Spiritual Rebirth

Have you ever considered whether you would like to be reborn? And if so, as what? As a human, an animal, an apple tree? This question not only occupies us, but it also moved Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin. Although he studied the Holy Scriptures regularly as a scholar, he realized that Jesus had a much deeper understanding of matters of faith and could explain them much better than Nicodemus. Unlike many of his colleagues, Nicodemus's hunger for answers surpassed his concern for status.

He understood that he would only find deep understanding and answers with Jesus, so he sought Jesus out one night to ask him his questions. But this meeting is much more than an intellectual exchange between a scribe and his Rabbi. The fact that Nicodemus, despite his intensive study of the Scriptures, had open questions, shows us that it is not enough to read God's Word. God wants to have a personal relationship with us; he wants to speak directly to us and spend time with us.

But in order to have this personal relationship and to see the kingdom of God, it requires a spiritual rebirth. For Nicodemus, this statement from Jesus was challenging. No wonder, from a human perspective, it seems impossible. How can a person be born again after their physical birth on earth? Yet Jesus was not talking about physically returning to the mother's womb but described a spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit. This spiritual rebirth means leaving behind our old life and beginning a new life in Christ. It is a death to the old and a resurrection to something new, to a new identity as a child of God.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). These words of Jesus are central to understanding spiritual rebirth. They show that God's love and grace make it possible for us to experience a new spiritual reality through faith in Jesus, leading us to eternal life.

Next Step: Do you already have a personal relationship with God? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you ways to develop a relationship with the triune God and how your life will be transformed as a result.