“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5 (KJV)
The story of spiritual regeneration and salvation is encapsulated in John’s narrative of the private visit of Nicodemus with Jesus. Like many religiously-minded individuals, Nicodemus wanted to know more about the Kingdom of God without committing himself. Yet, commitment was (and still is) the main issue.
Except a person believes and receives God’s plan, he or she cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. That is as straightforward as it can be. Easy understood. Yet, many stumble over this truth not wanting to accept it. Many reject God’s plan and construct their own. Like Nicodemus, they don’t understand that entering the Kingdom of God is the result of a spiritual conception . . . a new birth. It is not a physical renewal. Rather, it is a spiritual re-creation . . . a regeneration of soul and spirit that transforms beliefs, attitudes, habits, and lifestyle.
The author of the New Testament’s Epistle to the Hebrews understood the difference between physical renovation and spiritual transformation. Note his argument (Heb. 9:1-15): Certainly, there was a first covenant which had ordinances and a sanctuary (i.e., the Tabernacle). In this sanctuary there was a division of the physical elements required under old covenant worship. In the first half of the sanctuary there was a candlestick, a table, and the consecrated bread; but beyond the veil — in the second half of the sanctuary — there was the golden censer and the ark of the covenant containing the gold pot of manna, Aaron’s rod, and the tablets of the covenant. In addition, there were carved statutes of cherubim that guarded the mercy seat.
Now, the Jewish priests went into the first half of the sanctuary regularly performing the service to God. In addition to this, once each year the High Priest carried blood into the second half (i.e., “the Holiest of all”) and offered a sacrifice for his own sins as well as for all the people. The Hebrews author asserts that the Holy Spirit used this annual, High Priestly sacrifice to signify that the true way into the true holiest of all was not revealed as long as the old tabernacle continued.
This annual sacrifice was only an illustration to those people that their physical gifts and sacrifices could not transform their consciences (i.e., it had no spiritual power) but were only imposed on them “until the time of reformation.” And having now arrived, Christ was the high priest who superseded man-made tabernacles and animal sacrifices. Christ entered “the holy place” and obtained eternal redemption for us by his own blood. Consider this: if the old sacrifices only purified the physical flesh, how much greater is the purifying power of the blood of Christ, who by the Spirit offered himself as the perfect sacrifice? His blood cleanses not simply the outward flesh but also the inner spirit of the conscience. This is why Christ is the “mediator of the new testament.” His death at Calvary redeems us from our sins in order that we who are called “might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”
Dear Father, thank you for Christ our Savior and Lord. Empower every reader of these words with faith to believe and receive Christ as Savior and Lord. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the mediator of God’s eternal inheritance,