“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)
Jesus answers the curiosity of Nicodemus with words that hold the key to eternal life: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This new birth, as Christ explains, is a radical inner transformation of the heart that only God can bring about for the glory of His Son, and it is by faith, subsequently, that we are justified and made righteous before God.
Faith, at its core, believes God and His Word. Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6) because he believed God’s promises. Similarly, when we place faith in Christ, believing that He is the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again, the righteousness of Christ is credited to our account. This is the foundation of our relationship with God, and without this faith it is impossible to know Him or please Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Saving faith is a gift from God, as James 1:17 reminds us: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.” Therefore, our salvation, and the faith by which we receive it, is entirely the work of God’s grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes this clear: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” This means that no amount of human effort, good deeds, or adherence to the law can earn our salvation—it is given freely through Christ.[1]
So without faith, our actions, no matter how good they seem, are tainted by sin. Romans 14:23 declares, “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin,” underscoring the importance of faith in all we do. When we live by faith, believing God’s Word and promises each day, we walk in alignment with His will and our actions are pleasing to Him. This is why faith is the foundation upon which our Christian lives must be built—for without it, we cannot hope to live in a way that honors God.
In short, faith must permeate every aspect of life. It includes trusting Christ for our salvation, knowing that He alone can save us from sin and death. It is believing that His death on the cross was sufficient to pay the penalty for our sins and that His resurrection secured our victory over death. It is the certainty that God will fulfill His promises, even when we cannot see the outcome, because our faith is grounded in the character of God who is always faithful and true.
To be born again, therefore, is to experience the life-changing power of faith in Christ. Through faith we are made righteous, justified before God, and assured of eternal life. So may we always look to Christ in faith, knowing that He alone is our Savior, Redeemer, and Lord.
Contemplations:
- The Gift of Faith. Reflecting on Ephesians 2:8-9, I realize that my faith is not something I manufacture; it is a gift from God. I can do nothing to deserve it, and yet God, in His grace, has given it to me. My salvation is entirely the work of God, for it is by His grace alone that I am saved.
- Trusting in God’s Word. John 3:16 reminds me of the simplicity behind the power of faith. To believe in Christ is to simply trust His Word and His promises. When I struggle with doubt or uncertainty, I must remember that God’s Word is true and reliable. He promised eternal life to all who believe in His Son, and I can rest in that promise.
- The Assurance of Salvation. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Though I cannot see the full picture, I know that God is working all things for my good. My salvation is secure because it is based on the finished work of Jesus. This gives me peace and confidence in my walk with the Lord.
- Living by Faith, Not by Works. Romans 1:17 says, “The just shall live by faith.” This reminds me that my relationship with God is not based on my ability to follow rules or perform good deeds but on my faith in Christ. I live each day trusting in His grace, knowing that He is the one who sustains me. So when I’m tempted to rely on my own strength, I must remember that it is by faith alone that I am justified before God.
Further References for John 3:3:
1 Peter 1:23; John 1:13; Gal. 6:15; 1 Peter 1:3; 2 Cor. 5:17.
[1] John Knox, The Works of John Knox, vol. 1 (Edinburgh: J. Thin, 1854), 25.
