Born From Above

What does it mean to be born again? How are we born of water and the Spirit? Let’s understand the newness of a life in the Holy Spirit from John 3:1-17.

Nicodemus

There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. (John 3:1 NKJV)

Nicodemus was a senator in the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin. He appears three times in the Gospel of John (John 3:1–2; 7:50-51; 19:38-39). Jesus explained to this wealthy and popular Jewish leader the mystery of regeneration as was taught by the prophets.

Nicodemus was not offended at Jesus’ teaching but received it in all humility. He later defended Jesus at His trial, and with Joseph of Arimathea, assisted at His burial. History reveals that he was eventually kicked out of the synagogue for believing in Christ, and later retired to a country home where he died.

Come to the Light

This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” (John 3:2 NKJV)

In the dark of night Nicodemus came to the Light. Others also were involved. He said, “we know.” God’s word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105). It leads us from darkness to “the light of the world” (John 8:12).

Born from Above

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly [Amen, Amen], I say to you, unless one is born again [regenerated from above], he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3 NKJV)

To be “born again” also means “born from above,” from heaven. To be born from heaven above is to belong to heaven, as a child of God.

The so-called “sinner’s prayer” is usually disconnected from important rituals established by Jesus and the Apostles. But, Peter connects them when He says, “repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). Paul connects them, “He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:3-7).

Paul described the new birth by saying, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Literal or Spiritual

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

Nicodemus heard only “born again” missing the spiritual meaning of being “born from above.”

Born of Water and the Spirit

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly [literally: Amen, Amen], I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5 NKJV)

This is a very exclusive claim. Christian baptism is both the water and the Spirit, a synthesis of human and divine work. Baptism is a physical thing through which God grants a divine grace. Combining the human and divine elements is why it’s called “one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5).

Spiritual Life

That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3:6 NKJV)

Each of us who is born flesh will die. Each of us who are born of water and the Spirit live forever. Thus the Christian life is eternal, regenerated from above.

Born of the Spirit

Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again [from above].’ The wind [or Spirit] blows [or breathes] where it [He] wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:7-8 NKJV)

The Spirit breathes where He wishes. Paul wrote, “all scripture is God-breathed” (1 Timothy 3:16 NIV). Some are skeptics. By the flesh, we cannot tell where the Holy Spirit comes from or where He is going. Christianity is a life of faith trusting where God’s Spirit breathes.

Heavenly Things

Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.” If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? (John 3:9-12 NKJV)

Who are the “we” that Jesus refers to? As Nicodemus said, “we” know that You are a teacher come from God, so Jesus probably included His disciples.

Who is in Heaven

No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. (John 3:13 NKJV)