Tag Archives: Born Again

NICODEMUS-BEARING FRUIT

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. At the very beginning of His ministry, He opened the truth to a member of the Sanhedrin, to the mind that was most receptive, and to an appointed teacher of the people. But the leaders of Israel did not welcome the light. Nicodemus hid the truth in his heart, and for three years, there was little apparent fruit.” Desire of Ages, p. 176

Godly Patience

Let not there be discouragement when a friend, family member, or acquaintance shows little fruit from constant prayer requests and/or the planting of God’s word. The growth from a seed to a plant takes time. Sunshine, food, and water nourish the little seedling to grow. Weeds may grow up to try to choke out the plant. Weeds should be carefully removed from near the plant, but God does not allow sinful man to do this work. The plant must grow at the rate and wisdom of God’s leading.

If tempted to judge others in your congregation based on their fruit and rate of growth, keep in mind two things:

1.) God is tending the garden He plants of receptive and willing people. Each person is at a different point in their Jesus Journey, so the plant of believers should only provide to others the things God has given us: Sunshine, food, and water to each person. Be careful not to hang heavy burdens on a small plant. When it is a strong mature plant, it will be ready for its intended purpose.

2.) The tares and wheat will grow together in the church until the harvest. It is not our place to weed the garden or to harvest. Weeding may have the intended results of damaging the wheat. It is not our place to generalize and pronounce judgments on a church as a whole because of tares. We should only water and ensure we do not block the Son for everyone because we do not know who is wheat and who are tares. God looks on the heart…we can’t see a person’s heart. It is a natural spiritual result that weeds will often dry up on their own if they reject the water and bread of life. But we should never stop offering both. People can change.

He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares, you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest,  Matthew 13: 28-30b

“…Jesus was acquainted with the soil into which He cast the seed. The words spoken at night to one listener in the lonely mountain were not lost. For a time, Nicodemus did not publicly acknowledge Christ, but he watched His life and pondered His teachings. In the Sanhedrin council, he repeatedly thwarted the schemes of the priests to destroy Him. When at last Jesus was lifted up on the cross, Nicodemus remembered the teaching upon Olivet:

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

John 3:14

The light from that secret interview illumined the cross upon Calvary, and Nicodemus saw in Jesus the world’s Redeemer.”  Desire of Ages, p. 176

After the Lord’s ascension, when the disciples were scattered by persecution, Nicodemus came boldly to the front. He employed his wealth in sustaining the infant church that the Jews had expected to be blotted out at the death of Christ. In the time of peril, he, who had been so cautious and questioning, was firm as a rock, encouraging the faith of the disciples and furnishing means to carry forward the work of the gospel. He was scorned and persecuted by those who had paid him reverence in other days. He became poor in this world’s goods, yet he faltered not in the faith which had its beginning in that night conference with Jesus.” Desire of Ages, p. 177

After the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, Nicodemus came forth boldly. He had received the Son, water, and bread of life. His faith in Jesus grew to be as firm as a rock. His rebirth occurred that night with Jesus when he realized his great need to change from dry religiosity to a productive follower of Jesus. The emphatic words of Jesus stayed with him:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”…
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 

John 3: 3,5

Fruit

Nicodemus’ support came in the form of the wealth that others lacked. When persecution came, he encouraged the disciples in their work. It is likely that the fruit bore by Nicodemus fed the little church of believers. The church became stronger and moved faster under the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that is the most powerful fruit that is given as a gift to that one who has been reborn. It was the power that led to the growth of the church of believers. These seedlings of God’s word would bear much fruit and spread this seed of life throughout the world. Fruit would come forth to feed those who would “take and eat.”

Unity always results when a church is filled with people who have been reborn and accept the mission of Jesus to…

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Mark 16:15

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly, there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

Acts 2: 1-2

Conclusion

The body of Christ, His church, can learn from that powerful conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. It starts with a startling fact from Jesus: If we have not been reborn, we will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. But, the power of the Holy Spirit to do this work is encouraged by the receptive heart moved and convicted by looking and learning of Jesus.

The wind is heard among the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves and flowers, yet it is invisible, and no man knows whence it comes or whither it goes. So with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. It can no more be explained than can the movements of the wind. A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place or to trace all the circumstances in the process of conversion, but this does not prove him to be unconverted. By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the word from the living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with a more direct appeal, the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many, this is called sudden conversion; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spirit of God—a patient, protracted process. Desire of Ages, p. 172

After conversion, the heart is changed to love like Jesus and compelled to tell the world of Him.

 The Christian’s life is not a modification or improvement of the old but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. Desire of Ages, p. 172

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other.

Galatians 5: 24-26

NICODEMUS-THE WIND

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”

Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not know these things? John 3:8-10

The figure of the new birth, which Jesus had used, was not wholly unfamiliar to Nicodemus. Converts from heathenism to the faith of Israel were often compared to children just born. Therefore he must have perceived that the words of Christ were not to be taken in a literal sense. But by virtue of his birth as an Israelite, he regarded himself as sure of a place in the kingdom of God. He felt that he needed no change. Hence his surprise at the Saviour’s words.: Desire of Ages, p. 72

The metaphor of being born again brings up a picture of newness…a complete change. Again, the learned Nicodemus must have been familiar with Ezekiel’s and David’s picture of God’s work of creating a new heart and a new spirit in the life of those who were still a child of this world.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

Ezekiel 36:26

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Nicodemus was still perplexed, and Jesus used the wind to illustrate His meaning.

The wind is heard among the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves and flowers, yet it is invisible, and no man knows whence it comes or whither it goes. So with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. It can no more be explained than can the movements of the wind. Desire of Ages, p. 172

By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the word from the living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with more direct appeal, the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many, this is called sudden conversion; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spirit of God,—a patient, protracted process. Desire of Ages 172

The “wooing” of the Spirit of God is explained in the book of Jeremiah,

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3

God Draws-He Never Forces

God never forces. Instead, he uses “reason” and appeals to our hearts and minds about our sins and His solution (Isaiah 1:18) .

“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.

Isaiah 1:18

He displays His “everlasting love” to draw people to Him. People come to Him out of a realization of the love and sacrifice of our Creator. Nicodemus was drawn to Jesus because of the love and patience demonstrated to him. Yes, theology and the explanation of God’s word play a large part in leading us to salvation; but they cannot save within themselves. Only Jesus can save. It is His work alone through the promised giving of the Holy Spirit that produces God’s desired results.

Through faith, we receive the grace of God; but faith is not our Saviour. It earns nothing. It is the hand by which we lay hold upon Christ and appropriate His merits, the remedy for sin. And we cannot even repent without the aid of the Spirit of God”. Desire of Ages, p. 175

Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 5:31

Soon Jesus would demonstrate His great love through His sacrificial death on a Roman cross. Nicodemus would witness this pivotal act of salvation and draw him even closer to Jesus, especially after the resurrection. The resurrection would seal the deal for many, even the priests who doubted Jesus.

As Nicodemus considered the blowing of the wind, the Spirit, and being born again, Jesus turns Nicodemus’ mind back to the Tora. Jesus recalled the incident of Israel’s salvation from the deadly bite of snakes in the camp of Israel and what God instructed Moses to do. It was a metaphor and forecast of the crucifixion. Jesus is teaching Nicodemus to understand that salvation is not based on religious acts but on the love of God. This act of God’s love and sacrifice would “woo” or “draw” this religious leader to Jesus even more. Here he would find a salve for his soul in Jesus.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so, must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  John 3: 14-15

Jesus emphasizes what initiated eternal life by repeating Himself with the most beloved words of Christendom:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

In Jesus’ final days before the crucifixion, Jesus prepared the hearts of The followers of his pending death as predicted in the the Tanakh. This act of love would be a universal platform for the “wooing” and “drawing” of everyone to Jesus.

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

John 12: 32-33

Those who had been bitten by the serpents might have delayed to look. They might have questioned how there could be efficacy in that brazen symbol. They might have demanded a scientific explanation. But no explanation was given. They must accept the word of God to them through Moses. To refuse to look was to perish.

Not through controversy and discussion is the soul enlightened. We must look and live. Nicodemus received the lesson and carried it with him. He searched the Scriptures in a new way, not for the discussion of a theory, but in order to receive life for the soul. He began to see the kingdom of heaven as he submitted himself to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

There are thousands today who need to learn the same truth that was taught to Nicodemus by the uplifted serpent. They depend on their obedience to the law of God to commend them to His favor. When they are bidden to look to Jesus, and believe that He saves them solely through His grace…”

Desire of Ages, p. 175

NICODEMUS-HOW CAN I KNOW?

Nicodemus wanted to know how he could know if he was born again. The rich young ruler wanted to know what he could do to have eternal life. The questions are similar, the answer to both is found in Jesus, not in works, position, or tradition.

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  John 3: 3-6-Nicodemus

“Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” Matthew 19:16=Rich Young Ruler

We are born of flesh through our mothers. But, being born of the Spirit is the work of God alone. No earthly flesh can get you born again. It is the Spirit that will change us into a new life, free from the ancestral tendencies of sin.

Over the years, I have heard many reasons why someone will miss out on the kingdom of God. Most of them have to do with some cherished sin, dogma, or worldview. But, the number one reason for a person to perish without any hope of a future with God is to reject Christ and push away the work of the Holy Spirit. For the unbeliever, it comes down to simply not believing He is the Son of God. But also unbelief that He can give a person both forgiveness of sins and the power over their cherished sins.

Nicodemus was not an unbeliever. What would keep him out of the kingdom was that He had never been born again! Jesus made it very clear that…

“…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

John 3:5

This mystified the learned Pharisees. A hard question for each person who is a believer and points to their church-going upbringing, denomination, and tradition must ask this:

“Have I been born again? How do I know?”

Nicodemus went through this conversation with Jesus because he thought one way, and Jesus corrected him. It is not unusual for God to ask us to take an inventory of our lives.

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.

2 Corinthians 13:5

I hope you caught the answer to the “test.” It is whether you know (or do not know) that Jesus Christ is in you. If you can’t answer affirmatively, maybe you have not been born again. Because if you have been born again, you will know” that Jesus Christ is in you.”

Are you a churchgoer, a church leader, or a pastor, but the experience of being born again mystifies you? If your thoughts are more on being good (fill in the denomination name), then maybe you are like the prideful Nicodemus and have never been born again.

Jesus continued:

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ”

John 3:6

Here Jesus mentions two entities: flesh and spirit.

Flesh-Our Nature

By nature, the heart is evil; No human invention can find a remedy for the sinning soul. Job asks:

“who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” Job 14:4.

“The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:7

Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil. Jeremiah 13:23

“Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”

Matthew 15:19

Paul struggled with this, but he knew the answer:

I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?  Romans 7: 21-24

The answer:

I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:25

The fountain of the heart must be purified before the streams can become pure. He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. There is no safety for one who has merely a legal religion, a form of godliness. The Christian’s life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.” Desire of Ages, p172

Notice: The Christian life is a “transformation of nature...and the “effectual working of the Holy Spirit. ”

“There is, therefore, now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who[do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

As each person is convicted of their sins, they will turn to Jesus alone. The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin (John 16:8). This is part of your birth pains! But you have not been born again yet.

Conviction leads to repentance again, the work of the Holy Spirit. Repentance comes when you get a good view of God’s goodness toward you! It is the realization that you must turn from what you are or have been doing because it dishonors the goodness of God, and you have no power. You are still in birth pains.

“…do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 

Romans 2:4

Repentance will lead us to ask Jesus only for forgiveness (Confession). You will open the door to your heart to let Him come in and be a personal God to you (Rev. 3:20). If you make a firm decision to follow and obey Him, you will be bold. Your first act is a public declaration by following Jesus in baptism by immersion. This baptism shows that you have died to your old way of life and risen as a new person.

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:4

There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.

Desire of Ages, p. 172

The Spirit-A New Nature

Walking in the newness of life means “living” in and according to God’s will. You will desire to grow in your experience with Christ. Your attention towards self with change to humble service and love of other people. This is how you will know you have been reborn and are a true disciple of Christ.

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35

Sadly, I have often seen someone convicted of sin commit to Christ. They are baptized and then immediately (if not later) return to their old way of life. What happened? They were baptized but did not rise out of the waters, a new creature in Christ. They were not reborn! They went into the grave of baptism and came up a wet unconverted sinner.

There are two ditches we can fall into if we are not careful. They are direct opposites of each other.

First is thinking you have to reach a point of perfection before you can enter the kingdom of God. The other is the dangerous teaching of the presumption that I am locked in once I have received Christ into my life and been baptized. I can’t fall from grace.

Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking you can reach a point in your experience where you stop sinning because you can’t!

Don’t misunderstand. God will give you either instant or a battled victory over sins that “so easily beset you,” such as drinking, drugs, temper, theft, lying, etc., but you are still a sinner saved by the grace of God through the faith. The big difference is that you are aware of your sinfulness and desire to really change things in your life to glorify Him!

Sinning is not limited to the legalistic view of obeying the ten commandments. As Jesus explained, it is a heart or spiritual experience of trust that leads to obedience to God’s will. For example, we can sin by not trusting God. or by knowing to do good and not doing it.

“for whatever is not from faith is sin..” Romans 14:23

“…to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

James 4:17

It is a sad, unproductive selfish person who thinks they must stop sinning entirely before entering the kingdom of heaven. They don’t understand justification (being made righteous by the blood of Christ). They do not understand a life of faith. They do not understand that the works of the law do not justify them.

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.

Romans 3:28

Conversely, It is a presumptuous person who thinks once they are baptized, they are locked in and cannot fall from God’s grace. God continues to tell us to be on guard against the wiles of the devil and our own sinful nature. If we could not fall from grace, why would we need to put on the armor of God?


You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. Galatians 5:4

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Romans 6:13

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

1 Corinthians 10:12

These words of Paul were written to believers in Rome and Corinth. Not to unbelievers!

The presumption of being unable to fall is just as dangerous as the legalists who feel they must be good enough and constantly fearful of salvation in Christ. Sanctification (the work of a lifetime, where God shapes a person’s life) is not appreciated by these believers.

How Can I Know I Have Been Born Again?

Keep this in mind. It is for our encouragement and God’s will for us to know we have salvation and have been born again. It happens by faith (trust) in God and His word:

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:13

The first part of this verse is often quoted, but the last part is just as important. “that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” As we get to know the written word of God and have a personal experience with Jesus, He gives us assurance and the ability to continue to trust in God. Some people start the good fight of faith but fade away because there is no power from the saving knowledge in their experience with Jesus. They have left the side of Jesus and fallen into unbelief.

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;

Hebrews 3:12

Conclusion

We will know that we have been born again, and so will our friends and family because there will be a decided change in the person’s personality, lifestyle, and love for others. Why? Because Jesus has given us a new heart through the work of the Holy Spirit, not just one time, but continually. A Christ-like love will mark our lives for others and the God we serve.

While the work of the Spirit is silent and imperceptible, its effects are manifest (made known). If the Spirit of God has renewed the heart, the life will bear witness to the fact. While we cannot do anything to change our hearts or to bring ourselves into harmony with God; while we must not trust at all to ourselves or our good works, our lives will reveal whether the grace of God is dwelling within us. A change will be seen in the character, the habits, the pursuits. The contrast will be clear and decided between what they have been and what they are. The character is revealed not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts.”  Steps to Christ p. 57

The work of the Holy Spirit to change our sinful tendencies is as imperceptible and invisible as the paths of the wind. It is because it is the Spirit of God who works on our hearts and minds to change us. The Spirit cannot be seen. Won’t you allow Him to do that in your life today? He can’t do it unless you give Him permission.

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

John 3:8


Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:20

Nicodemus-Theology or Spirituality?

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.”