From the Word | Landmark Missionary Baptist Church
Scripture Reading: John 3:1–21 (KJV)
Have you ever heard someone say they were “born again” and wondered what that actually means?
Perhaps you’ve heard the expression in church, from a friend, or in conversation. But did you know that Jesus Christ Himself taught the necessity of being born again?
In John chapter 3, we find Jesus speaking with a man named Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a religious leader, and a teacher of Israel. He knew the Scriptures and was familiar with God’s law.
Yet Jesus told him something remarkable:
“Ye must be born again.” — John 3:7
Why would Jesus say that to a man who was already religious? And what does that mean for us today?
Let’s open our Bibles and find out.
Why Do We Need to Be Born Again?
Before we can understand the new birth, we need to understand why it’s necessary.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” — Romans 3:23
You might be thinking, “I’m a pretty good person. I try to treat others fairly. I don’t steal, and I haven’t done anything terribly wrong. Why would I need a Savior?”
That’s a reasonable question.
But here’s something important to understand: God doesn’t judge righteousness according to the standards we establish for ourselves. His standard is perfect righteousness, and every one of us falls short.
“There is none righteous, no, not one:” — Romans 3:10
Sin isn’t simply a matter of making an occasional bad decision. Mankind has a fallen nature, and that sinful nature reveals itself in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
We cannot overcome that condition simply by trying harder to be good. And that’s why we need a Savior.
What Is the New Birth?
When Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again, Nicodemus initially misunderstood Him. He thought Jesus was talking about another physical birth.
But Jesus explained:
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” — John 3:6
Jesus was speaking about a spiritual birth.
Every one of us has experienced physical birth. But Jesus teaches that entering God’s kingdom requires spiritual life that only God can give.
Being born again doesn’t mean joining a church, becoming religious, or simply deciding to improve our behavior. It means receiving new spiritual life through the work of God.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
The Bible teaches that sin has consequences.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” — Romans 6:23
God is holy and just. Sin cannot simply be treated as though it doesn’t matter.
Throughout the Old Testament, God established sacrifices that pointed toward the ultimate sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.
“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” — Hebrews 9:22
Jesus Christ lived without sin. He willingly gave His life on the cross and shed His blood as the sacrifice for our sins.
But the story doesn’t end at the cross.
The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures.
Jesus Christ is alive today, seated at the right hand of God the Father. His sacrifice accomplished what we could never accomplish through our own efforts.
How Can I Be Saved?
This brings us to the most important question: How does someone receive the salvation Jesus Christ offers?
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9
Salvation is God’s gift. We cannot earn it through good works, church attendance, baptism, or religious accomplishments.
The Bible calls us to repent and believe the Gospel. Repentance involves turning to God from sin, and saving faith means trusting Jesus Christ rather than ourselves.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” — Romans 10:9
This isn’t merely acknowledging that Jesus existed. It’s personally placing our faith in Him as Lord and Savior, trusting His death and resurrection as the basis of our salvation.
“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
That promise is at the heart of the Gospel.
What About You?
Nicodemus came to Jesus with questions. Perhaps you have questions too.
You may have attended church your entire life, or perhaps you’ve never opened a Bible before.
Either way, Jesus’ words are worth considering:
“Ye must be born again.” — John 3:7
We encourage you to read John chapter 3 for yourself. Consider what Jesus taught about sin, faith, and everlasting life.
Have I personally trusted Jesus Christ as my Savior?
If you’re uncertain, don’t be afraid to ask questions. God’s Word is worth investigating, and we’d welcome the opportunity to study it with you.
We’d Love to Hear From You
If you have questions about salvation, Jesus Christ, or what the Bible teaches, we invite you to contact us or visit a Sunday service.
Landmark Missionary Baptist Church
4831 Tully Road
Modesto, CA 95356
Pastor Tim Smith
(209) 809-5858
Sunday School: 10:00 AM
Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM
Visit Landmark Missionary Baptist Church
All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV).
