Two Birthdays?

What does it mean to be “born again”? One of the first people to grapple with this concept was a man named Nicodemus. In the Bible (Gospel of John, chapter 3), we encounter a profound conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus that centers on the concept of being born again. This encounter reveals the universal need for spiritual rebirth, the means by which it occurs, and the transformative impact it has on a person's life.

The Need for New Birth

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, comes to Jesus at night, under the cover of darkness. He's a respected religious leader, learned in the Scriptures, but ready to learn even more. He acknowledges Jesus as a teacher from God, recognizing the divine origin of His miracles. Yet, despite his credentials and good character, Jesus tells him, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

This statement is revolutionary. In Jewish thought, being born a Jew was enough to secure a place in God's kingdom. Nicodemus, as a Pharisee, would have believed his strict adherence to the law further guaranteed his standing with God. But Jesus declares that something far more radical is required—not just for Gentiles or "sinners," but for everyone, even the most religiously observant.

Jesus' words challenge not only the assumptions of His day but also those of our modern culture. Today, we're often told to "be yourself" or that self-improvement is the key to a better life. Jesus, however, says we need to become an entirely new self. This applies to everyone, regardless of their background, morality, or religious devotion.

The Means of New Birth

Perplexed, Nicodemus asks, "How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" (John 3:4). His confusion stems from interpreting Jesus' words literally, missing their spiritual significance. Jesus clarifies, teaching Nicodemus that this new birth isn't physical but spiritual. It's not something we do but something done to us by God.

Nicodemus should have been able to understand this concept from the Old Testament Scriptures. In Ezekiel 36:25-27, God promises to cleanse His people, give them a new heart, and put His Spirit within them. This new birth is more than just behavioral modification or moral improvement. It's a total transformation—a cleansing from sin and idolatry, a heart transplant that gives new desires, and the indwelling of God's Spirit that empowers a new way of living.

But how does one receive this new birth? Jesus explains using an Old Testament illustration: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:14-15). Just as the Israelites were saved from deadly snake bites by looking at the bronze serpent Moses lifted up, people can receive new life by looking in faith to Christ lifted up on the cross.

On the cross, Jesus became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). He took upon Himself the judgment we deserved so that we could be forgiven and made new. When we look to Christ in faith, trusting in His death for our salvation, we experience this new birth. As Jesus concludes, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, demonstrating the victory He had accomplished and signifying God’s acceptance of His sacrifice on our behalf.

The Life-Changing Difference

While Nicodemus's immediate response isn't recorded, we see evidence of his transformation in later chapters of John's Gospel. In chapter 7, he speaks up for Jesus in the hostile environment of the Sanhedrin, advocating for fair treatment. Even more striking, in chapter 19, after Jesus' crucifixion, Nicodemus openly identifies with Christ by helping to prepare His body for burial. This act, performed when following Jesus seemed futile and dangerous, demonstrates profound courage and humility.

This transformation exemplifies the impact of the new birth. It gives us the courage to stand for truth and righteousness, even in the face of opposition. It also produces humility, enabling us to serve others in ways that might seem beneath our social status.

The Apostle John later writes about the ongoing impact of this new birth in the direction believers’ lives: “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (1 John 3:9). This doesn't mean that Christians never sin, but rather that sin is no longer their defining characteristic or continual practice. The new birth brings a new awareness of sin, a desire for righteousness, and the power to increasingly live in a way that pleases God.

Have You Been Born Again?

For those who haven't experienced this new birth, the invitation is clear: look to Christ. Recognize your need for transformation that goes beyond self-improvement, and put your trust in Jesus' death on the cross for your salvation.

Jesus calls you to repentance and faith: you must agree with God that you are a sinner in need of a Savior, and put your complete trust in Jesus as your only hope of being made right with God. When you call out to God, asking His forgiveness and salvation, you are born again. That’s how you can have a second birthday!

For those who have been born again, the call is to live in light of this new reality. Let the truth of your new identity in Christ give you both the humility to acknowledge your ongoing need for grace and the courage to live boldly for Him. Remember that you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), empowered by His Spirit to live a life that reflects His character and purposes.

When God is in control, we experience and exhibit “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23). A God-filled life is a joyful life, knowing that our eternal future is secure in Him, and that He is with us every day.

—Adapted from a message by Martin Slack