Salvation Requires a Dead Spirit to be Brought to Life

© 2020 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:  The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” (John 3:1-2)

Before this visit, Jesus incurred the hatred of the religious elite.  Using a scourge, He’d driven vile religious merchandisers from the temple.  However, Nicodemus, a member of that elite, ruling class, had seen Christ’s miracles and wanted to learn more. He approached Jesus under cover of darkness.

Many preachers, today, would urge Nicodemus to pray “the sinner’s prayer” for salvation.  Then they’d count another convert!  I knew a person who claimed that he’d prayed to “accept Jesus as Savior” in addition to “covering his bases” with several other religions.  Jesus took an entirely different approach.  He focused on the real issue of salvation.  He told Nicodemus he needed to be born again!

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

We were all born with spiritually dead hearts.  Salvation occurs when God breathes life into a previously dead heart by means of the new birth.  Jesus’ response completely baffled Nicodemus.  He asked how such a thing could happen.  Instead of focusing on what Nicodemus needed to do to obtain salvation, Jesus focused on the work of God the Holy Spirit.

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit”. (John 3:5-8)

Many preachers see man as the one who initiates his own coming to God.  Scripture makes it clear that the Spirit of God moves where He chooses just as does the wind.  He is the initiator.  Jesus said,

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37)

Only God can produce true repentance and faith in a human heart.  He does so through His Word.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

Christian:  Present God’s Word to show your unsaved contacts their great need!  Let the Holy Spirit do the rest!

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