The story in John 3 revolves around Jesus and Nicodemus. We read in John 3:1, “There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.” This man had great standing in the eyes of the world. He was a devout follower of Judaism. From an earthly standpoint, he would be someone to admire and look up to. Though he makes a statement, Jesus answers him completely redirecting the conversation. We read in 3:3, “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Jesus knew what he needed. Nicodemus responds in such a way that reveals he has no idea what Jesus means by this. We read in 3:5-7, “Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.”

We read a little later in John 3:15-17, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Again, for any who have problems with these terms and concepts, you will have to take that up with Jesus, not with His followers, since it was Jesus who coined these phrases. Many feel this is not fair, this sounds very exclusive. The truth is, it is not fair, since we who respond to His offer don’t deserve what we receive, it is a gift. As far as all roads leading to the same place, Jesus squashes that lie, claiming exclusivity in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

So, the most important question we must all ask ourselves is, “Am I born again”. Though it is simple enough, this is not a ritual to be done formally. As Jesus stated, anyone who comes to Him must consider the cost. To be born again, means we have changed. Though the process takes until eternity, life just won’t remain the same. Being born again is nothing that simply gets added onto our resume, it is a fundamental conscious decision on our part, done freely, not out of compulsion. This decision can take place anywhere, even in the privacy of your own room. What this means is echoed in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” This decision changes you from an enemy of God (yes, an enemy) to God’s child. “…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” -Phil 3:13-14