The New Birth

Observation Question

What does Nicodemus teach us about religion and salvation?

Answer

A person may be religious and sincere, yet still need spiritual transformation.

Religion alone cannot produce spiritual life.

John 3:3

“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Jesus immediately identifies the essential requirement.

Not more knowledge.

Not more effort.

Not more religion.

A new birth.

Observation Question

Why do you think Jesus immediately focused on the new birth?

Answer

Because spiritual life is the foundation of everything else in the Christian life.

Without life, there can be no growth.

John 3:4

“How can a man be born when he is old?”

Nicodemus misunderstood Jesus.

He was thinking physically.

Jesus was speaking spiritually.

Many people today make the same mistake when they think Christianity is merely external change rather than internal transformation.

John 3:5-8

Jesus explains that spiritual birth is produced by the Holy Spirit.

Just as physical birth produces physical life, the Spirit produces spiritual life.

This life originates from God.