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"Jesus
answered and said unto him, 'Verily, verily, I say unto
thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom
of God.'" John 3:3
Jesus is telling the
Jew of all Jews that he had to be born again.
Nicodemus could not comprehend that, after all he was born
Jew and follower of the Law. From his perspective, one
can't get more born again than that. But Jesus said he
had to be "born again," - born of water and of the spirit.
Jesus is saying real change with God starts inside, not
by being "good" or religious. Being "born again" is a
fresh start through trusting Him. For someone stuck in
guilt, addiction, or empty success, this verse promises God
can give a completely new heart, outlook, and direction in
life. Jesus is not calling Nicodemus or anyone to try
harder but He does invite him into an entirely new way of
being--one that begins with receiving, not achieving.
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