The Gospel of John: "New Life"

John 2:23-3:21 ESV

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus  by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."  Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Do not marvel that I said to you, "You must be born again."  The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."  Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?" Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?  Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony.  If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?  No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.  And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,  that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.  "For God so loved the world,  that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.  And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.  For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.  But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God."

Rev. Dwight Yoo

There were many followers of Jesus, but Jesus had not chosen them. They saw the signs, but they were self-deceived. They claim to follow Him, but they will not enter the kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 7:21) It is possible to serve, to go through all the motions, yet not have faith that leads to salvation.

      Nature of salvation

Nicodemus comes to Jesus. He comes under cover of night to meet Him. Jesus is a mystery. Nicodemus thinks that Jesus had legitimacy, but what is going on... Nicodemus is an expert of the law, the word of God. But for all this spiritual resume, Jesus tells him that he needs to be born again. Nick does not have salvation... He had faith, but not saving faith. God has to save us. (Ezekiel 36:25-28) Nick believed that being Jewish was enough for salvation. The transformation of lives is the work of the Spirit. It is God saving us, but us working to be saved.

Responses to the nature of salvation
   Humility
   Hopefulness
   Hunger for God
   Holiness

     Exclusiveness and inclusiveness of Salvation

Jesus speaks of things that are clearly disclosed in the word. Nick should have known them. Nick was an expert in the word of God. Jesus speaks of the word of God as an expert. In much the same way, Jesus speaks of heaven as an expert. He knows both intimately because they are ingrained in Him. Jesus says he is the only way. It is an exclusive claim. Yet it is very inclusive, Jesus died for those who hated Him, prayed and loved those who were killing Him. Not only that, but we do literally nothing to save ourselves. We cannot save ourselves. Yet Jesus welcomes all who would repent and trust in Him. He is radically inclusive.

     The Wonder of God's love

God loves the world. This is not just speaking of the expanse of His love. The world hates God. Yet God loves intensely, He chases after those who wish Him dead. The intensity of love that God has for the son is unimaginable. The rending of the heart of a fathers' heart is truly unimaginable.  To send His son after those who hate Him and His own. This is the price that God paid for our salvation willingly.