Are You Born Again? (John 3:1-21)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
18 September 2022
Jesus told Nicodemus he must be born again. This message is for everyone. We must be born again.
We must be born again to enter the kingdom of God. If you travel overseas to a kingdom you need the right documents to gain entry. The same is true for the kingdom of God. You must be born again. This gives you entrance to heaven. No new birth; no entry into heaven.
What kind of man was Nicodemus?
He was a religious man being Pharisee. But being religious will not get you into heaven. You must be born again.
He had status being a leader of the Jews. But having status in society will not get you into heaven. You must be born again.
He had some knowledge of Jesus for he said Jesus must be from God in order to do all the miracles that Jesus did. But having some knowledge about Jesus is not enough. You must be born again.
He was seeking. He came to Jesus wanting to know more. But seeking is not enough. You must find what you seek! You must be born again.
Note that Nicodemus came to faith progressively. Theologians speak of the effectual calling of God's people. Through our lives God sows the seed of gospel truth into our hearts until ultimately we come to faith in Jesus. Nicodemus was not as yet born again but was later on as seen in his faith in Jesus (John 19:39-42).
But let no one defer salvation on the basis that God has not effectively called them. Now is the day of salvation (2 Cor.6:2).
Come right now; repent; trust in Jesus for forgiveness and cleansing. Become a new person (2 Cor. 5:17).
Being born again is the invisible work of the Holy Spirit in a person’s inner being which is visibly seen by a person’s repentance and faith in Christ.
The Holy Spirit works inwardly. Sinners are changed inwardly. They are born again. They are citizens of the kingdom of God.
Consider examples of persons changed by spiritual rebirth and rejoice that you also can be changed.
A woman who had six husbands was converted and witnessed to many people (John 4:1-26). People living immoral lives can be changed.
A money-hungry tax-man left his love of money and became a follower of Jesus ( Matt.9:9-13). Love of money became love for Messiah.
A man who hated Jesus and his followers was abruptly stopped and became an dedicated apostle of Jesus (Acts 9:1-9).
The explanation to this diverse body of people becoming believers is the Holy Spirit coming upon them and they in turn repenting of their wayward lives and exercising faith in Jesus the Saviour. These people were born again.
Underpinning everything is the love of God who gave his only Son, Jesus, to save sinners (John 3:16).
Without God's love people are condemned. With God's love people may be changed. Give praise to God for such a liberating message. People can become new creations. Are you such a creation?