The New Birth

In John 3:1-8, Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night. He is a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews, and a man of deep religious seriousness. Yet Jesus tells him that unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus is near the light, but he still stands in darkness.

Jesus teaches that the new birth is not produced by morality, effort, knowledge, or religious background. It is the birth from above, the work of the Spirit, promised in the Old Testament and fulfilled through the work of Christ. The Father promised a new heart, the Son was lifted up for sinners, and the Spirit gives life to the dead.

This passage calls unbelievers to stop resting in nearness to spiritual things and to look to Christ. It calls believers to humility, assurance, and Spirit dependent evangelism. We would be glad to have you gather with us at Refuge Church Centralia as we continue to hear from God’s Word together.