In a culture obsessed with self-discovery, we are constantly told that the answers we seek are hidden within us. We are encouraged to “look inward,” “find our truth,” and trust our own hearts. But the Bible confronts this modern perspective: the conclusions about who we are, what is wrong with the world, and what must be done are not found in self-reflection. They are found only in the person of Jesus Christ.
Not your emotions.
Not your upbringing.
Not your résumé.
Not your “I think” or “I feel.”
Only Him.
We see this most clearly in the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus in John chapter 3. Here was a man who had everything the world—and even the church—would applaud. He was a “ruler of the Jews” and “the teacher of Israel” (John 3:1, 10). He possessed status, theological knowledge, and moral standing. Yet he was spiritually blind.
His error is one many of us make today: He believed he already possessed what only Jesus could give.
Nicodemus had status.
He had Scripture knowledge.
He had respect.
He had position.
But he was not born of the spirit.
The Blindness of Self-Righteousness
Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, likely expecting a theological debate between peers. Instead, Jesus dismantled his entire foundation with one sentence:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, ESV)
Notice that Jesus did not validate Nicodemus’ position. He didn’t say, “You’re doing great, just add a little more faith.”
Jesus didn’t applaud his position.
He didn’t validate his good intentions.
He didn’t say, “Well, at least you’re trying.”
Jesus’ reply is a sharp rebuke to all who trust in their own efforts or credentials:
“Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?” (John 3:10, ESV).
If a “teacher of Israel” can miss the point, so can we. No amount of church attendance, ministry service, or moral behavior can substitute for the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.
The Conclusion Nicodemus Missed: New Birth
Jesus wasn’t introducing a new doctrine; He was fulfilling a promise. Ezekiel declared it:
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you…” (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)
The (I) in this verse is Jesus the person– the One who fulfills this prophecy by giving us a new heart and putting in us a new spirit.
When Jesus says, “You must be born again” (John 3:7), the Greek word for “must” is dei (δεῖ). This is a strong term indicating absolute necessity. It means “it is binding,” “it is unavoidable,” or “it is required by the nature of things.” This is not a suggestion for spiritual self-improvement; it is a mandate. There is no other way.
Furthermore, the phrase “born again” comes from the Greek word anōthen (ἄνωθεν), which has a double meaning: it can mean “again” (a second time) and “from above” (from God).
Nicodemus heard “again” and was confused about physical birth (John 3:4). But Jesus was speaking of a birth from above—a spiritual work that human effort cannot manufacture.
And this is exactly where Nicodemus had deceived himself: He assumed he already had what only the Spirit of God could give.
Jesus, realizing this then moves the conversation from earthly things to heavenly things:
“If I told you earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe heavenly things?”
(John 3:12)
To put this plainly Jesus is saying:
“If you can’t receive the simple truth about your spiritual condition, you’re not ready for anything higher and deeper.”
He’s not calling Nicodemus slow—He’s calling him unbelieving.
This deception is still alive today.
People assume salvation, knowing God, and being filled with the Holy Spirit because they grew up in an organization with other Christians, serve in ministry, read Scripture, or “believe in God.”
But none of that equals new birth.
The Only True Conclusion: Christ Lifted Up
Jesus moves the conversation from our inability to His provision. He points Nicodemus back to an Old Testament shadow to reveal the New Testament substance:
“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.” (John 3:14-15, ESV)
Jesus is cross-referencing Numbers 21:4-9, where the Israelites were dying from venomous snakebites due to their rebellion. God provided a remedy: look at the bronze serpent lifted on a pole, and live. They didn’t have to do a good work, climb a mountain, or offer a sacrifice. They simply had to look in faith.
This is the Gospel.
- The Problem: We are bitten by the venom of sin (Romans 3:23) and are dead in our trespasses (Ephesians 2:1).
- The Cure: We look to Jesus, who was “lifted up” on the cross to bear the judgment we deserved.
The Cross Reveals Two Realities:
Our Sin
We are far worse off than we think we are.
Our sin required the death of the Holy One.
God’s Love
We are far more loved than we think we are.
God Himself provided the sacrifice.
And let’s be clear:
Jesus did not become “sinful.”
He remained holy while bearing our sin.
His suffering was a holy act of love for us and obedience.
And If you are in Christ, your works—no matter how righteous, impressive, or sacrificial—do not increase God’s love for you. Conversely, your failures do not diminish His love. While our works are essential for glorifying God, they are not necessary to receive His love.
As Jesus said,
“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, ESV)
God did not so love “our works” that He sent His only son. He so loved us. Knowing the difference helps you to live differently.
Stop Marveling. Start Surrendering.
If you are resting in your background, your personality, or your spiritual résumé, you have arrived at the wrong conclusion. You cannot think your way into salvation or behave your way into the Kingdom.
- Confront Your Need: Admit that your “goodness” is insufficient. As Isaiah 64:6 reminds us, “all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.”
- Look Up: Stop looking inward for answers. Salvation is external to you; it is found only in Christ.
- Yield to the Spirit: The wind blows where it wishes (John 3:8). You cannot control the Spirit, but you can surrender to Him.
The Conclusion: You must be born again. And Jesus Christ is your only hope.
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