Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am humbled to share with you reflections on the profound teachings of Jesus, particularly from the encounter between our Lord and Nicodemus as recounted in the Gospel of John, chapter three. In the stillness of the night, Jesus, in His grace, unfolded the essence of the New Covenant to Nicodemus.
It is crucial to recognize the depth of the conversation, often overshadowed by the well-known phrases like “born again” and “For God so loved the world.” Jesus, in the quiet hours, delineated the parameters of this New Covenant, unveiling the intricacies that shape our Christian lives.
Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about the necessity of being “born from above” to witness and partake in the Kingdom of God. This is not a mere rebirth but a spiritual transformation orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s work in us allows us to see the Kingdom’s activity, recognizing God’s hand at work in our lives.
The Masterful Teacher continued, likening the Spirit’s movement to the wind – unseen but undeniably felt. The New Covenant, Jesus explained, is not just a set of rules; it is a living, breathing relationship with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. This Spirit, Jesus emphasized, is the key to understanding and living under the New Covenant.
It is regrettable that often these profound teachings are condensed into isolated verses, such as “You must be born again” or “For God so loved the world.” Jesus’ discourse with Nicodemus was comprehensive, revealing the judicial system embedded in the New Covenant. This divine system governs the do’s and don’ts, the parameters of our Christian lives.
Jesus, in His wisdom, highlighted that the New Covenant includes a judicial framework. Our understanding should extend beyond individual verses to grasp the holistic nature of this covenant. Just as the wind’s origin and path are mysterious, so is the working of God’s Spirit within us, guiding our Christian walk.
Let’s address the lack of emphasis on John Chapter Three as a whole in sermons. I urge you to explore the entire chapter to appreciate the beauty and significance of the New Covenant. Please approach the Scriptures with a fresh perspective, free from the constraints of tradition.
In humility, I encourage you to dive into the verses of John Chapter Three, not to argue but to learn or accept. Our focus must be on understanding what the Bible says, rather than filtering it through the lens of tradition. I acknowledge that challenging traditional views can be uncomfortable, but the truth revealed in God’s Word is worth the journey.
As we journey through this chapter, verse by verse, let us seek the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. May our understanding be deepened, and may we recognize the profound nature of what Jesus shared with Nicodemus. It is my prayer that the eyes of our understanding be enlightened, and that we may truly grasp the significance of the New Covenant laid out by our Lord.
In the following reflections, may God continue to guide you through the verses, pointing to the interconnectedness that forms a beautiful tapestry of God’s plan for us. Remember, it is not about rejecting what we were taught but aligning our beliefs with the timeless truths of God’s Word.
May the Spirit of God guide us as we embark on this journey of discovery, and may our hearts be open to the transformative power of the teachings in John Chapter Three.
In John 3:16-18 (Amplified Bible), Jesus states:
“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him].”
Let’s explore the nuanced interpretation of John chapter 3, focusing on the continuous, moment-by-moment belief and the judgment that Jesus speaks of.
In the enigmatic conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John chapter 3, a profound revelation emerges about the nature of belief, salvation, and the judgment that Jesus speaks of. Contrary to the traditional view, a closer examination reveals that Jesus’ mission was not centered on condemning the world but on rescuing it from the clutches of sin and its consequences. : When Jesus declares, “For God so greatly loved the world,” he unveils a message of love and redemption. The pivotal element lies in understanding the nature of belief. In the original language, Jesus implies a continual, moment-by-moment belief. It’s not a one-time event; rather, it’s an ongoing, present-tense belief. This dynamic belief is not merely a mental assent but a perpetual trust in Him. The promise extends to those who continually, minute by minute, believe in Him – they experience eternal life.
In John 17, Jesus defines eternal life as an experiential knowledge of God. Therefore, to continually believe in Jesus is to be in a constant state of experiencing God – a present reality rather than a future promise. This aligns with the idea that eternal life is not just a destination but a current state of being.
Jesus’ statement, “Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him is not judged; but the one who does not believe is judged already,” takes on a nuanced meaning. The judgment is not a punitive sentence but a natural consequence. Jesus clarifies that those not continually believing are already in a state of judgment. This judgment is defined! It is defined as being wrong about the source of accomplishment – where God is the true source. The ongoing disbelief leads to a continual experience of the perishable, adamic nature.
: Jesus further elucidates that condemnation is being wrong about the subject – misunderstanding who truly accomplishes. The ones who know the truth willingly come to the light, allowing it to be known that God is the ultimate source of accomplishment. The condemnation is not a harsh verdict but a recognition of being in the dark about the true nature of accomplishment and source of life.
Conclusion: John chapter 3, when viewed through the lens of continuous, moment-by-moment belief, reveals a profound understanding of salvation and judgment. It’s an invitation to an ongoing, experiential relationship with God, where eternal life is not just a future hope but a present reality that we can feel and live by. The judgment is not a punitive measure but a natural outcome of persistently missing the source of true accomplishment. In continually believing that Jesus lives in yes us, we not only avoid embarrassment but enter into a perpetual experience of God – the essence of eternal life.