behaviour changes and rituals, rather than heart change. So, what brought about this conversation with Jesus? We see that Jesus’s ministry was causing a stir among the religious and political leaders of the Jews. (v1-v2) Nicodemus says “we know” he wasn’t just speaking for himself, but other members of the ruling body of the Jews as well. Nicodemus and his fellow colleagues knew Jesus was a teacher who has come from God. They were impressed and believed that the undeniable power manifested in Jesus’ miracles was divine, as with John the Baptists testimony of Jesus also. But unlike Nicodemus in the future, that tune would change later on in Jesus’ ministry by many of the same Sanhedrin leaders and Pharisees. “Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” 

Matt 12:22-24

 

First, they claim Jesus is a teacher sent by God through signs and wonders, and later on many of them said “Jesus does this through the power of Satan.” The Scriptures do tell us their will be false christ’s and false prophets, there will be false signs and wonders. Jesus said, “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.” Mark 13:22-23. Jesus warns the disciples that many will come in His Name but they are counterfeits, charlatans, lying wonders who do clever tricks. As Paul wrote, “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” 2 Thess 2:9-10. But this wasn’t Nicodemus, as we will see later on his name appears again; but not until they drag Jesus to His death.

 

Scriptures revealed that this man Nicodemus, who feared by night, wasn’t ashamed to show his love and affection by day later on. “After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body.” Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.” John 19:38-40 

 

Nicodemus’ help in preparing Jesus’ body was produced by this night and what followed leading to Jesus’ death on the cross. This night revealed something he heard, and seen with his own eyes, that drew him closer to ask the tough question that concerned his eternal life/soul. Why night time though? Nicodemus, comes to Jesus in the dark of night sky, most likely out of fear that his peers, the Jews, would see or find out. So, Nicodemus speaks and reveals an important truth about Jesus, “No one can do what you do unless they were sent from God” (v2) Jesus wastes no time and responds to his claim. “You must be born again Nicodemus” (v3)

 

What is Jesus saying?

 

Let me assure you, that you must be born again, born form above by the regenerating and transforming and supernatural work of God alone. Regeneration by definition is the sovereign work of God. (Jn. 1:12-13; 3:3-8; Jas. 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:3). Regeneration is a RADICAL WORK that is totally transformational. (Ezek. 36:26-27; 1 Jn. 3:9). Regeneration is not just an addition; but the SOURCE of regeneration is Christ (1 Pet 1:3; Eph 1:3, 2:4, 4:24; 2 Cor 5:17). The AGENT of regeneration is the Holy Spirit (Jn. 3:3-8; Titus 3:5). The INSTRUMENT of regeneration is the Word of God.  (Jas. 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:23, 25) which precedes and causes faith.  (Jn 6:63-65, 1 Jn 5:1, Eph. 2:5; Col. 2:13)

 

John Murray said regeneration is "God effects a change which is radical and all-pervasive, a change which cannot be explained in terms of any combination, permutation or accumulation of human resources, a change which is nothing less than a new creation by Him who calls the things that be not as though they were, who spoke and it was done, who commanded and it stood fast. This, in a word, is regeneration."

 

See! Regeneration is the communication of the new heart to sinners by the operation of the Holy Spirit through the Word of the gospel. A Christ-generated act of instantaneously communicating spiritual life to a dead man to be convicted of sin. 

Paul Washer said “Since faith is infinitely beyond all the power of our unregenerated human nature, it is only God who can give the spiritual ears to hear and eyes to see the beauty of Christ in the gospel. God alone disarms the hostility of the sinner turning his heart of stone to a heart of flesh. It is God, the Holy Spirit, alone who gives light and understanding of His word that we might believe; It is God who raises us from the death of sin, who circumcises the heart; unplugs our ears; It is God alone who can give us a new sense, a spiritual capacity to behold the beauty and unsurpassed excellency of Jesus Christ.”

 

Jesus told Nicodemus what he must do, but this left him confused like many people still today! (v4) Jesus responds in (v5-v6) “in order to enter the Kingdom of God” refers to where the reign of God is made manifest. This refers to God’s sovereign rule over all creation. In a broader sense, everyone is part of God’s kingdom. But here Jesus is referring to the Kingdom of salvation. The spiritual realm where those who been supernaturally born again who live under the Authority of God. Only those who are born again, regenerated are member of the family of God. Only those who are members of the invisible church. Only those who are truly converted. Only those who are truly in Christ completely. Only these are the ones who will come into this Kingdom, while everyone else will miss it. We know this is true by what Jesus says, “Unless” they are born from above.

 

Remember what John said in opening, “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave (the emphasis is on the masculine pronouns of God here) the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13

 

Everyone has a natural birth, a biological birth (Amniotic fluid that surrounds the unborn baby during pregnancy) , but Jesus says in addition to that something else must happen in order enter His Kingdom.

 

Remember,  John’s baptism signified repentance and cleansing in preparation of what is coming. Water symbolically refers to spiritual renewal. Jesus’ baptism signifies the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, who gives you the faith by which one enters His Kingdom. The idea is that of a spiritual birth, baptized by the Holy Spirit. The new birth is the communication of spiritual life to that which is spiritually dead. The new birth is the beginning of something entirely new. It is a new life-giving principle and therefore a second birth It is a spiritual birth, or a new creation. It is something that God alone can only do. The new birth is not a renovation of an old sinful life. It is not a reformation of social behavior. It is entirely the supernatural act of God giving spiritual life to a person in response to faith in Christ. When we are born naturally, we receive natural or physical life; when we are born from above, we receive spiritual and eternal life.

 

John MacArthur said “From start to finish, salvation is wholly a monergistic work of God. Just as no man contributes to his physical birth, so also does no sinner contribute to his second, spiritual birth. The new birth, then, is something that happens to a man, not by a man. It is the power, work and grace of God that enables a dead sinner to repent and believe upon Christ. When that sinner is 'born again,' he is 'born from above,' and thus all glory for that salvation must necessarily be lavished upon God for His saving work.”

 

There has to be a supernatural birth, in order to participate in His Kingdom, you must be born supernaturally from above. The gospel transforms lives to be born again under His grace through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit the third person of the Trinity. Paul said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Cor 5:. There is a lot we can learn about the gospel and the importance of speaking the truth in love, even when it seems hostile to a generation of Nicodemus’s. Jesus never softened the gospel message to make it palatable for His listeners. Jesus wasn’t interested in shallow responses or quick pseudo-conversions. Why? He knew what was in the heart of man, Jesus knew what was at stake when He meant you must be born again. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matt 19:23-26. What is impossible with man, is the only possible when the Spirit illuminates the Law of God in our hearts to the brokenness over our sin. So, Jesus like any good steward of Word, explains further to what He means. (v7-v8)

 

What Jesus is saying in reference to the wind, and the Spirit. Jesus goes on to say the spiritual birth that is required to enter the spiritual Kingdom is a prerequisite by the Holy Spirit who “quickens” you Him. Paul wrote, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved. “ Eph 2:3. God must do a work of grace in the heart as He reveals that truth in (v8). The Spirit is like the wind, you can see it, you don’t know where it comes from, or where its going, but you can see its effects. (Like a tornado, the rustling of the leaves, or the wind is so loud it blocks out every other sound around you.) The work of the Spirit in an individual is like this, you can’t see the transformation occur, but when a person is born from above, soon you will know it. Only human nature can produce human nature, this same truth applies to the Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit can effect spiritual change, spiritual transformation. Only the Holy Spirit can produce the spiritual birth required for entrance into God’s Kingdom. 

Regeneration is entirely His work, unassisted

by any human effort. 

The working of the Spirit in regeneration is His sovereign work of regenerating in the human heart that can neither be controlled nor predicted, yet its transforming work can be seen in the new birth. A W Pink said, “The wind is an element altogether beyond man’s control. The wind neither consults man’s pleasure, nor can it be regulated by his devises. So, it is with the Spirit. The wind blows where it pleases, when it pleases, as it pleases. So, it is with the Spirit.

The evidence of the new birth through the work of regeneration by the Spirit produces….

A likeness to God…. Eph 4:24

A likeness in Christ…. 2 Cor 3:18

A knowledge of God…. Col 3:10

A hatred of Sin….. 1 John 3:9

A victory over the world…. 1 John 5:4

A delight in God’s Law…. Rom 7:22

A faithfulness in Christ… 1 John 5:1

A final home with God for eternity. John 3:3

 

After Jesus explains how you must be borna again, Nicodemus is left with this one question. (v9) “How can these things be?” This indicates that Jesus made very little progress with Nicodemus since (v4). Nicodemus couldn’t see past the religious system that salvation was a sovereign, gracious work of God’s Spirit. And out of all people, Nicodemus should have known better; and Jesus exposes his lack of understanding was inexcusable considering his knowledge of Old Testament. Here is a recognized teacher of Israel, unfamiliar with new covenant teachings from the Old Testament regarding the only way of salvation. “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim 3:14-15 

Nicodemus in this moment is an amazing picture to the spiritual bankruptcy of so many in, and out side the church; then, and more so today. His present blindness to understand exemplifies Israel then and today. Rom 10:2-3 speaks of this reality. His present blindness reveals the legalistic and religious so-called zealots we have today, that don’t really understand what it means to be born again from above. I would like to leave with a couple truths to help you persevere through the daunting question that Nicodemus left Jesus with (v9) “How can these things be?”

 

APART FROM THE REGENERATING WORK OF CHRIST THROUGH THE SPIRIT NONE CAN ENTER HEAVEN. “Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3

 

THE REGENERATING WORK OF SALVATION IS THE SOLE WORK OF GOD ALONE. “…He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13

 

REGENERATION IS ONLY MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH GOD’S MERCY ALONE AWAKENING THE DEAD TO LIFE. “… according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,” Titus 3:4-5

 

REGENERATION IS ALL FOR HIS GLORY AND YOUR GOOD. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ.” Eph 1:3-7