How does John 3:6 connect with the concept of being "born again"? Verse in Focus John 3:6: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” The Flesh and the Spirit: A Clear Divide • “Flesh” refers to natural, human life—what we inherit physically from Adam (Genesis 5:3; Romans 5:12). • “Spirit” points to the supernatural life imparted by God’s Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26–27). • Jesus draws a firm line: physical birth gives only physical life; spiritual birth gives spiritual life. One cannot substitute for the other. Why Being Born Again Is Essential • Earlier Jesus told Nicodemus, “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3) and “unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). • Verse 6 explains the reason behind those statements: only Spirit-generated life can perceive, enter, and enjoy God’s kingdom. • Our first birth leaves us spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1); we need a second, Spirit-wrought birth to live toward God. How the New Birth Happens 1. God initiates: “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth” (James 1:18). 2. The Word and the Spirit work together: “Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17); the Spirit uses the gospel to awaken the heart (1 Peter 1:23). 3. The result is a new creation: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). 4. Not self-reformation but divine regeneration: “He saved us… through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). Implications for Daily Life • New identity: we are now “children of God” (John 1:12-13). • New desires: the Spirit inclines us toward holiness (Galatians 5:16-25). • New assurance: the Spirit bears witness that we belong to God (Romans 8:15-16). • New mission: we testify so others may also be born of the Spirit (John 20:21-22). Supporting Scriptures |
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