Be Born Again with Christ

The Pharisee Nicodemus knew that Jesus was a teacher from God.  He came to Jesus with a spiritual question (John 3:1-17 ESV).  Jesus told him: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." 

Nicodemus thought physically, “How can an old man be born again from his mother’s womb?”  Jesus answered spiritually, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” 

Baptism with Christ is the pathway to eternal life.  God works faith through the hearing of the Word (Romans 10).  God baptizes that faith through water and the Word.  No sinner can enter into heaven unless he is washed by the righteousness of Christ.  Baptism is death with Christ to sin and new life in Him (Romans 6).  Baptism is a means of grace, the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), and promises the indwelling Holy Spirit.  Martin Luther aptly wrote about baptism: “It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal life to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.”

Baptism is God’s gift to you.  Faith in Christ is God’s gift (Ephesians 2:8-9), too.  Faith is not a work of the intellect; it is the work of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God.  Unfortunately, many people reject the gift of faith and remain lost.

God gives little children faith (Luke 1: 15, 44) and the gift of baptism.  Jesus said, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.  Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."  (Mark 10:14-15).  Little children have a trusting faith.  So, must we.

Be born again with Christ.  He said (John 3:14-17) that the Son of Man must be lifted up [on a cross], that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”  Amen.

Raymond Van Buskirk, Pastor, Redeemer Lutheran Church

Baytown, Texas          www.rlcbaytown.org                 6/7/2009