The things Jesus was telling Nicodemus stirred his heart as never before. He understood Jesus’ words, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
Jesus’ words referred to water baptism and the heart being renewed by the Spirit of God, but Nicodemus wondered how it was done.
Jesus continued, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
He was explaining how the Christian’s life isn’t a makeover of our old sinful nature, but an entire change with a death to self and sin and a new life altogether, brought about by the working of the Holy Spirit on the heart.
Seeing Nicodemus was still perplexed, Jesus illustrated His point by using the wind as an example, “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
He explained further that the Holy Spirit, unseen as the wind, little by little draws the soul to Christ, maybe by something read or heard or seen. Then suddenly, as He comes with a more direct appeal, the person joyfully yields themself to God.
Then the miracle of a changed life happens. The Spirit of God takes over, transforming the life. Sinful thoughts and deeds are put away. Love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy and strife.
The blessing comes when a person yields to the unseen Spirit’s working in the heart, creating a new being in the image of God. Old sinful thoughts and desires are brought into obedience to God’s will and way, which is the way of peace and love.
If you have a question for Bible Mentor Marie Odell you can contact her by emailing: marieodell04@gmail.com
Marie Odell is a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
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