The New Birth Series: Part Three (John 3:1-8)

What takes place in the new birth is not adopting a new set of religious rules or traditions, but getting a new life and identity in Jesus from the Holy Spirit! The Pharisees were condemned by Jesus for their religious traditions rather than having new life. For that reason, John makes sure that we know that Nicodemus is a “Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews” (John 3:1). Jesus told Nicodemus—a religious leader with plenty of rules and rituals—that he must be born again because he lacked spiritual life, not religious activity (John 3:7). There are many people with plenty of religious activity but no spiritual life!

~Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Bible Expositor; Teaching with God’s grace & power