Jesus And Nicodemus-3

We finish our lesson on Jesus and Nicodemus with the simple conclusion in John 3:16 to this seemingly complex question, how to be born again.

Jesus And Nicodemus-3

How must Jesus feel, having sacrificed Himself so we can all have the answer to the most important question in history, only to find those of us who found the answer twisting it to such self-serving extremes? We all know most of the people who believe these answers are sincere, well-meaning people, just giving the answer they were given. Still, as we constantly teach at http://www.web-church.com, they should have read God's Word for themselves rather than just swallow whatever someone feeds them. So, what is the answer?

3. The Conclusion:

Jn 3:16-18 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."

The answer is Belief, Only Belief, and Always Belief.

a. Belief: Jesus said whoever believes in him is born again. It's the believing, the faith, that is the dividing line between eternity with God or without Him. In fact, Paul wrote to the Galatians that believing anything other than a free gift of mercy from God could save them, actually put them at risk of losing the salvation they had from God. It's important for each of us to ask ourselves, "To what or Whom do I give credit for my eternal life?" The answer to that question lets us know where our faith rests. Now, here's where all you people I ticked off are going to begin agreeing, if you're still here.

b. Only Belief: Jesus said anyone whoever does not believe is already condemned. Who condemned them? They did it to themselves, by refusing to believe. 'Whoever does not believe' What does that mean? O.K. Those who are still mad at me, answer this question…

What can you do to get to heaven without believing in Jesus?

If your answer is "nothing" you're right! Nothing, not even the things in 2. above can get us to heaven without faith. So faith is the only thing required. Once we've acknowledged our faith in Jesus we can have faith He will lead us to do everything we need to do. No one has to suggest our salvation hangs on…baptism, for instance. It's a religious lie that threatens to take our faith out of Christ and place it in a bucket of water.

c. Always belief: As long as we're discussing faith, let's consider how long it has been the basis of a relationship with God. A lot of people believe that in the Old Testament, obedience to the law is what gave you a relationship with God…not faith. Faith is the "New Testament" principle. That seems right until we read the Bible for ourselves and discover what it really says. In fact, the way to God has been belief all along, as Hebrews chapter 11 attests. Read the last verse in He 11. What is the 'something better' God had planned for us and them? Living in relationship with each other and with the living, loving God, forever. The promise is for all who believe. Do you believe…in Jesus, rather than some ritual? If you do, we'll be together with them and Him forever. Amen!

Jesus And Nicodemus-3

I'm honored that you've allowed me to be a part of your Christian life. Please return often for fellowship, study and prayer. Thank you very much for visiting.

Love & Hugs,
Glen

We finish our lesson on Jesus and Nicodemus with the simple conclusion in John 3:16 to this seemingly complex question, how to be born again.