You Must Be Born Again

 


There are few statements in all of Scripture more direct, more urgent, and more life-defining than the words spoken by Jesus:

“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

— John 3:3


This is not a suggestion. It is not a religious preference. It is not about joining a church, improving your behavior, or becoming more spiritual.


It is an absolute requirement.


Not may be born again.

Not should consider being born again.

You must be born again.


The Law: A Mirror to the Soul


Before anyone understands why they need salvation, they must first understand their condition. God’s Law acts like a mirror—it doesn’t cleanse you, but it shows you the truth about yourself.

Let’s walk through just a few of the Ten Commandments honestly:

Have you ever told a lie?

What does that make you? A liar.

Have you ever stolen anything—no matter how small?

That makes you a thief.

Have you ever looked at someone with lust?

Jesus said whoever looks with lust has already committed adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:28).

And we’ve only examined three commandments.

There are seven more, like arrows pointed straight at the conscience.

So here is the sobering question:

When you stand before God on Judgment Day, will you be innocent—or guilty?


Scripture is clear:


“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

— Romans 3:23


The Danger of a Man-Made God


Some people respond by saying:

“My God would never judge anyone.”

But that statement reveals a deeper issue. It shows a person has created a god in their own image—one who approves of their lifestyle and overlooks their sin.

Yet God has already spoken:

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

— Exodus 20:3

To reshape God into something comfortable is to break another commandment—forming an idol in the heart.

The true God is both perfectly loving and perfectly just.

And justice demands accountability.


The Purpose of the Law


The Law was never meant to save you.

It was meant to drive you to Christ.

Scripture explains:

 “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.”

— Galatians 3:24


The Law takes you right to the foot of the Cross—but no further.

It shows your guilt, your inability to save yourself, and your desperate need for mercy.


What True Repentance Means


Jesus gave a clear warning:

“Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

— Luke 13:3


Repentance is not merely:

Feeling bad about sin

Intellectual agreement with truth

Saying a quick prayer


True repentance means:

A turning from sin

A change of heart and direction

A surrender of self to Christ

It is a complete about-face—from living for yourself to living for God.


The Miracle of the New Birth

When someone truly repents and trusts Christ, something supernatural happens.

God promises:

“I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.”

— Hebrews 10:16

No longer are God’s commands external rules carved on stone.

They become internal desires written on the heart.

And Scripture declares:

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

— 2 Corinthians 5:17


This is what it means to be born again.

Not reformed.

Not improved.

Made new.


What Should You Do?

If God is stirring your heart right now, here is the response Scripture calls for:

Confess your sins honestly to God

Turn away from them completely

Ask Jesus to forgive you through His sacrifice

Trust in His death and resurrection

Begin following Him daily

Seek to make things right where possible:

Apologize to those you’ve wronged

Make restitution if you’ve taken from others

Grow by abiding in God’s Word


A Final Word of Hope

Some people worry they’ve sinned too much.


But consider this promise:

 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.”

— John 6:44

If you feel conviction…

If you feel concern about your soul…

If you feel drawn toward God…

That is not something to fear.

It is evidence that God is calling you.


And Scripture assures us:

 “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

— Romans 10:13


The Question That Matters Most


One day, nothing else will matter:

Not success.

Not religion.

Not reputation.


Only this:

Have you been born again?

Because Jesus said plainly:

 “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Equipping Your Kids to Stand Firm in Their Faith at School

Image
As parents, one of the greatest responsibilities we have is not only to raise our children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord but also to equip them to stand firm in their faith in a world that often challenges it—even in their schools. Today, more than ever, children are encountering ideas that conflict with biblical truth—from evolutionary teachings to occult influences hidden in popular culture. But the good news is this: your children have rights, and you can help them exercise those rights boldly and confidently. Understanding Your Child’s Rights in School Many parents don’t realize just how much protection the law offers for religious expression in schools. Here’s what every parent and child should know: Starting a Bible Study or Faith Club: Your child has the right to start or participate in a Bible study club or other religious student organization. This includes holding meetings before or after school and inviting peers to join. Schools cannot discriminate against religious...
Read more

The History of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory: Origins in a 19th-Century Vision, Not Apostolic Teaching

Image
Many today assume the pre-tribulation rapture—the teaching that the Church will be secretly removed before the Tribulation, Antichrist, or any great persecution—has been the historic Christian belief from the beginning. An investigative examination of primary sources, early writings, and the doctrinal trail shows otherwise. The distinct pre-tribulation doctrine emerged in the 19th century, sparked by a young woman's visionary experience in 1830, then refined and spread through key figures. In contrast, the early Church, Reformers, and Puritans consistently taught that believers would face Satan's wrath and persecution, enduring until deliverance at the last trumpet, just before God's final wrath falls. The 1830 Vision of Margaret MacDonald In early 1830, Margaret MacDonald (born 1815), a 15-year-old from Port Glasgow, Scotland, lay ill and bedridden. Amid a season of reported spiritual gifts and prayer meetings, she experienced visions and uttered prophetic words, recorded ...
Read more

From Passover to Resurrection: Rediscovering the Messiah in God’s Appointed Times

Image
  There is something deeply beautiful about Resurrection Sunday. Believers gather, hearts full of joy, proclaiming, “He is risen!” and celebrating the victory of Jesus over sin and death. Yet when we step back into Scripture and the practices of the earliest followers of Jesus, we discover something even richer: the resurrection was not originally framed around a holiday called Easter, but within the biblical feast of Passover and the appointed times of the Lord. This is not about creating division or criticizing sincere believers. It is about rediscovering the fullness of truth and the depth of meaning God embedded in His appointed times. When we understand the resurrection through Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits, the gospel story shines with breathtaking clarity. God’s Appointed Times — Not Man’s Traditions The feasts were never called Jewish holidays in Scripture. God Himself calls them His feasts: Leviticus 23:2 — “Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye sh...
Read more