Am I born again: The Kingdom of God!

Hello To All:

We continue with the defense of my position, that I am not born again, with the text,  from John 3:1-5; where we find written:

1.  "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:"
2.  "The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."
3.  "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."
4.  "Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?"
5.  "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

Many Christians, particularly those from western churches, seem to have a very parochial, a very narrow and institutionally restricted view of what it is to be Christian.  This is especially true regarding God's interaction with all of humanity.  It seems that many of us, when we open the King's Book, we seem to make the assumption that everything written is directly about us.  We have a very ME (emphasis added for the sake of emphasis) oriented approach to what it means to be Christian.  This "me" oriented approach is the biggest factor in our coming to wrong understandings regarding the meaning of any given text in the King's Book.

As long as we are focused on self, we will miss the fullness of God's unfolding revelation of Himself, in His Holy Book, most commonly known as the Bible.  This unfolding revelation of God, is most complete in His Son Jesus Christ.  The King's Book, is about the King: Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  Jesus says, in one place (John 8:31-32): "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."  If we are to know the truth of the King's Book, then we must know the one who is the Truth: Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  If we do not know Jesus, then we cannot possibly claim to know His Word.  If our focus is not on Jesus Christ, then we will always come to a wrong understanding, regarding the meaning of the King's Book.

Nicodemus had a right attitude.  His focus was on the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Nicodemus was looking for the truth; and he came to Jesus - seeking that truth. Please note how Nicodemus addresses Jesus, in verse two: "Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."  Nicodemus is testifying to the reality of his knowledge of the teachings of Jesus and his awareness of the miracles that have already been done at the hands of Jesus.  He knows that Jesus has been sent by God.

It can also be said of Nicodemus, that he went to Jesus as a believing Jew, looking for the coming of the Messiah.  It can even be said, that he was wondering if Jesus might be that Messiah.  How, you might ask, can such a statement be made, when the text does not specifically mention these realities and thoughts as being the realities and thoughts of Nicodemus.

If we have a "me" focus, we shall view Nicodemus as an example of someone looking for salvation; because we are looking for salvation.  Thus, we will interpret the conversation, as if Jesus is telling Nicodemus, and thus us, how it is we can be saved; and thus, we conclude that we must be "born again," in order to have salvation in Jesus Christ.

On the other hand, if our focus is rightly on the person of Jesus of  Nazareth; and we have the expectation that only through Him, can we know the truth; then we shall come, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to an entirely different conclusion.  Because of His Word, we will recognize that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  Thus, we should understand, that Jesus of Nazareth, as He stood before Nicodemus; stood before Nicodemus as the Christ, the Jewish Messiah, the Son of the Living God; and stood before Nicodemus as the perfect man, empowered by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This same Jesus knew exactly what was in the heart and mind of Nicodemus.  Jesus knew the realities and thoughts that defined the man Nicodemus.

In the response of Jesus, to Nicodemus, we find the affirmation that Nicodemus was a believing Jew, looking for the coming of the Messiah.  We can also see, in the response of Jesus, the reality that Nicodemus was wondering if Jesus might be the Messiah, that all believing Jews, for all of their history, have been looking for, with great expectation. In the response of Jesus, we can see that Nicodemus was already converted to Jesus; because he was converted to Messiah.  Nicodemus was looking for the confirmation that Jesus was and is the Messiah. The affirmation of these truths is found in how Jesus uses the phrase "The Kingdom of God," and what that phrase means to a believing Jew who is looking, with expectation, for the Messiah.

When we next meet, we shall take a closer look at the meaning of the phrase: "The Kingdom of God." Once we understand  the meaning of the phrase - "The Kingdom of God" - to a believing Jew: we shall be in a much better position to understand the meaning of the phrase: "you must be born again."

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus