Bible Terms
Part 1 of 2
Read John 3:1-10 & Romans 2:17-29
Why did Jesus use the term 'Born Again' when he was talking to Nicodemus?
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, in fact, he was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He acknowledged that Jesus was from God, to which Jesus replied that "nobody can see the Kingdom of God unless he is Born Again"
In other words, he was saying to Nicodemus that he was Born Again as he was able to discern that Jesus was from God.
When Abraham and his descendents believed God, they were not only circumcised in the flesh but also in the heart by the Spirit.
Circumcision of the heart by the Spirit is regeneration too.
Nicodemus asked "how can one so old be Born Again?" not really understanding what Jesus had said.
Jesus replied that "nobody can enter the Kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." ........"You are Israel's teacher" Jesus said "and do you not understand all these things?"
Jesus was not saying that the Jews were not born again or would miss out on salvation, after all, the Jews were saved through water on several occasions eg the Red Sea and the Cloud (1Cor 10:1-6) and the Jordan as was Noah. The Jews also received the Baptism of John and still practice Baptism today.
Jesus was saying this because the Gentiles would also need to be saved through faith and obedience to God by baptism in water. Instead of being circumcised by the Spirit, they were to be Baptized by the Spirit.
Baptism in the Spirit was to replace circumcision by the Spirit and Baptism in water was to replace circumcision.
They Jewish leaders rejected Jesus because they were expecting the Messiah to come in power (as indeed he will - next time he comes at the end of the age). The Jews rejection of Jesus brought Salvation to the Gentiles. The Jews were already in covenant relationship with God. Jesus could not have become the atoning sacrifice for our sins or theirs if the Jews did not reject him and put him to death.
I think Jesus will still fulfill his covenant with the Jews when he comes at the end of the age. But Jesus is offering them a better covenant, one in which they can be set free from having to sacrifice animals to atone for sin. They just have to believe that he has paid the price for them and make him Lord of their lives and be baptized in water (as many of the Jews did).
Why isn't the term 'Born Again' used in the other Gospels?
Because it is equivalent to baptism in the Spirit and Baptism in water put together. These terms are used in all Gospels.
Can you enter the kingdom of heaven if you are not Born Again?
No.
Are the Jews God's chosen people?
Yes.
Will they go to Heaven?
Yes, if they are truly Jews; that is circumcised in heart by the Holy Spirit.
Are they Born Again?
Yes. At least those that truly love God and remain circumcised in heart.
Can they be saved under the Old Covenant?
Yes.
Do they need to be Baptized in water?
Yes. Once God reveals something, he expects his people to do it.
See Acts 19:1-7. In this passage, Paul met some disciples who only new the Baptism of John. They must have been Jews as John only preached to the Jews and his baptism was for them. Paul told them that John said to believe in the one coming after him - Jesus. So the disciples of John were Baptized into Christ and received the Holy Spirit.
This passage shows that the Jews should be Baptized into Christ to receive the Holy Spirit.
What is circumcision of the Heart by the Spirit?
It is a work by the Holy spirit on the Heart of Jewish believers. It is a cutting of of the old fallen nature; the flesh.
It possible to become uncircumcised. This was the case in Jeremiah's time. The Jews had turned away from the Lord and had become uncircumcised in heart. Jeremiah 4:4 & Jeremiah 9:25-26 This was also the case in Christ's time.
Does God want the Gentile nations to be saved?
Yes.
How can they be Born Again?
By believing in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, being baptized in water and receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
What is Baptism by the Spirit?
It is when we receive the Holy Spirit at conversion. (When we believe and invite Christ to become our Lord and Savior) It is the same as regeneration. It is accompanied by Baptism in fire which is kind of like circumcision of the Heart destroying the flesh.
For the faithful Jews, who were already regenerate as a result of circumcision by the Spirit, Baptism in the Spirit is an additional work of the Holy Spirit in the Hearts of Believers who accepted Christ as Lord. It confers additional powers and benefits to all believers who accept Christ.
For the Gentiles, it is the only way that they can be regenerated. It is when a person receives the Holy Spirit for the first time and becomes a new person in Christ. It is essential for regeneration. Gentiles cannot be born again without it. It is God making his home in their heart.