Why Did Jesus say you Need To Be "Born From Above" or as it is commonly known - "born again"

What do you know about the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus? Did you know it deals with eternal life and eternal judgment? One must make a decision concerning the person of Christ.

God has allowed me the opportunity to witness one-on-one with numerous individuals. The one constant that keeps coming up is that most of them have claimed to be Christian. The unfortunate part is when they are asked, “If God asks you why I should allow you into my Kingdom. What would you say?” The majority start their answers with the word,” I”. "I try and do what is right." "I go to church." I try and follow the life and teachings of Jesus, etc. They fail to see that their answer is asking God to judge them based on their criteria and not his. God's criteria are the Ten Commandments. In using their criteria, they are bringing God down to their level. Their answer indicates they are unaware of the free gift of salvation that God offers through his son, which is proclaimed in the gospel. They are relying on their self-efforts to enter the Kingdom of God. The other striking thing is that some attend church.

Therefore, the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus must be understood to its fullest by those who want to enter the Kingdom of God. The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus is a crucial story in the Bible that everyone who comes to Christ must understand. It holds significance to those who are professing Christians and non-Christians. It also has a unique relevance to those who follow Judaism due to the Old Testament references as found in John 3:5 and John 3:14. If one acts upon what is mentioned in this story, they will gain entrance to the "Kingdom of God" and eternal life through faith in Christ. It will also lead to a covenant relationship with God where one will spend a joyous eternity in his presence and with his family.

One day, all of humanity will face eternity. If where you will spend eternity is important, take the time to listen to the rest of this of this teaching. For those of you who are followers of Christ, a better understanding of the conversation between Nicodemus will validate your faith and enable you to be a better witness for Christ as you share the gospel.

Why One Needs to be Born Again From Above

Jesus Knows The Heart of a Man

The Bible states that the heart is not just the spiritual center, but also controls all human activities. It is responsible for a person's thoughts (mind), emotions, willpower, and moral compass. In Matthew 15:18-19, Jesus gives an explicit summation of the actions of the heart:

Matthew 15:18-19
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.

Jeremiah states that these evil thoughts and acts comes out of a heart that is incurable from a human standpoint.

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

In the Old Testament, the "heart" refers to the inner being, including reason, from which one's actions and will stem. The connection between "heart" and "deeds" is emphasized in Galatians 5:19-21.

The phrase desperately sick ( Hebrew 'anush') -signifies desperation; in the context of illness, it indicates “one who is beyond cure.” This is synonymous to the permanent engraving of sin on the tablet of Juda's heart as mentionin Jer 17:1.

Jesus, as the word (Greek - Logo / John 1:1) and one completly familiar with the Old Testament Jesus can accurately say, " and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man." (John 2:35)

John 2:23-25
23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.
24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people
25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

John 2:23-25 sheds light on why being born again or from above is necessary. Jesus' statement, "for he knew what was in man", draws attention to the inherent fallen nature of humanity (Jeremiah 17:9-10; Matthew 15:18-19; Mark 7:20-23; Galatians 5:19-21). For this reason, humanity must be born again from above, and only the spirit of God can bring this. No act of humanity apart from faith in the gospel of Jesus can accomplish this.

THE DIALOGUE OF JESUS WITH NICODEMUS

Nicodemus comes to Jesus as a representative of all men (John 2:23-25), and he represents what is high and best in men when looked at from the worlds view but is totally insufficient when measured by God's standard.

Christ Witnesses to Nicodemus

John 3:1-21

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;
2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these bsigns that You do unless God is with him.”
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4 Nicodemus *said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?”
5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
8 “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
9 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be?”
10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things?
11 “Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony.
12 “If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?
13 “No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.
14 “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up;
15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His conly begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
17 “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.
18 “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.
20 “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
21 “But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

Who was Nicodemus?

John 3:1
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees whose name was Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

Nicodemus was a well established man in Israel. Click to see his background:

What was it about Jesus that drew Nicodemus to Jesus?

John 3:2
2 This man came to him at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are* a teacher who has come from God, for no one is able to perform these signs that you are performing unless God were with him.”

It was by night Nicodemus came to Christ: Why did Nicodemus go to Jesus at night? Because of the fear of being seen with Jesus? Because he wanted a time of uninterrupted conversation without the distractions of the ever-present crowds? M. R. Vincent gives the following explanation, "...when Jewish superstition would keep men at home.” He could reach Jesus’ apartment without being observed by the other inmates of the house, for an outside stair led to the upper room₁. John did not say why and yet night time has an ominous tone in the Fourth Gospel (cf. John 9:4; 11:10; 13:30).

Nicodemus and others who where on the ruling council - "as denoted by we know:

Nicodemus and others were initially attracted to Jesus because of the miracles. He acknowledges that there is a uniqueness about Jesus and associates this uniqueness as an indication that Jesus has a relationship with God, for when he says,"...for no one can do (Greek - can go on doing ) these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

The Greek word for signs is semeion (say·mi·on) which is a sign, mark, token by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and is known.

Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship

In this case, the miracles that were continually performed by Jesus authenticated him as the Messiah of God and validated his message.

This is reaffirmed in:

John 10:25
24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me,

John 20:30-31
30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

Acts 2:22
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know (c.f. John 2:23; Acts 10:38)

Jesus provided credentials as to who he was, "Jesus the Christ, the Son of God" .

Jesus said you must be "born from above / born again"

John 3:3
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

“Truly, truly"

Truly Truly (Greek - Amen Amen) In Judaism the use of Amen is widespread and firmly established. Therefore Nicodemus knew what was being said to him was of up most importance. This form of expression was often spoken of by Jesus to emphasize an unusually solemn and weighty declaration. It occurs twenty-five times in John. Jesus speaks with authority and first-hand knowledge as the son of God. He is qualified to do so, for his origins are from eternity and not of this world (John 1:1; John 3:31; John 8:23).

"Unless one is Born Again"(Born From Above)

The phrase Born Again" [Greek - anōthen] should be translated "born from above". The Greek word anōthen means from above, from a higher place.

Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship

In the New Testament, it has the following use:

(1) from above (Mark 15:38)
(2) from heaven (John 3:31)
(3) from the first (Luke 1:3)

What is the meaning of John 3:3? The answer lies in understanding that it refers to a spiritual birth that has its origins "from above", not a second physical birth. This spiritual birth is necessary because humans are dead in trespasses and sin (Rom 8:8, Col 2:13, Col 1:21). Therefore, the only hope for humanity is to receive spiritual regeneration from the Spirit of God(John 3:6). This new birth is from above and cannot be achieved by any earthly means. (John 1:12-13)

Jesus explains to Nicodemus the necessity of being born again from above. Even for him, there was a need to be transformed from the inside by being born from above. Despite his position and privileged life, it was insufficient to qualify him to enter the kingdom of God. (John 1:12-13; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15; 1 Pet. 1:3,23). The only way of entrance was the way God had provided and that was through Christ (John 8:12; John 11:25; John 14:6; Eph 2:18).

"Cannot See"

This comes from two Greek words

Cannot
(1) ou - the absolute negative no, not;
(2) dynatai - to be able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom.

Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

see (Greek "idein") - The Greek term for 'see' idein - “to have realized, perceived” = “to know.”

Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship

In other words there is 'no' human effort or agency that can bring about the new birth that God requires to enter the Kingdom of God. (John 1:13)

Nicodemus represents all those who 'have not' been born from above. The things of God’s kingdom are not apparent to the natural understanding that is governed by human wisdom, false religion or the spirit of the age. He was unable to perceive what was being told to him. A new power of understanding was required, which attaches only to those regenerated by the Spirit of God. Notice the following as expressed by Paul.

Wisdom from the Spirit

12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (1Cor 2:14)."

How Can It Be?

John 3:4
Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

It is without question that Nicodemus did not understand what Jesus was saying to him, for no one can enter a second time into his mother's womb. It must be kept in mind, that Nicodemus' misunderstanding of what Jesus said to him, does not prove the meaning of Jesus' statement.

This shows him to have been only a natural man, a man who didn't have the spirit of God. In and of himself, he was incapable of seeing or understanding spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:12-14). Nicodemus' statement demonstrated his spiritual state and the need for him to be 'born from above, by the Spirit of God.

David Guzik states the following as it relates to Jesus telling Nicodemus, "... you must be born again":

Jesus’ reply to Nicodemus shatters the Jewish assumption that their racial identity - their old birth - assured them a place in God’s Kingdom. Jesus makes it plain that a man’s first birth does not assure him of the kingdom - only being born again gives this assurance.

It was taught widely among the Jews at that time that since they descended from Abraham, they were automatically assured of heaven. In fact, some Rabbis taught that Abraham stood watch at the gate of hell, just to make sure that none of his descendants accidentally wandered in there.

Most Jews of that time looked for the Messiah to bring in a new world, in which the Jews would be pre-eminent. But Jesus came to bring new life, in which He would be preeminent.

Enduring Word Commentary by David Guzik

The Entrance Into The Kingdom of God

5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born of water and spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.

The requirement for gaining entrance into Heaven - "Must Be Born Of Water and Spirit"

The following has been given as an explanation as to what it means to be "born of water and spirit".

1. Baptism in water by John the Baptist - To enter the kingdom, it is necessary to undergo both the baptism of John the Baptist with water for repentance and the baptism of Jesus with the Spirit. This is supported by the fact that all previous references to "water" in the Gospel relate to John's baptizing ministry. (John 1:26,31, 33. One must submit to John's baptism and repent of sins to enter the kingdom, and receive Jesus' baptism with the Spirit.

To conclude, the notion that water symbolizes John's baptism is inconsistent with John 3:30, where it is stated that Jesus must increase while John the Baptist must decrease.
2. Christian water baptism and spiritual regeneration - It is believed that the mention of water in the Gospel of John refers to Christian baptism instead of John's baptism. This is because the original readers of the Gospel would have understood it as such. The phrase "born of water and the Spirit" indicates the act of submitting to Christian baptism. During the early days of the church, baptism was connected to the reception of the Holy Spirit as seen in Acts 2:38.

It is important to note that taking either position 1 or 2 implies baptismal regeneration, which the Bible does not teach (Eph 2:8-10). Furthermore, if water refers to baptism as a requirement for entering the kingdom, it is surprising that the rest of the discussion never mentions water again. The entire focus is on the work of the Spirit (John 3:8), the work of the Son (John 3:14–15), the work of God Himself (John 3:16–17), and the place of faith (John 3:15–16).
3. Natural birth and spiritual regeneration - "Born of water" is a metaphor for natural human birth. To enter the kingdom, one must be born physically and spiritually. This means being born of both water and spirit as Jesus contrasted being born of the flesh with being born of the Spirit in John 3:6. Therefore, to enter the kingdom, one must be born again both physically and spiritually.

This position overlooks the fact that being "born from above" requires being "born of water and Spirit".
4. Water referes to the word of God - Eph 5:26

The Best Explanation

5. Spiritual regeneration alone is depicted with a double metaphor - In support of this view is the fact that elsewhere in this Gospel water functions as a metaphor for the Spirit (John 4:10, 13–15; 7:38) as it also does in places in the OT (e.g. Ezek. 36:25–27). It is the OT that provides our basis for understanding as well as that of Nicodemus. Otherwise, Jesus' comments to Nicodemus would make no sense - “John 3:10 Jesus ``-answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?

Kruse, C. G. (2003). John: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 4, pp. 108–109). InterVarsity Press used as a base.

As a teacher of Israel, Nicodemus was expected to be knowledgeable about the Old Testament, for this was the scriptures of his time. Had he understood it correctly, he would have recognized Jesus' statement: "unless one is born of water and the Spirit".

The interpretation of ‘born of water and the Spirit’ turns on three factors.

The phrase 'born of water and the Spirit' falls under the context of 'from above' (anōthen, v.3), indicating one birth.
The preposition "of" applies to both "water" and "spirit". To understand this construction more naturally, we should consider the phrase as a single concept - there exists a water-spirit that acts as the source of this regeneration.
In this passage, Jesus criticizes Nicodemus for his inability to understand certain concepts, despite being a respected teacher of the Jewish faith. Specifically, Jesus suggests that to truly comprehend his teachings, one must first look to the Old Testament scriptures.

Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel according to John (pp. 194–196). Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans

The Old Testament's background to ‘water’ and ‘spirit’

WATER
When water is used figuratively in the Old Testament, it usually refers to renewal or cleansing, especially when it is found in conjunction with ‘spirit’. This conjunction may be explicit, or may hide behind language depicting the ‘pouring out’ of the spirit (cf. Nu. 19:17–19; Ps. 51:9–10; Is. 32:15; 44:3–5; 55:1–3; Je. 2:13; 17:13; Ez. 47:9; Joel 2:28–29; Zc. 14:8).
This connection of water and Spirit was not unknown in Israel as shown in Ezek 36:25–27, where water and spirit come together, the first to signify cleansing from impurity, and the second to depict the transformation of heart that will enable people to follow God wholly. In short, born of water and spirit the focus is on the impartation of God’s nature as ‘spirit’ [cf. 4:24], not on the Holy Spirit as such) signals a new begetting, a new birth that cleanses and renews, the eschatological cleansing and renewal promised by the Old Testament prophets and applied to believers in the New Covenant (NT). Apparently, Nicodemus had not thought of the Old Testament passages this way. If he was like some other Pharisees, he was too confident of the quality of his own obedience to think he needed much repentance (cf. Lk. 7:30), let alone to have his whole life cleansed and his heart transformed, to be born again from above.

SPIRIT
The ‘spirit’ is constantly God’s principle of life, even in creation (e.g. Gen. 2:7; 6:3; Job. 34:14); but many Old Testament writers look forward to a time when God’s ‘spirit’ will be poured out on humankind (Joel 2:28) with the result that there will be blessing and righteousness (Is. 32:15–20; 44:3; Ezek. 39:29), and inner renewal which cleanses God’s covenant people from their idolatry and disobedience (Ezek 11:19–20; 36:26–27).

THE LANGUAGE
Spiritual regeneration alone is depicted with a double metaphor. In support of this view is the fact that elsewhere in this Gospel water functions as a metaphor for the Spirit (John 4:10, 13–15; 7:38) as it also does in places in the OT (e.g. Ezek. 36:25–27). The expression ‘water and the Spirit’ is… a figure of speech using two different words to denote one thing, something suggested by the fact that both ‘water’ and ‘Spirit’ are anarthrous (without the article) and governed by the one preposition (lit. ‘of water and spirit’, ex hydatos kai pneumatos).
Jesus is saying that to enter the kingdom one must be born of water, i.e. of the Spirit. This view is also supported by the fact that in this passage Jesus uses a number of parallel expressions that are all related to seeing and entering the kingdom: 3:3: ‘born again / from above’; 3:5: ‘born of water and the Spirit’; 3:7: ‘born again / from above’; 3:8: ‘born of the Spirit’. If all these expressions are in fact parallel and synonymous, then to be ‘born again from above’ and to be ‘born of water and the Spirit’ mean the same as to be ‘born of the Spirit’.

Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel according to John (p. 195-196). Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans used as a base.

John 3:5
6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

"The Two Births"

Christ distinguishes between being born of the flesh, which is physical birth to that of spiritual birth. When a person is born physically i.e. the flesh, their nature will be fallen(Gen 8:21; Ps 51:5; Ps 58:3; Jer. 17:9). At spiritual birth, the spirit of God imparts God's spiritual nature to the believer who is dead in trespasses and sin (Eph. 2:1-2). This impartation results in a spiritual transformation that continues throughout the life of the believer. It brings freedom from the penalty of sin and the practice of sin. It occurs when a person initially puts their faith in the work and person of Jesus Christ for their salvation (Eph. 2:8-9).

Also, the flesh represents an inherent weakness and a limited and restricted outlook, rendering it incapable of meeting the standards of God or pleasing him (Rom 8:8). Therefore, an individual cannot save himself nor can any other human agency(Isa 31:1-3). It is only by an act of God that an individual can be saved (John 1:11-13; Eph. 2:5) (Eph. 2:8-9). The fallen nature and the inherent weakness and inability of man, necessitates that man be Born Again.

50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.
54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

THE AMAZMENT OF NICODEMUS

7 “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

Do not be amazed (mē thaumasēis). For Nicodemus, Jesus' statement amazed him John 3:7 ( Do not be astonished... ). Nicodemus' amazed response demonstrated his spiritual state and the need for him to be 'born from above, by the Spirit of God. This shows him to have been only a natural man, a man who didn't have the spirit of God. In and of himself, he was incapable of receiving or discerning spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:12-14).

The "Two YOU's"

In the Greek there are two different Greek terms for the English use of "you" in verse 7.

The first "you" second person singular - “Do not be amazed that I said to you " - (Greek soi /pronunced soy)

The second "you" second person plural - ‘You must be born again.’ - "you"(Greek humas pronounced hoo·mas)

WHO ARE THE TWO "YOU'S?

The first "you" addresses Nicodemus.

The second you used by the Lord was spoken to those whom Nicodemus represented. These are the ones Nicodemus referred to in John 3:2, when he said, "we know".

Therefore, making his failure to understand extend to those of his class in this case, the Pharisees.

Nicodemus and the others mentioned in John 3:2 had failed to understand the concept of the spiritual birth as essential to entrance into the Kingdom of God. He knew only Jews as members of that kingdom, the political kingdom of Pharisaic hope, which was to make all the world Jewish under the King Messiah.

To a Jewish teacher such as Nicidemus, who should have been familiar with the symbolical application of water, as mentioned in the Old Testament, this language showed that what was intended was a complete spiritual cleansing by the Holy Spirit. Nicodemus thinking should have been brought back to Ezek. 36:25–27, which Nicodemus might have been reminded of had such Biblical understanding not been almost lost in the reigning formalism of the Pharisees.

Ez. 36:25–27
25 “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.
26 “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
27 “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.

The following things are evident from Ezekiel:

It is God who is the author and source of all that entails salvation. Notice God's five time repetition of the word "I" in Ezk 36:25-27
It is God who will cleanse us from our sin Ezk 36:25
God's work of salvation starts internally from the heart Ezk 36:26.
Because of God's indwelling Spirit the internal workings of salvation can be seen by our external works of obedience to God Ezk 36:27

Born of the Spirit

8 The wind blows wherever it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

This passage makes a play on words that cannot be accurately expressed in English. The Greek word "pneuma" means both "wind" and "Spirit," which is a common theme in scripture (Job 27:3; Job 33:4; Ezek. 37:9-14).

Jesus draws an analogy between wind and the Spirit, or more precisely, between their effects. The point is that the wind and the Spirit cannot be controlled or understood by humans, but we can still witness their effects. The sound of the wind is heard, we see the grasses sway, and watch the clouds move. Similarly, the Spirit is uncontrollable and unknowable, but we can observe its effects.

When the Spirit works, its effects are undeniable and unmistakable. Man's salvation is not in his control but is in the Spirit's control (cf. Ezek. 37). The work of the Holy Spirit is evidenced when a person moves from unbelief to faith in Christ (John 16:8-9) and continues to bear spiritual fruit during their earthly life (John 15:4-5, 8; Gal 5:22-23). This shows that a person has been spiritually "Born from Above," or regenerated.

A lack of Understanding

John 3:9-10
9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?”
10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?

All that Christ said to Nicodemus, should have resonated with him, since what was said to him by Jesus correlated back to the Old Testament. The Old Testament anticipated the blessings of the gospel (cf. 1 Peter 1:10-12). The Old Testament prophets spoke of the new Age with its working of the Spirit (Isa. 32:15; Ezek. 36:25-27; Joel 2:28-29). The nation’s outstanding teacher ought to understand how God by His sovereign grace can give someone a new heart (1 Sam. 10:6; Jer 31:33).

The pharisaic man-made religion of Nicodemus rendered him spiritually inept in the understanding of the word of God(Tanakh). Noticed the following statements by Jesus:

v7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘It is necessary for you to be born from above.
v10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and you do not understand these things?

By way of application, we must ask ourselves are we in danger of following a non-Biblical 'culturalized understanding of the Bible+' or a false Jesus rather than the Jesus of the Bible (Deut 8:3; Matt 4:4)? It is of utmost importance that one examines themselves to ensure they are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5).

Eye Witness

11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony.
12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?
13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.

We speak that we know, and ... what we have seen — Jesus speaks with authority and with first hand knowledge as the only begotten Son in the bosom of the Father” (John 1:18). As the eternal logos and has God, no other agency can claim what Jesus claims. (John 1:1-4; C.f John 3:13).

WHO IS THE - "We" speak what we know" "bear witness to what "we" have seen

The key to the plural 'we's' is found in John 3:8. Jesus associates with those who have personal experience or will experience being born of the Holy Spirit and so are qualified as witnesses.

We today who have been born of the Spirit of God continue to perpetuate his testimony as we bear witness to those who do not know Jesus.

"But you do not receive our testimony"

do not receive - (Greek ou lambanete)
The Greek construction of 'present active' indicates that Nicodemus and those with him continuously resisted Jesus, as Jesus points out (but you do not receive our testimony). This resistance is the great tragedy, as John has shown in 'John 1:11' where he states, "He came to his own, and his people did not receive him". By way of application, this is also true today, where some resist the gospel, ultimately rejecting the person of Christ.

If I have told you "earthly things"

"earthly things" - According to John 3:3-8, Nicodemus has heard about the "earthly things" related to man's situation in the world and his inability to understand the kingdom. However, he does not believe in it. On the other hand, the "heavenly things" have not been explained to him, which relate to the ultimate salvation that the Redeemer brings through his descent, ascent, and cross. John 3:13-21 and John 3:31-36 discuss these prophectic themes. According to John 3:3-8, Nicodemus has heard about the "earthly things" related to man's situation in the world and his inability to understand the kingdom. However, he does not believe in it. On the other hand, the "heavenly things" have not been explained to him, which relate to the ultimate salvation that the Redeemer brings through his descent, ascent, and cross. John 3:13-21 and John 3:31-36 discuss these eschatological themes.

Ascending Decending

13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.

'he that descended out of heaven' - Jesus provides Nicodemus with another Old Testament passage that he should have connected with as it pertains to Christ.

Prov 30:4
4 Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name? Surely you know!
5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Proverbs points to the incarnation of the Pre-existent Son of God, whose eternal existence was in heaven, in the presence of the Father (Prov 30:4; John 1:1; 17:5; 17:24). Therefore, Jesus as the Son of God, has intimate knowledge of 'the heavenly things' pertaining to salvation. This is seen in the lifting up of Christ, as shown in John 3:14-15. For even the angels did not have such knowledge about redemption. They watch it play out in those who who have believe the gospel.

The Son of Man descends from heaven to convey heavenly truth to humanity. But Nicodemus and others of his day - even folk of today - find the descent and ascension of Christ hard to believe. His ascension solidifies salvation for those who believe in him through the Gospel (1 Cor 15:3-4; John 3:16)

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,
11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.
12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.(1Pet 1:10-12)"

Christ’s statement is also a defense against all claims made by or for those who are supposed to have received revelations from angels concerning the redemption of humanity. Redemption resides exclusively with the person of Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). It is he alone, that is authorized and empowered by the father, to accomplish the salvation of humanity (1 John 5:20).

No other person or entity has been given such authority from the Father nor or they empowered to complete the task of salvation, only the Son of God of whom the Old Testament speak of.

Jesus confirmed the fact that the Old Testament speaks of him.(John 5:46)

John 5:46
46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.
47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

Another time when Jesus showed that He is in the Old Testament was on the day of His resurrection.

Luke 24:27
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

In Luke 22:37 Jesus said, “It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’ and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. This pointed to Isaiah 53:12.

Is 53:12
12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

The Serpent

John 3:14
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

In the conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus shifts from discussing the concept of being born again, which involves both water and spirit, to an incident from the Old Testament. Specifically, he refers to the story of the bronze snake in the desert, as recorded in Numbers 21:4-9. The bronze serpent is a type of Christ.

The bronze snake on a pole was the means God used to heal the children of Israel if they were bitten in the plague of snakes that had been sent as a punishment for their:

Their Impatience (And the people became impatient on the way - Num 21:4)
Speaking against God and Moses (And the people spoke against God and against Moses - Num 21:5)
Complaining (Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water” - Num 21:5b)
Dissatisfaction with God's provision ("and we loathe this worthless food." - Num 21:5c)

Despite their sins God showed mercy by graciously providing healing to those who rightfully deserved judgement if they would only look (Num 21:9) at the bronze serpent. The hebrew word for look is nabat /naw·bat which carries the meaning - to look at; to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider.

Jesus stated, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” The bronze snake is considered a symbol or type of Christ. In this world, people suffer and die due to the deadly poison of sin. The only way to be healed from the poison of sin is to put your faith in the person of Christ according to the gospel. (John 3:15; Rom 10:8-11; 1 Cor 15:3-4)

Must Be

Just as Moses lifted up the serpent on the pole, the Son of Man must be (greek - dei) lifted up.

The word "must" (Greek (dei) signifies the father's unwavering commitment to his plans. This commitment is a necessary part of God's will and is integral to the fulfillment of his plans for the redemption of humanity through Christ, as prophesied in the Old Testament. (Luke 24:25–27). The lifting up of Christ glorified him (John 12:23; 13:31). It also fulfilled the servant Song in Isa 52:13.

Lifted Up

In the same way, the Son of Man must be lifted up. The Greek verb for ‘lifted up’ (hypsōo) occurs four times in John(John 3:14; 8:28; 12:32, 34). It combines the notions of being physically lifted up on the cross and the idea of exaltation.

Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship

God has provided a way for all of humanity to be saved. In order for the Israelites to be physically saved from deadly snake bites, they had to look at the bronze serpent. Similarly, humanity can be saved from the power and death of sin and the condemnation of sin only by trusting in Christ (John 3:16, Rom 10:8-11, 1 Cor 15:3-4). It is in the crucified, risen Lord only that the believer has eternal life. Beasley-Murray, G. R. (1999). John (Vol. 36, p. 51). Word, Incorporated.

The Purpose of Jesus Being Lifted Up

John 3:15
15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

Believing in Him

Here is the answer to Nicodemus' question in John 3:9, "How can this happen? i.e. how can one be born again from above(John 3-7-9)": The Kingdom of God can be seen and entered through a new birth experience, where eternal life begins, and an individual is brought into a covenant relationship (Luke 22:20; Acts 3:25) with God. This experience is made possible when a person believes in the person of Christ as He is "lifted up" (John 3:14). through the giving of the gospel (Rom 10:8-11; 1 Cor 15:1-5).

God is the one who takes the initiative and plays the primary role in the process of salvation. The motivation behind his actions is his love for us (1 John 4:9-10). However, even though God is the one who initiates salvation, he has given us the freedom to choose whether we accept or reject Christ. This is seen in the phrase "whoever believes". Therefore, one is responsible for their own decision. God's love is not coercive. It is unacceptable to minimize or deny the role of either God or humanity in the process of salvation, as both play a part according to biblical teachings. Freedom of will allows God to hold us accountable for our decisions. (Joshua 24:15)

What does "believe" look like? It is described by the Greek verb 'pisteuō' - it is ongoing complete trust and reliance. " "Believing is not just about mentally agreeing with something, it also involves making a lifelong commitment to it. It conveys a certainty of belief in something that indicates personal trust and reliance upon that held belief. Pisteuō as “true trust” embodies the essence of biblical faith: “Abraham believed God” (Rom. 4:3). It is characterized by childlike trust (Matt. 18:6), representing an inherent trust in the providence and goodness of God."

Believe. (2023). In M. L. Strauss and T. Longman III (Eds.), The Baker Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words (p. 94). Baker Books: A Division of Baker Publishing Group.

Putting one's trust and confidence in Jesus indicates a turning away from the ways of the world (1 John 2:15) and the pursuit of self (Mark 8:34-35; John 12:25). Both of these are contrary to God's will. True salvation will reflect itself in submitting to His authority as found in the Bible and a love of obedience to God.(Deut 6:5; John 14:15).

The Out Come - Eternal Life

Believing in Christ results in "eternal life" (Greek - aiōnion zōēn). This life is characterized by both quality and quantity. It is independently of time. Its focus is on our present standing in Christ alone.

Christians do not have to wait until they die to experience eternal life. John 3:36 emphasizes this point, stating that a person "has eternal life" (echei aiōnion zōēn). The present active tense of the Greek verb for has (echei) indicates that eternal life starts the moment a person places their faith in Christ.

Jesus has come so that all who believe in him will have life in its fullest sense—the eternal life of the kingdom of God (John 20:30–31). Therefore our eternal life is on our postion in Christ

God's Motivation John 6:28-29

John 3:16
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

God so loved

God is the one who takes the initiative (John 16:8-9; Acts 16:15)and plays the primary role in the process of salvation. The motivation behind his actions is his love for us . Love that was demonstated will we are in a state of sin (Rom 5:8; 1 John 4:9-10). However, even though God is the one who initiates salvation, he has given us the freedom to choose whether we accept or reject Christ. As a result, people are responsible for their own beliefs. His love is not coercive. It is unacceptable to minimize or deny the role of either God or humanity in the process of salvation, as both play a part according to biblical teachings. Freedom of will allows God to hold us accountable for our decisions.

He gave his only Son

"The verbs for “loved” (ēgapēsen) and “gave” (edōken) here express the genuine self-giving nature of God in having sent (apesteilen) his “only Son” (monogenous huiou) on an unrepeatable mission into the world (3:16; cf. 1:14, 18)."

Borchert, G. L. (1996). John 1–11 (Vol. 25A, p. 183). Broadman and Holman Publishers.

God's love is demonstrated in the giving of his son. John's use of language draws a parallel between Abraham offering his beloved son in Genesis 22:1-2, and God the Father's sacrifice of His only-begotten son. The story of Abraham's sacrifice serves as a clear representation of God's sacrifice of His son to us. It is throught God son that he gave salvation to the world.

The Purpose Of God Sending His Son

17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
18a Whoever believes in him is not condemned,...

"God did not send his Son ...to condemned

The Father's plan was to redeem humanity and He executed it through His Son during His first coming. The son's mission was to save those who put their faith in Him so that they would not be condemned (John 3:17-18a).
It is important to understand that the Father's plan of salvation is only possible through Jesus alone(John 14:6, Ephesians 2:18, Acts 4:12, 1 John 5:20). The opportunity for God's salvation is still available to us today.

18b"...but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.
20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

What Condemns

John 3:18b “…but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

God provided a solution for the problem of humanity by offering the means for their salvation (Greek - sōthē; 3:17). God desires for everyone to be saved (Ezek 18:23; Matt 23:37; 1 Tim 2:4; 2 Pet 3:9), human freedom of choice means that not all will choose to accept the Son (e.g., John 1:11–13; Rom 1:5; 10:16; 1 Tim 4:10). Consequently, those who reject God's love is said to be already condemed and will face eternal judgment.

Also, it's common for some to view the Gospel of John as solely being about love. However, this perspective overlooks the darker side of the Gospel, which can be threatening to those who do not believe. Ignoring this aspect of John means missing the complete message of God's Gospel. The concept of God's judgment (Greek - krinetai) is a significant and negative theme that forms the foundation of the Gospel, and it is clear in certain verses.

19 And this is the judgment:

The term "judgment" holds two meanings - separation and condemnation, and it represents the verdict delivered by God. Christ the Redeemer, who is the Light, has come to the world to save humanity. The individual now has the choice to either approach the Light and enter into a salvational covenant with God through Christ or reject Christ and depart into deeper darkness.

Those who reject the Light express their perversity through their actions, and as a result, they tend to keep far from the Light to avoid exposure. On the other hand, the believer, who is defined as "he who does the truth," acts in accordance with the truth and comes to the Light because their actions have been achieved through the grace of God in Christ. They acknowledge the truth and live it out before God and the world. (John 3:21) Though the light rebukes our sin, we respond in repentance and faith and order our lives according to Biblical truth (Ps 119:105; John 3:21; John 12:46)

Who is the Light?

The Bible is very clear who the light is:

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

In Summary

For those who believe Jesus, we are drawn to him like a magnet. The light that he provides gives us direction and hope therefore we welcome his revelation. Though the light rebukes our sin, we respond in repentance and faith and order our lives according to Biblical truth (Ps 119:105; John 3:21; John 12:46)

Because believers have been regenerated by the Spirit, they live differently than their former lives of darkness. The Holy Spirit, working in their lives, gives them new power, goals, and interests (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:10).

Blum, E. A. (1985). John. In J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 282). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books

Now What

If God has indeed open your eyes to his salvation and you have now decided to put your faith in Jesus for your eternal salvation.
1. Find a church home and start fellowshipping with other like minded believers. Remember Christianity is not a one person show it’s about relationships with both God and man. (Click here to read about how to how to identify a Good Church
2. Once you fine a church get Baptized.

Answers to your Questions