A Short Gospel Message

JESUS SAID:  "YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN"

            A man hurried along in the darkness.  He had to meet someone.  He was anxious to find out who this man Jesus was, but the man did not want anybody to know about his mission in spite of the fact that his flowing robes revealed his importance among the Jews, for he was a ruler.  He used his hood to conceal his identity and as he knew where the man was, he pressed on hastily, greeting nobody for he was totally absorbed in his mission.  He found the house, opened the door, and rushed in; coming face to face with the man he had heard so much about.  Nicodemus greeted the man courteously hoping he himself would be respectfully acknowledged.  But Nicodemus was the hear words that would challenge his heart and conscience and challenge the consciences of mankind for the next two millennia.   

            The words: "Ye must be born again" were spoken to Nicodemus, and Jesus added; you cannot see the Kingdom of God; neither will you be able to enter into it unless you are born again.  Being born again means that one is born from above, born of God by water and of the Spirit (John 3 verse 5).  One becomes an entirely new person when ‘born again', and as the apostle Paul puts it: "a new creation" Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Cor. 5 verse 17).   Nicodemus had hoped to meet the Lord Jesus as his equal, but he was already out of his depth, recognising One who clearly eclipsed him in learning.  So Nicodemus asked; "How can I be born again?"   "Are you a Bible teacher?" Jesus asked, and yet you do not understand.  Listen, said Jesus; "I have come down from heaven, so what I am saying is true.  A day is coming when I shall be lifted up between earth and heaven, and those who believe on Me shall not perish, but have everlasting life; for God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3 verses 14 - 18).  I am the one God sent, His Son.

            Nicodemus said nothing, he thought he knew the Bible well, but suddenly realised how little he understood.  Before him stood One who said He was the Messiah, the One whom Nicodemus and his fellow Jews had been waiting for, for so long.  How could he know if Jesus was the One he longed for?  His head was spinning.

            Jesus said: "If you believe in Me you are not condemned, but if you do not believe in Me, you are condemned already because you refuse to accept that I am who I say I am.  Nicodemus was feeling very uncomfortable, for he had come to check out Jesus, but Jesus checked him out and found him wanting.

            Some time later, the religious colleagues of Nicodemus were disputing over Jesus.  Nicodemus tried to intervene, but was slapped down sharply (John 7 verses 50 - 52).  Nicodemus soon noticed the contrast between his religious colleagues and the Lord Jesus; he noted that Jesus cared for the people, but his colleagues only cared for their traditions and positions in society.

            It was Passover time.  A plot was hatched, Jesus was betrayed and arrested.  A series of mock trials were conducted and He was condemned to death.   As Nicodemus watched Jesus die on the Cross, his thoughts returned to some of the words of Jesus: "And I, if I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto Me."  "Those who believe in Me shall never perish, but have everlasting life"; and "you must be born again".  Nicodemus knew what he should do; he must believe and trust in the Lord Jesus and make a firm stand against all opposition; he must leave the shadows and come out into the open for Jesus.  So in spite of the disapproval of the most important people of the nation, he, with a friend pleaded for the body of Jesus that they might bury it with dignity, reverence and honour, albeit in a borrowed tomb.

            Nicodemus, when faced with a challenged, made a stand for Jesus and put his trust in Him.  Have you yet responded to the challenged of Jesus?

            At the present time, the world is in a state of chaos, and things will only get worse.  Millions of people are despairing of life, losing their employment, their savings, their homes and losing all joy of living.  What is the answer?  The answer is to find peace of mind, soul and spirit by putting your faith and trust in a Living Saviour.  Through His work of redemption on Calvary's Cross, the Lord Jesus has prepared an eternal home of bliss, peace, and joy in heaven for all who will repent of their sins before God and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their own personal Saviour, this is being ‘born again' or ‘from above'.  You will then have that most precious hope and assurance that should you pass away from this scene or remain here until the Lord Jesus comes to call from the clouds all Christian believers to join Him in heaven, you are saved for glory in heaven to be with the Lord Jesus throughout the golden ages of eternity.   Don't delay, decide and come to the Lord Jesus today.

By kind permission - @ Tracts Ltd.