12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which 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
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
John 3:3-9
The word born is used nine times in these scriptures.
The marvel of the Christian faith is that you can be born again.
No other religion offers that.
You had no say in your first birth. That birth was of blood, of the will of the flesh, and of the will of man,. Somebody, a man and a woman, engaged in an act that brought you about. They willed you into existence willfully or otherwise by that act. And there you were.
Still, I believe most people are glad they were born and generally enjoy being alive. Not very many people actually desire death. Even Christians with the hope of heaven wish to hang around earth as much as possible. Hence hospitals, doctors, and medicines. And healing services. The numerous products that promise a healthier, longer life are purchased abundantly. Gym memberships are plenty because of the possibility they offer to help us live longer. So most people want to live a really long time and were it possible never die but live forever. Unfortunately, our first birth does not include that package.
Now, that is possible, but it requires a second birth. Even Nicodemus, a somewhat theologically learned man, a religious leader of the Jews, was perplexed by that concept.
How can these things be? He asked Jesus.
John the Gospel writer had introduced the answer to the question before he recorded the evening visit of the Pharisee.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Then Jesus elaborated a little more to make it clear. The Spirit is required for the second birth. The Spirit, being the eternal Spirit of God, makes his habitation in the life of the believer and becomes the guarantor of the eternal life every human desires.
John 3:16 is not just a sign in a football game end zone. It is truth.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Reminds me of an old Christian song which asks, Anybody here want to live forever? Say I do. Anybody here want to walk on golden streets? Say I do. Anybody here sick and tired of living like you do, anybody here want a home with love forever? Say I do.
I do is not just for weddings. It is for eternal life. So say, I do.-PJF-
Purpose! Ministries
A Praying Church - A Healing Church - A Holy Spirit Church - A Preaching Church
Comentários