This is one of the greatest soul-winning passages in all the
Word of God. And it is probably one of
the most well known passages in all the Word of God. Every Sunday School boy and girl can quote
John 3:16, “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.”
Nicodemus recognized his need. Many have questioned his purpose in coming to
Jesus by night – most believe it was so no one else would see him. Whether that be the case or not, he is to be
commended for recognizing his need and coming to the Saviour. But this passage shows to us five great
things about salvation.
First, “Marvel not” shows us that salvation is
Plain. It’s not some unattainable
concept that is beyond understanding.
Marvel not at the simplicity of salvation. Next, “Ye” shows us that
salvation is Personal. Jesus spoke to
the personal need of Nicodemus and to each one of us. Then, “Must” shows us that
salvation is Positive. Salvation is a
complete necessity in every man’s life.
Natural man is not able to enter the kingdom of God on his own, so
salvation is a necessity. Also, “Be
born” shows us that salvation is Productive. Birth is one of nature’s most beautiful
processes – a process of productivity.
Scofield tells us, “The new birth is not a reformation of the old nature,
but a creative act of the Holy Spirit.”
Lastly, “Again” (literally from above) shows
us that salvation is Perfect. James 1:17
tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” Salvation
is God’s perfect gift to us to make us whole in Him.
Ye Must Be Born Again
To Jesus Nicodemus came, By
night so none would see,
For he, a ruler of the Jews,
Had need to be set free.
The Saviour knew without a
doubt That this man lived in sin.
To this religious one he
said, “Ye must be born again.”
To this the worldly wise did
say, “How can this wonder be?
Can we return to mother’s
womb And then new life we see?”
But Christ responded to this
jest By showing him in love
That endless life can only
come Through birthing from above.
The water of the Word, you
see, The Holy Spirit too,
Are needed to be born again,
To make your spirit new.
The Word, the Spirit, all of
these Will lead you to believe,
By simply trusting in the
Lord Eternal life receive.
As Moses the serpent lifted
up And all who looked could live,
So must the Son of Man be
raised, If new life He would give.
For God so loved this
wretched world, His only Son He gave,
That whosoever trusts in
Him, He his soul will save.
© 2006 Paul Stultz
© 2006 Paul Stultz
