Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ”
You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
John 3:3 & 7
In this passage, Jesus is speaking with Nicodemus, who is among the most important Pharisees in Jerusalem. Nicodemus believes he is right with God because he is of Jewish descent and because he is obsessed with following the religious rules of the Jewish people. But Nicodemus is wrong. He has no relationship with God. What makes you a Christian? Do you believe you are a Christian because you keep some rules? Jesus taught Nicodemus that a relationship with God cannot be gained or sustained by trying your best to be good.
Nicodemus was a brilliant man and Jesus’ teaching frustrated his intellect and everything he had been taught since he was a boy. Nicodemus thought that if he tried hard enough, he could earn a relationship with God. Jesus taught that we must surrender our lives to God, repent of our sins and believe that Jesus took on Himself the punishment of our sins so that we can be right with God (Mark 1:15).
In other words, salvation isn’t about the good things you do. Salvation is all about what Jesus has done for us in His life, death, and resurrection. Are you born again? Jesus spoke clearly to Nicodemus, “You must be born again.” There was no other way for Nicodemus, and there is no other way to be saved for you and me. Don’t neglect your soul until it’s too late. Repent by turning away from your disobedience and turn toward Jesus. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God sent to save sinners. Trust Jesus with your life.
