“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)
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, sought out Christ under cover of night. Though well versed in ritual, law, and tradition, he was unsettled by the miracles and teaching of this man who declared Himself Messiah. His curiosity and hunger for truth brought him face to face with the only answer his soul truly needed.
Christ’s words cut to the heart: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” For one who had lived his life depending on religious observance, heritage, and human merit, this was staggering. Rebirth? How could such a thing be? Nicodemus’ question—whether an old man could reenter his mother’s womb—proved how far he was from grasping this spiritual reality.
The Lord revealed a mystery in His conversation with Nicodemus, that of regeneration by the Spirit. The new birth is not a remaking of the old nature but the creation of an entirely new one. It is God’s work, accomplished through his Word and Spirit, a transformation so radical it can only be compared to birth itself. Without it, entrance into the kingdom is impossible.
Why did Christ use birth as the image? Because it speaks of a new beginning. Birth is the coming forth of new life. So too is spiritual rebirth. The old man is crucified, a new man risen in righteousness and true holiness. Jonathan Dickinson said rightly, “without regeneration, salvation is unattainable.”[1] The unregenerate are blind to the kingdom, as one deaf to music or illiterate to written words. They cannot comprehend its reality until the Spirit gives them life.
Christ further spoke of the “kingdom of God” in two aspects. The Kingdom of Grace exists now on earth, where God rules hearts renewed by the Spirit, where lives are transformed, and where faith takes root and grows. The Kingdom of Glory is the eternal inheritance of the redeemed, the heavenly dwelling of perfected saints. Without regeneration, without this new birth, neither kingdom can be known.
Contemplations:
- Seeking genuine understanding. Just as Nicodemus approached Jesus with a sincere heart, desiring to understand the profound mysteries of faith, I too should evaluate my spiritual journey. My approach to faith is often clouded with preconceived notions, cultural biases, and traditions passed down through generations. Do I regularly take the time to sift through these layers, seeking the pure, unadulterated truth of God’s Word? Am I open to the transformative power of God’s teachings, even if they challenge my deepest-held beliefs?
- The interconnected dual kingdoms. The Kingdoms of Grace and Glory, while distinct in their attributes, are intrinsically linked. One serves as the foundational phase, nurturing my spirit for the next. This reality prompts me to evaluate my spiritual priorities. Do I only look forward to the promise of a heavenly reward? Or do I genuinely seek to align my life with God’s purpose and the Kingdom of Grace here and now while on earth?
- The profound nature of rebirth. It’s easy for me to be content with outward displays of religiosity. But how often do I stop to consider the outward evidences of my spiritual transformation?
- Embracing the urgency of salvation. The gravity of missing out on God’s Kingdom cannot be overstated. Every choice I make, every action I undertake, carries eternal implications. Do I live each day with an acute consciousness of eternity, prioritizing my spiritual well-being and striving to ensure my place in God’s everlasting Kingdom?
Prayer (adoration)
Lord Almighty, I adore You for the mystery of the new birth. You, who spoke worlds into being, also speak life into dead souls. You take hearts of stone and make them flesh, You breathe upon the dry bones, and they live. You, and You alone, can bring forth life where death reigned.
I worship You that this rebirth is not by blood, nor by the will of the flesh, nor by the will of man, but of God. It magnifies Your sovereignty, exalts Your grace, and humbles the pride of man. You have decreed that no one shall see Your kingdom unless they have been born of the Spirit, and I adore You for such wisdom, for in this decree all glory belongs to You alone.
I bless You for the kingdom of grace, where You rule even now in the hearts of the redeemed. Every transformed life, every conquered sin, every kindled flame of faith is testimony to Your Spirit’s power. I adore You for the kingdom of glory yet to come, the inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, reserved in heaven for those born again.
O Lord, I praise You for the analogy of birth in regard to regeneration, for it shows both my helplessness and Your power. As the infant contributes nothing to his own birth, so I contributed nothing to my new birth. It is all of You.
I magnify Your grace that regeneration is soul-deep. You do not patch up the old man but create the new. You plant desires that were never there before, You open eyes that were blind, You unstop ears that were deaf, You give a tongue that sings Your praise.
I worship You, Lord Jesus, that You are the door to the kingdom. By Your death and resurrection You secured the Spirit who gives new life. And by Your Spirit You apply it to every elect soul.
How glorious You are, O God of grace, that You have ordained such a way of salvation. Angels marvel at it, saints rejoice in it, and the redeemed forever praise You for it.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for John 3:3:
John 1:13, Gal. 6:15, Rom. 6:3, Matt. 3:2
[1] Jonathan Dickinson, The Nature and Necessity of Regeneration, (Crossville, TN: Puritan Publications, 2024) 3.
