The Cooling Stream

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Nicodemus confused the things of God with those of the flesh.

He thought that Jesus was referring to a return to his mother's womb.

A thing that would be an absolute impossibility.

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There are many around who do not understand the plan of salvation.

When someone tries to think about it in human terms, it makes absolutely no sense at all.

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The plan of salvation is a thing that is spiritually discerned.

Unless the Spirit of God awakens the mind to the truth of God's plan, there can be no understanding and no salvation.

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That is why Jesus stressed the need for the Father to draw men to the truth.

Jesus ignored Nicodemus' compliments and pious platitudes.

He chose to address the need of his heart.

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Jesus told Nicodemus that his religion wasn't sufficient to save his soul.

He told him that he must experience the new birth.

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Birth is a universal experience.

Everyone has been through it.

However, there is something different about this birth to which Jesus referred.

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The Nature Of The New Birth

No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.

The new birth comes from a higher place; it comes from God alone.

Man cannot accomplish it.

It is a work of God and of none other!

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The Necessity Of The New Birth

A person has no others choices in the realm of salvation.

We either come God's way or we do not experience His salvation at all.

In other words, it's Jesus or nothing!

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John 3:2

Nicodemus addressed Jesus With Respect

He called Him "Rabbi."

He referred to Him as a teacher. He held Jesus in high regard.

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He Addressed Jesus With A Realization

He acknowledged that Jesus was sent from God to the world.

He understood who Jesus really is.

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He Addressed Jesus With Human Reasoning

He gave Jesus honor and respect for His miraculous power.

But he stopped short in his estimation of who Jesus really is.

To Him, Jesus is nothing more than a teacher, or some prophet whom God had sent!

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This is the problem with religion!

It stops short in its approach to Jesus Christ.

Jesus is necessary, but you have to add baptism, confirmation, church membership, communion, and a combination of many other things!

Faith in Jesus is never enough a religious system!

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If your religion stops short of receiving Jesus Christ as the sole means of salvation, then you have no salvation!

It is Jesus, plus nothing, minus nothing.

It is Jesus and Jesus alone that saves the soul from sin (John 14:6; Eph. 2:8-9)!

John 3:1

Nicodemus was a member of the Jewish ruling council.

He was a ruler. He was among the most powerful of men in that day.

He was a judge, much like a member of the Supreme Court.

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Nicodemus was a Pharisee.

He was religious.

He adhered to the strictest of religious and ethical standards.

He did his best to live before the Lord in true holiness.

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Nicodemus was sincere in his search for the truth.

He was real.

His approach to Jesus indicated that he was a man who wanted to find true peace for his soul.

He probably came by night, so that he could have an uninterrupted conversation with Jesus.

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Nicodemus, the seeker of God!

John 3:1-21

Jesus is the Divine Teacher.

When He came to this earth, He came to teach men how to flee darkness and come to the light.

He came to teach men how to flee death and enter into life.

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When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus, He was teaching the teacher of Israel.

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Nicodemus was a man who was at the pinnacle of success.

He had it all.

He was a respected man.

He had money, power, position and all the things that are considered the trappings of a successful life.

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But he lacked that one thing that would guarantee him a pleasant eternity experience.

He lacked a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

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This great lack in the life of Nicodemus became the topic of Christ's lesson.

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In these verses, Jesus, The Divine Teacher explains salvation to Nicodemus.