In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 3:3 (NIV)
When Jesus says “I tell you the truth,” you know that the words he speaks are of supreme importance. Don’t miss this!
To see the kingdom of God is to live in the joy and blessing of the rule of God. This rule begins now and reaches its fullness in the everlasting reign in the new heaven and the new earth. “Unless you are born again,” Jesus says, “you won’t see this!”
Jesus speaks about the new birth three times: “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (3:3). “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit” (3:5). “You must be born again” (3:7). What does Jesus mean?
What Jesus said can be translated “born again” or “born from above.” To be born again means to receive an infusion of new life that comes from God himself. Notice also that the phrase “born again” in verse 3 is explained by the words “born of water and the Spirit” in verse 5.
So the new birth is a birth that cleanses and renews. If you are born again, your soul is washed and renewed as new convictions are rooted in your mind, new desires are planted in your heart, and new capacities are given to you.
Have you experienced this cleansing and renewing that Jesus talks about?
