Young People's Group

You Must Be Born Again

by Mitchell Tan
February 04, 2021

FROM HAVING HEAD KNOWLEDGE TO HAVING GENUINE FAITH

Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews, a teacher of Israel, who had a lot of head knowledge about God. But there was no genuine faith in the Lord Jesus yet. He was an honest and sensible person and one evening, he sought the Lord Jesus to find out more about Him (John 3:1-2). He was able to deduce that He was a teacher who had come from God because of all the signs that He did. There was basic theoretical knowledge of the Lord Jesus. However, there was no true faith in Him. Young people, we may have some head knowledge of God and even the Lord Jesus. However, that does not equate to having genuine faith. The need for us is to first be born again.

THE NECESSITY OF BEING BORN AGAIN

1. THE EMPHASIS ON BEING BORN AGAIN

“Most assuredly, I say to you”
John 3:3

“Most assuredly, I say to you”
John 3:5

“Do not marvel that I said you”
John 3:7

The Lord emphasised what He was saying to underscore how important His words were. There was a strong emphasis on the idea of being born again. It is the gateway to the kingdom of God.

2. THE ONLY ENTRANCE INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS TO BE BORN AGAIN

“Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3

“Unless one is born of the water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
John 3:5

“You must be born again.”
John 3:7

A. IT IS A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE

The phrase “Born again” in Greek has two nuances. Firstly, it can mean being “born” a second time. Nicodemus thought of what Jesus said as something physical. But what He meant was to be reborn spiritually. There was a need to start life anew by having faith in Christ. Secondly, being “born again” can also mean “being born from above”. This rebirth must come from heaven. John 3 is actually an explanation of John 1:12-13. Those who believe in Him and in His name will be given the right to become children of God, those who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of men but of God. Being born again is something ordained by God. It is out of the depths of His love and grace that we can be saved. It is out of His wisdom and will that this means has been provided. Without this spiritual experience, we cannot be part of His kingdom.

B. IT IS A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

The Lord Jesus explained further of the need to be born of the water and of the Spirit of God. The symbol of water actually represents the Holy Spirit. Firstly, it is a symbol of cleansing. There is the need for us to repent from our sins and for the Spirit of God to bring about this cleansing. Secondly it is a symbol of life. The Spirit of God will bring tremendous life to our souls. He must bring about this work of regeneration. Without being born again, we cannot see and enter the kingdom of God. We must have this special experience with the Spirit! This is most necessary!

During the week, we heard of the passing away of Jon Lau. He was Chrissy’s uncle. He was called home to be with the Lord last Saturday. While this has been a most tragic situation, yet, our hearts can be comforted that Jon knows the Lord Jesus and that he is now in heaven. This is our living hope that the Lord gives to those who are born again. Young people, I cannot stress enough the importance of being born again. Have you had this spiritual and special experience of being born again? Let’s check and be sure you are truly born again.

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