Ye Must be Born Again

“Ye must be born again.” This statement was made by Jesus Christ himself. It is a plain statement that requires a response on your part. He made this statement during a conversation with Nicodemus who was a very religious man, a leader, and knowledgeable in the Scriptures. But Nicodemus was lost: just as lost as the drug dealer who lives across the street from me. Just as lost as the drunkard that I used to work with. Just as lost as the Muslim who detonates a bomb that kills scores of people and leaves many others grievously wounded. Just as lost as the crooked businessman who lies and cheats in order to “get ahead”. Just as lost as…well, just as lost as anyone else who has never been born again.

Let us look at this statement that Jesus made in more detail: The little word “ye” is plural. It means “all of you”. So, this statement not only applied to Nicodemus but to you as well.

The word “must” means exactly that. Jesus is telling you that it is absolutely imperative that you be born again. Why must you be born again? Because you are dead in your sins until being born again:

“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:”

II Corinthians 5:14

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;”

Ephesians 2:1

You see, the requirement for rebirth is universal because the need is universal:

“Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”

Ephesians 2:3

There is a price to pay for your sins:

“For the wages of sin is death….”

Romans 6:23

What kind of death is God speaking of here?

It is an eternal separation from God:

“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.”

Matthew 7:22-23

It is a fiery death:

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Revelation 20:15

It is a death that continues on and on:

“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”

Luke 16:23

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”

Matthew 25:41

“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”

Matthew 25:46

Only a fool would not fear the consequences of not being born again:

“And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.”

Luke 12:4-5

Perhaps you are now asking, “How can I be born again?”

You must believe the word of God:

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”

I Peter 1:23

You must believe the Gospel (the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ):

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”

Ephesians 1:13

You must repent (change your heart about sin):

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:”

Acts 17:30

You must receive salvation as God’s free gift by simple faith, putting all of your trust in Jesus Christ and the completed sacrifice that he made for your sin on the cross.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Ephesians 2:8 & 9

God loves you so much that he died in your place. He does not want you to pay for your own sins. He wants you to live with him forever. Why would you reject God’s love for you? Be born again today.