My wife and I have become fans of the series on the life of Christ called “The Chosen.” As I watch this, like many people, it has encouraged me to study closer the Scripture (Old Testament) and the New Testament writings. I want to know Jesus better! Don’t you?

It seems that the series’ writers have taken a peak at the book, Desire of Ages, by EG White. So I started to reread this book (written over 100 years ago) along with the Bible…not so much for theology, but for a closer walk with Jesus.

One of my favorite scenes in The Chosen is the rooftop meeting with Jesus. But, in the book Desire of Ages, even more, insight stimulated my mind and imagination.

It is highly likely that “Nicodemus related to John the story of that interview, and by his pen, it was recorded for the instruction of millions.” (Desire of Ages, p. 177

This was brought out in The Chosen as well.

In this account in John 3: 1-17, Jesus reveals to Nicodemus and the reader, who prides themselves in their religion, the critical experience of being born again.

In their discussion, Jesus cuts right to the heart of Nicodemus’ spiritual needs. Jesus starts their discussion with the expression of intense truthfulness, “Verily, Verily” (KJV) or “Very truly.” (NIV), or ” “Most Assuredly” (NKJV). Whatever translation is used, Jesus’ wants us to know His words are true without exception.

“Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again…
Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. John 3:3

John 3:3,5

Nicodemus is not that different from many religious people who have never been born again, including leaders and, dare I say it?… Pastors.

The critical topic of Jesus’s words about being “born again” will be the topic for the next few blogs. I will be more brief than usual because I don’t want the power of God’s word to go without serious contemplation by the reader. As a pastor and evangelist at heart, this is what drives the ministry God has thrust upon me…I mean this in a good way. God’s word and Spirit compel me to do so.

“In the interview with Nicodemus, Jesus unfolded the plan of salvation and His mission to the world. In none of His subsequent discourses did He explain so fully, step by step, the work necessary to be done in the hearts of all who would inherit the kingdom of heaven.” Desire of Ages, p.176

*A quick review of the New and Old Testament shows that the term “Born Again” is not used by any other disciple or prophet except for Peter (1 Peter 1: 23), although many references in the Bible describe a new heart and a new mind that God gives the “born again” believer. More on that next time.

Nicodemus Was Good At His Religion

“Nicodemus was highly respected and held a high position of trust in the Jewish nation. He was highly educated and possessed talents of no ordinary character, and he was an honored member of the national council. With others, he had been stirred by the teaching of Jesus.” Desire of Ages, p. 167

“Nicodemus had come to the Lord thinking to enter into a discussion with Him, but Jesus laid bare the foundation principles of truth. He said to Nicodemus; It is not theoretical knowledge you need so much as spiritual regeneration. You need not have your curiosity satisfied but have a new heart. You must receive a new life from above before you can appreciate heavenly things. Until this change takes place, making all things new, it will result in no saving good for you to discuss with Me My authority or My mission. ” Desire of Ages, p.171

Theology has its place, but it cannot provide salvation from sin and eternal death. Nicodemus was a great theologian, but spiritually He lacked something. He could feel it! He was drawn to the teachings and person of Jesus. Consequently, he came to Jesus alone at night.

Herein is a great truth. Coming to Jesus alone, whether at night or in the morning, without companions or the church, will produce a firmer and truer relationship with Jesus. It will enrich the worship service you attend. Your worship will be in spirit and in truth. It is your quiet time with Jesus, where the words of God will provide clarity and peace.

Each person who has been stirred by the words of God and drawn to Jesus will want to learn of Jesus. This is all-important, but the things of the Bible will not be of any lasting value if that person is not born-again.

“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

John 3:2

“The opening words of Nicodemus were designed to express and to invite confidence, but they really expressed unbelief. He did not acknowledge Jesus to be the Messiah, but only a teacher sent from God.” Desire of Ages, p. 168

At this point, Nicodemus was influenced by his religion, tradition, and pride. He had not come to the point where He could acknowledge Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah as predicted by the Prophets. So it is with ourselves. Getting to know Jesus personally may be corrupted by our pride in being good at our religion or denomination. As Nicodemus, we may be lacking in a personal experience with Jesus.

“Instead of recognizing this salutation, Jesus bent His eyes upon the speaker as if reading his very soul. In His infinite wisdom, He saw before Him a seeker after truth. He knew the object of this visit, and with a desire to deepen the conviction already resting upon His listener’s mind, He came directly to the point, saying solemnly, yet kindly,

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

John 3:3

Desire of Ages, p. 168

How is it with you today, my friend? Will you see the kingdom of God? Do you sneak away from everyone and spend time talking and conversing with Jesus? Do you listen to His words to understand Him or to confirm your and your church’s views on theology? Or does your day start or end with a good movie and your blanket?

More importantly, have you been born again? How would you know? Do you look at your “good works?” Do you point to your position in the church? Next time, we will see how Jesus answers this question to help us understand what it means to be “born again.”