Scripture:

“Jesus replied, ‘Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” (John 3:3)

Reading:

Combine your favorite spiritual teacher and Supreme Court Justice. Now your imagination is on track to consider Nicodemus the expert Torah teacher of his time (John 3:1).

With sincere spiritual hunger Nicodemus lived an exemplary life and became highly influential. He thought he had eternal life in the bag until the One who inspired scripture turned his theology upside down. Like many people Nicodemus assumed eternal salvation depended on him. He was wrong.

Salvation is a gift we receive. When we move from knowing about Jesus to trusting in Him rather than in ourselves, we are saved.

“For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Jesus lovingly taught Nicodemus, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:5-6)

The Father sends His Holy Spirit to indwell those who place their faith in Christ. As we were born of our physical parents, we are now born of God, Who is Spirit. We are God’s children, born of His Spirit; born again.

With the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in your heart, you begin a new life. A full life transformed from the inside out. You are free from the dominating power of sin and empowered to become like Jesus. In Christ, you are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

You have been “born again to a living hope.” (1 Peter 1:3) Today spend time with your friend Jesus in scripture trusting His Spirit to shape you. His Spirit will increase His nature within you. What plans He must have in store for you, beloved child of God!

Your Turn:

Do you daily recognize your need for Christ? Ask God to form more of Jesus’ nature in you today.
What is the difference between believing in Jesus and being born again?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I have placed my confidence in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I recognize my need for Your Holy Spirit and embrace His transformative power. Please help me to become like Jesus in increasing measure to Your glory, Father. Amen.