Nature Change....

It's been 7 long years since I've been in school.  At the time, they flew by fast, but now as I get back into my Masters of Divinity program, I realize that my brain must readapt to scholastic discussions.  One of my classes this semester is Systematic Theology.  Theology, as my blog suggest, is a favorite discussion of mine for I am convinced that many Christians do not understand necessary doctrines and truths from God's Word.  Theology is simple the study of God, but it necessitates the full study of Scripture to discover the heart and nature of God.  In my first class last week, our professor divided the class into groups and we did a mini-project discussion on questions that we were given.  One of the groups was given the question, "What does it mean to be born again?"  It has made me think long and hard about the this religious expression and how to define in present culture.  

   John 3:1-6 (NASB) The New Birth
¹ Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; ² this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” ³ Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
⁴ Nicodemus *said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” ⁵ Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. ⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

We often hear the words "born again" and we fall quickly back into the tradional pew of childhood.  We remember these terms in church long ago, with it's almost liturgical style and outdated carpets.  Yet, this term in incredibly Biblical.  Nicodemus wanted real answers to his spiritual problems.  I can't help but like Nicodemus.  Although he came under the cover of night, he still came seeking some resolution to his religious dilemma.  He was supposed to know the ways of God and the nature of God.  He was a Pharisee.  He was in the "church" of his day, but he realized something was missing!   It isn't about a religion, it's about a genuine and intimate relationship with God THROUGH Jesus Christ.  Religion only changes your schedule.  Intimacy with God changes your lifestyle!   Jesus' response indicates a full nature change.  It's not just about changing your schedule, your behaviors, your clothing, and even your associations. It's a fundamental change from the inside out and not vice versa.  Too often we think that if we look a certain part then maybe that God shaped void in our life can be filled by the church or religious activity over time.  It doesn't work that way!  Remember Ephesians 2:1-10.  It is by GRACE we have been saved through faith and it is not our own goodness or effort!  Jesus' was trying to communicate that being "born again" or "saved" is about the changing of our old life, allegiances, character, etc to a new creation is Christ Jesus Himself (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Being born again doesn't require a second labor and delivery room in a hospital, but it does mean that we can stop laboring for our own salvation and be delivered by the blood of Jesus Christ shed at Calvary!  Does our life reflect a full nature change?  Do we now, as Christians, even resemble our old life BC, before Christ?  I like how Jesus described it as being born of water and Spirit.  You cannot take this verse alone and support that water baptism is required for salvation.  That's not what Jesus is saying.  "Water" here is a reference to physical birth, "Spirit" is a refernce to the Holy Spirit's indwelling as we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior!   It's a beautiful picture of God's mercy and grace in that our old nature, those old garments of sin and death, are traded in for a LIFE of love, joy, and peace as we follow the will and way of our Lord! 

Have you been "born again" in the sense that Jesus Christ has fully changed your life and nature?  It's not just about fire insurance, it's about abundant living (John 10:10)!