“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.'”
“In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.'” John 3:1-3 (NIV)
Jesus encountered Nic at night. Nicodemus was a very religious man but did not have a relationship with Jesus. He was an outstanding law abiding citizen as far as society was concerned, but missed the mark of God’s perfection. He recognized Jesus as a unique teacher but failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
The encounter shifted as Jesus announced that a person must be born again to see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus thought Jesus meant that a person must be born again physically. However, Jesus was speaking of a spiritual rebirth.
To be born again means to be born from above. It means to be born into. At conversion, you are born from above which means God regenerates, redeems, and reconciles you. When you place your faith in Jesus alone for salvation, you are born into His family.
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)
When you are born again your new identity is that of being “in Christ.” Once you are “in Christ” you become the recipient of God’s treasures as affirmed in Ephesians chapter one.
Read Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus and underline or highlight the phrase “in Christ” each time you see it. Then, close your eyes, smile, and express your gratitude to God for your new identity.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care