What is the meaning of John 3:6? Flesh Jesus’ opening word points to our natural, earthly condition. Scripture repeatedly testifies that: • “The intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth” (Genesis 8:21). • Paul admits, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh” (Romans 7:18). When Jesus says “flesh,” He speaks of humanity as we are—physical, temporal, and marred by sin (Psalm 51:5; Galatians 5:19-21). is born of flesh A fallen nature can only reproduce itself. • Natural birth gives life in Adam’s likeness (Genesis 5:3), not in God’s. • John had already written, “Children born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13). • No amount of moral effort or religious ceremony can lift us out of this lineage (Romans 8:7-8). “So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:8). but spirit Jesus contrasts the realm of the Spirit with the realm of flesh. • “Those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). • The Spirit-led life bears “love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23). • Spiritual realities are discerned only by the spiritual person (1 Corinthians 2:14-15). The Lord is ushering Nicodemus—and us—into a completely different sphere of existence. is born of the Spirit Here lies the miracle: • “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). • The new birth is “the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). • God promises, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you” (Ezekiel 36:26). • Peter echoes, “Having been born again… through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). Only the Holy Spirit can impart spiritual life; He creates a brand-new nature, enabling us to believe, obey, and enjoy fellowship with the Father (2 Corinthians 5:17). summary John 3:6 draws an unmistakable line: natural birth yields only fallen, fleshly life, but the Holy Spirit sovereignly begets a new, spiritual life that fits us for God’s kingdom. Our first birth explains our need; our second birth, wrought by the Spirit, supplies God’s gracious answer. |
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