“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
(John 3:6)
Scripture makes it clear that our nature is corrupted by sin from the moment of birth. One such verse is Psalm 51:5, which reminds us that we are “shapen in iniquity” and conceived in sin. John 3:6 also clearly states, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh.” We are all born into sin, tainted by the fallen nature passed down from Adam. This corruption is a deep infection that impacts every part of who we are, a condition that no human effort or action can cleanse.
The Old Testament laws concerning unclean issues, particularly those described in Leviticus, serve as a reminder of this sinful condition. The physical uncleanliness in those laws, especially after childbirth or any unclean issue from the body, symbolizes the spiritual impurity that affects every soul born into this world. The Jews understood these laws as a sign of their need for purification, and they were a constant reminder of the deep separation between God’s holiness and humanity’s sinful nature.[1]
This spiritual uncleanness touches our minds, making them blind to the truth of God; it touches our wills, making them rebellious against God’s commands; it touches our hearts, filling them with disorder and perversion. As Romans 8:7 explains, the carnal mind is hostile to God and cannot submit to His law. And the outward manifestations of our sinfulness are equally evident: “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies,” (Matthew 15:19). Our words and actions cannot help but reflect the impurity within us, spreading corruption wherever we go.
Just as those unclean under the Levitical laws were cut off from the camp and the community of God’s people until they were cleansed, so too are we separated from God because of our sin. Ephesians 2:12 speaks to our condition before Christ, as being “without God in the world,” strangers to the covenants of promise.
The law’s constant reminder of uncleanness drove the Jews to seek purification, for they understood that continuing in their state of impurity meant death. For us, the realization of our sinful state should lead us to the same conclusion: unless we are cleansed, we will die in our sin, eternally separated from the holy God. But the ceremonial law, with all its regulations, was never meant to be the ultimate solution. It pointed forward to a greater remedy—the cleansing that comes only through Jesus Christ.
Christ’s cleansing work (like holy water coming down from the Spirit from above) does what the sacrifices could not. His sacrifice on the cross washes us from the pollution of sin. Through His blood we are made clean. He gives us a new heart and a new spirit. The sinful nature is put to death, and we are made alive in Christ. The Spirit of God indwells us, transforming us from within and giving us the power to live in obedience to God.
Even though we still struggle with the remnants of our sinful nature, Christ’s grace continues to purify us. His Spirit works in us, helping us to grow in holiness and to resist the sinful desires that once ruled us. This process of sanctification continues throughout our lives, as the Holy Spirit brings us ever closer to the likeness of Christ.
Our only hope for purification rests in Christ, our sanctifier. He made a way for us to be cleansed so we can enter into the presence of God. We are no longer shut out because of our sin but welcomed into His holy family through His grace. Our unclean hearts are washed clean, and we stand as new creations, no longer separated from His unfathomable love.
Contemplations:
- The Reality of My Corrupt Nature: When I reflect on John 3:6, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh,” I realize that my nature from birth is corrupted by sin. I cannot escape the truth that I am born into this world already separated from God. My thoughts, desires, and actions are all influenced by this corruption.
- Separated by Sin: Sin doesn’t just affect my relationship with others; it cuts me off from God. Ephesians 2:12 speaks of being “without God in the world,” and I recognize that without Christ, I am truly alone. My sin estranges me from the holy God, because nothing impure can enter His presence. This causes me to seek His cleansing daily, for only Christ can bridge the gap that my sin has created.
- The Cleansing Work of Christ: Christ is the remedy for my unclean heart. He is the One who washes me clean to the very core of my being. I am no longer burdened by the guilt of my sin because He has paid the price for my cleansing. John 3:5 tells me that I must be born of water and the Spirit to see God’s kingdom. I am thankful for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who continues to sanctify me and lead me closer to God.
- The Struggle Against Sin: Even though I have been cleansed by Christ, I still battle my sinful nature. Romans 8:7 reminds me that the carnal mind is hostile to God, and I feel that tension in my life. There are times when my old nature seeks to take control, but I must rely on the Spirit’s power to overcome it. I am encouraged, knowing that Christ is my sanctifier, and His grace will continue to purify me as I walk in faith.
Further References for John 3:6:
1 Cor. 15:50; John 1:13; John 6:63; Job 14:4; Ezek. 36:27
[1] Thomas Taylor, Moses and Aaron, Or, The Types and Shadows of Our Saviour in the Old Testament Opened and Explained (London: Printed for John Williams .., 1653), 144.
