Explore the Bible: January 1
Everyone Who Believes • John 3:4-18
By Rick Henson
Two weeks ago, we learned that Jesus did not commit himself to those who casually believed because of the miracles. Now we learn how to genuinely believe. The English word, “believe” holds different meanings, depending on its usage. As we use the word, you can believe that Abraham Lincoln was the 16th US President or believe that Elvis was a great singer (thank you very much). Or you say, “I believe I’ll eat Tacos today,” and also believe in Jesus. The first usage of the word believe is simple agreement with facts. The second is a personal preference. The third is a choice or selection, and the fourth is a spiritual decision, all four with the same word. How do we know that we genuinely believe?
To say you believe in Jesus and Elvis with the same word is confusing. Yet, the original New Testament word we translate “believe” includes far more than agreement with facts or personal preferences. The best translation would be to “faith” in the Lord Jesus Christ, though in English that is a noun and not a verb. More than simple intellectual assent to the claims of the gospel message, faith means to trust in the Lord, commit oneself to Jesus, and the rely upon the Savior.
Nicodemus asked Jesus a question many still wonder today- how to be born again. The religious leader speaking to Jesus tried to understand what Jesus said to him, but he viewed the answer in a physical way. He asked, “What do I do? Do I enter my mother’s womb?” As with today, many question what is required of them, as if it depended on them or their actions. Jesus answered with another analogy, which I suppose confused Nicodemus further.
Jesus compared the wind and the spirit of God moving unseen where it desired. In Hebrew, the language of the Old Testament, the word for “spirit” and “wind” are the same. Nicodemus would have understood that, but he still did not get what Jesus was saying. He asked in verse 9, “How can these things be?”
Jesus taught in verse 6 that flesh is born of flesh and spirit is born of the spirit, which means salvation is only of God and nothing of us. We neither initiate nor accomplish salvation, for it is wholly a work of God. Jesus spoke in John 6:44, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” (KJV). Being born again is facilitated by the Holy Spirit.
We have heard testimonies where one says he or she sought the Lord and found him. They may be their perspective, but biblically, they were being sought and found. The Holy Spirit does the convicting work in us, leading us through the process of salvation, though it may appear to be our choosing.
When we individually respond to the work of the Father drawing us to salvation in Jesus, we believe and are saved, again far more than agreeing with statements or making a choice. Belief is a commitment to follow and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord changes us when this marvelous transaction occurs. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reads, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (KJV).
Let us not be too harsh on poor Nicodemus. Those of us saved for decades still do not understand why the Lord would save us, nor how God did it. We do know from this text that genuine belief negates condemnation and those who disbelieve are already condemned. Nicodemus joined Joseph of Arimathea to claim the body of Jesus after the crucifixion, so something happened within him. Can you imagine his face when he met the risen Savior? We will be equally amazed when we see Jesus Christ face to face, filled with wonder that that he would save us. Glory!
Henson is minister of outreach and evangelism at Bethel Church, Brandon.