A second birth—born from above

John 3:4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?” And the answer is obvious: “No, a man cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born.” We learn from Nicodemus’ question that he had no concept of spiritual regeneration. He didn’t understand what Jesus was talking about, much less see his need of being born from above. Unfortunately, the concept is probably strange to many people today, who, like Nicodemus, have been raised in a God-fearing, Bible-teaching, church-going family. Even more tragic cases are the Bible teachers and preachers who, like Nicodemus, have much knowledge but do not have the life of Jesus born in them from above. More than likely, Nicodemus’ relationship with God was based on his living for God and the accumulation of knowledge about God and the Law. He probably considered himself to be one of the most important spiritual leaders in Israel. We learn later in John 7:50 that he was a member of the Pharisees. With all of his learning and recognition, Nicodemus lacked spiritual understanding of life in the kingdom of God. It is impossible to live to love with Jesus without being born from above by the Holy Spirit. It is the work of the Spirit that transfers us out of the domain of darkness into the kingdom of God (Col. 1:12). The Holy Spirit is given by the Father and the Son, Who implants within our souls and bodies the life of Christ. He is born in us by the Holy Spirit, like He was born into this world through Mary. In both cases, Jesus receives a body in which to live to love with His Father. As Jesus said in John 14:23, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.” God is love, and He plants His seed (the Holy Spirit) in the soil of our souls. Living to love with Jesus is the fruit of God’s seed. Being born from above, we have the living Word of God, Jesus Christ, dwelling within us. As we abide in Him, His life is revealed in this world. Do you understand what Jesus said to Nicodemus? Have you been born again by the Holy Spirit? Do you see the love of Jesus growing in your life? I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.