The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1943-01-07

NicOdfmus came to our Lord
When fe was in Jerusalem for the
Passover. Jesus had chosen six of
His disciples, had performed His
first miracle at Cana, and had made
a brief visit to Capernaum, after
which He came to Jerusalem for
the feast.
In high and holy indignation He
had driven the money changers out
Of the temple. The Pharisees who
looked for the coming of the Mes
siah as secular conqueror Won
dered at this new spiritual leader.
It was probably as much on their
behalf as his own that Nicodemus
came to inquire of Jesus.
In answering his questions Jesus
reveals the necessity, the nature,
and the method Of generation. The
only entrance into the Christian life
is by the door Of the new birth. Re
generation is the act of God whereby
the divine nature is impaired to the
believing sinner and he becomes the
child Of God. He who has not en-
tered by this way has not entered
at all. He is still dead in tres
passes and sins, without God and
without hope (Eph. 81, 12).
Men seek to enter the household of
God by almost any other means
culture, reform, character building
and neglect or reject Gods way.
l. The Necessity of Regeneration
wv. I'D.
Jesus was not unduly impressed
by the dignity and high station of
his visitor, nor by the visitors cour-
teous acknowledgment of His own
position as great teacher. With
incisive holiness Jesus declared
that this man, a cultured and dis
tinguished ruler of the Jews, must
be born again if he is to see the
kingdom of God.
God is no respecter of persons.
This "doctor of divinity" must be
born again, just as was the illiterate
fisherman. The requirements are
the same for all, and the necessity
as great in one level of society as
in another.
The surprising thing is that this
teacher of theology could be so ig-
norant of the one essential element
of real spiritual experience. He
evidently thought he could bring his
soul to eternal life by his own works,
when in fact he was not able to give
himself physical-let alone spiritual
life.
Two reasons are given by our
Lord for the must of verse 7: C)
The kingdom of God is a spiritual
kingdom, and cannot be entered by
way of our human nature; and (2)
that which is born of the flesh is
flesh" and is radically and essential
ly bad. To learn why the flesh is
bad read jeremiah 1928 and Gala
tians 5:19-21. Scripture on this point
is dramatically opposed to the
teaching of unbeleving men. When
such a difference arises be sure of
this-God's Word is right. Follow it!
II. The Nature of Regeneration
wv, 8-13).
The new birth is a divine mystery,
not fathomable by human reason.
Those who insist that all spiritual
truth be put through the little norm
Of their intelligence will never I'M
derstand it or receive its blessing.
The striking illustration Of the life
giving and energizing wind used by
our Lord is most Illuminating. Wind
is unseen, but the results of its
movement are evident. Even so the
spiritual rebirth of men is an enigma
to the worldly man, but even he can
see it's results in cody living.
Observe the clarity and simplicity
of our Lords teaching on what is
undoubtedly the most profound sub
iect in all the world. Let us follow
His example and always make the
message clear and plain, Christ re-
ceiveth sinful men!"
III. The Method of Regeneration
wv. 14-16).
Many there are who ask Nicode-
mus question, 'HoW can these
things be-" ". 81. The answer is
clear-"Only by faith in the Son of
God, our Saviour"
Just as there was healing and life
in a look at the uplifted serpent
(Num. 21:8, so there is life for a
look at the Crucifed One. Faith re-
ceives Gods perfect provision for
sin.
John 3:16 may we'll be regarded
as the greatest sentence in the
greatest Book in the world. 1t pre-
sents the whole plan of salvation
its source, its ground, its recipients,
its condition, and its result. 1t also
reveals Gods love-its "object,
character, manifestation, purpose,
and the result (John w. Bradbury.
This glorious salvation is for all
men whatsoever" some re-
ject it. Notice that God does not
condemn them. Their own evil
works and desires condemn them
wv. 1920. God in His grace is
ready and willing to save, but men
love darkness rather man light, !"
for their works are evil.
Nicodemus came to Jesus by
night - but he came. Have you
come? Will you come now?