Jesus is Essential
John 3:4–7: 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. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
Again Nicodemus knew what Jesus meant. He realized that at that very time John the Baptist was baptizing people in water as a symbol of their inward repentance. What flashed across Nicodemus’ mind was: “except you are born of all that water baptism signifies, which is repentance, and that which Spirit baptism accomplishes, which is regeneration, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.” In other words, Nicodemus saw very clearly that no one is born again if there is no repentance; and along with repentance comes a work of the Spirit in the heart. These are the nonnegotiable of being born again. 1
Walking with Jesus
There is only one kind of Christian. You must be born again. If you are not born again, you are not a follower of Jesus. Many attend church but have yet to become a born again believer in Jesus Christ. Never assume. Ask to hear the testimonies of others.
But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:68
Christianity is not a matter of negotiation, it is a matter of obedience. – TWEET IT
Praying
Lord, thank You that I have been saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You for this eternal gift, all based on Your death, burial, and resurrection.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1999). John: that you may believe. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
