converted.” I suppose Nicodemus was one of the best specimens of the people of Jerusalem: there was nothing on record against
I think it is scarcely necessary for me to prove that we need to be born again before we are meet for heaven.
I venture to say that there is no candid man but would say he is not fit for the kingdom of God, until he is born of another Spirit.
The Bible teaches us that man by nature is lost and guilty, and our experience confirms this. We know also that the best and holiest man, if he turn away from God, will very soon fall into sin.
Now, let me say what Regeneration is not.
- It is not going to church.
Very often I see people, and ask them if they are Christians. “Yes, of course I am; at least, I think I am: I go to church every Sunday.” Ah, but this is not Regeneration.
Others say, “I am trying to do what is right—am I not a Christian? Is not that a new birth?”
No. What has that to do with being born again?
There is yet another class—those who have “turned over a new leaf,” and think they are regenerated.
No; forming a new resolution is not being born again.
Nor will being baptized do you any good. Yet you hear people say, “Why, I have been baptized; and I was born again when I was baptized.” They believe that because they were baptized into the church, they were baptized into the Kingdom of God. I tell you that it is utterly impossible.