1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. Jesus told Nicodemus… “Ye must be born again.” Nicodemus was a ruler among a very religious group, the Pharisees. They were so proud of their religion yet they lacked a relationship with the Savior. Like so many today, they knew who Jesus was, but they did not know Him! To know Him is to love Him, to love Him is to serve Him! Just this week a man told me he’d been playing church for fourty years.
He told me all these years he knew about Jesus but he didn’t know Him. There is a difference! To have a relationship with the Lord Jesus you must be born again. Being born again is a matter of the heart. A heart that is desperate for mercy and forgiveness, that then turns to Jesus, is a candidate for the new birth. One must believe that He was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, died a cruel death on the cross, and rose again the third day. This is absolutely necessary in order to be saved. Hear the tragic end of those who leave this world with the presence of religion in their life, yet the absence of a relationship with the Lord.
Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The Pharisees looked good on the outside, but the inside was full of dead mens bones. Religion can impress men, but it will never impress God, nor will it get you to heaven. Please don’t forget this, being born again is not about merit, but mercy. None of us deserve to go to Heaven. Those who are going realize this, when justice called in our life, mercy answered. Have you ever swallowed your pride, admitted your guilt, and trusted Jesus as your Savior? Those who have, make up the redeemed! Those who have not will never see nor enter into the kingdom of God.
Amen. Pastor