When God Says …
“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.” (John 3:3 KJV)
Continuing the interaction with Nicodemus, a high profile religious teacher and member of the ruling council of the Jews, the Lord Jesus Christ declared these life-changing words: "Unless a man is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God." This man was one of the teachers and caretakers of the law. He was one of those held captive by doctrines of religion trying hard to please God through work of self-effort. Just like the pagan based 'Christian' religions and every other non biblical beliefs of these days.
This is the Lord's first statement for the need to be born again to see the Kingdom of God. This conveys the message that our transformation from the sinful nature to a renewed being is akin to the process of physical birth. First, the seed of the Word of God has to be sown in our hearts by believing in Christ Jesus. Then by faith, the Word sprouts to quicken us to be born again in spirit. As we continue in our intake of His Words by regular reflections, we grow from infancy of faith (like a baby growing to adulthood) to maturity in oneness with the Spirit of the Lord unto eternal life. The process is fully by faith in Christ Jesus through His grace. It is not by observance of the law, and certainly not by religious rituals nor by self-effort of good works trying to please God.
The way of religion using the name of Jesus, dependent on effort to get to God through good works, is the enemy's worst deception. Trying hard to do things to please God, demean the death and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is tacitly saying, His death on the cross is worthless. Those who take this hopeless route are opting for condemnation (John 3:18).
God's way is by being born again through faith, as salvation is a free and irreversible gift by grace (Ephesians 2:8). To please God the Scriptures declare: “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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