I want to make this as simple as Jesus intended it to be. He told us in John 3:3 that you must be “born again” or you will not see (or be allowed into) the Kingdom of God, which means heaven. Jesus was speaking one on one with a guy, Nicodemus, who loved God but didn’t really know Him personally. That describes the condition of a lot of people today, even those who call themselves Christians. Yes, many people have a love for the Lord, and may even attend church, yet inside they have a knowing, a gnawing really, that there must be something more to this Jesus of Nazareth than what they have.
That’s what was going on here in John 3. Jesus knew Nicodemus sincerely loved the Father, but was still searching for the Savior. In other words, he loved God but there was something missing in his life and he knew it. Here we see Jesus explaining to him exactly what ( or really, Who) it was he was missing and how to get it. What Nicodemus was searching for was an assurance of salvation. Perhaps this is where you are today? You have a longing and a love for God, but are not assured of your salvation.
Jesus explained it in plain terms. We must be born “again.” He explains that we are first born of “water”, that’s our natural, physical birth, but then tells us we need to be born “again”, a second time. This time by the (Holy) Spirit. How do we obtain this Spiritual birth? By accepting God’s provision for the forgiveness of our sin. God’s Son, Jesus Christ, was provided as the sacrifice on our behalf. Jesus said in verse 16-17 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should 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.“
Jesus went on to tell us in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through Me.” You may have heard all of this before, but have you, like Nicodemus, gone directly to Him and asked Him about this? Even though provision for our eternal salvation has been made through Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection we must all come personally before Him, confess our sin of imperfection, ask that His sacrifice on the cross be applied to our account and then thank Him for saving you and becoming your personal Lord.
“But how do I come before Him?” Easy, just talk to Him as though you were confiding in your best friend. He’s there. He’s always been there for you. He loves you just the way you are. He always has. You’ve never been alone, you just didn’t know it.
Religion has always over-complicated the truth. They’ve attached so many rules and regulations as to what it takes to please God that they’ve discouraged more people than they have helped. Jesus did all the hard work. Our part is easy. Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” That’s me and that’s you. But then it goes on to say in Romans 10:9-10 “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
You may be a church-goer that has a love for God. But have you ever taken the step of personally going to Jesus to accept Him as your Lord and Savior? You may know He died for the world, but did you know He died for YOU. You personally? He did. And He’s waiting to talk to you. Right here, right now.
I’ve tried to keep this simple. There are no 10 steps to “this”, or magical formula for “that.” And, if you are sincere, there is no way to screw this up and do it wrong. You can’t ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior “wrong.” That’s silly. Just relax and talk to Him.
Why not take that next step unto salvation right now? Talk to Him. Thank Him for what He did for you on the cross. And ask Him to be your Lord. Come on, now is the time for your liberation from the guilt of sin and the penalty of spiritual death. Become what Jesus described as “born again.” Receive eternal life and become a part of the family of God, once and for all!
If you have any questions, or just want to talk, do not hesitate to contact me. I’d love to hear from you and rejoice with you for the great things He has done for us. Isn’t Jesus wonderful?
I highly suggest that you read my e-pistle titled “Who Is Really Saved?” This will help clear up some misconceptions concerning salvation.
I love you. :^)
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