There's a vast difference between being fascinated by Jesus and being transformed by Him. As we conclude John chapter 2 and embark on chapter 3, we discover a profound truth: you can be captivated by Jesus's power without actually knowing Him as Savior.
John 2:23-3:3 "Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. But Jesus was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men... Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said, 'Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.' Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'"
We see people believing in Jesus's name because of His signs, but "Jesus not believing in them." They were fascinated by Jesus—His miracles, His teaching, His authority—but Jesus knew what was in their hearts.
This is religion's fascination. People come to Jesus not because their souls are hungry, but because their bellies are. They want what Jesus can give them, but they don't want Jesus Himself.
Then we meet Nicodemus—religion's poster boy. He was educated, intellectual, devoted, wealthy, influential, and respected. By all appearances, if anyone could make it to heaven based on religious credentials, it would be Nicodemus.
Yet Jesus tells him: "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
With one sentence, Jesus shatters all of Nicodemus's categories, essentially saying: "Your education, intellect, devotion, generosity, influence, respect—none of this merits you a single drop of the love of God."
This is religion's futility. No amount of religious performance can earn God's favor. You don't need to turn over a new leaf; you need new life. You're not spiritually sick; you're spiritually dead.
There is only one type of person who goes to heaven: the person who has been born again. It's not something you advance into; it's a miracle you receive.
The doors of the kingdom of God are only open to those who have abandoned every attempt to earn their way to God. Salvation isn't synergistic (you do some, God does some); it's monergistic (God does it all).
Ask yourself: Has God ever done a miracle in your heart? If your view of sin is small, you'll see salvation as just a favor God does for good people. But if you realize that every attempt at your own righteousness is utterly futile, that's the seedling of true life.
Have you been merely fascinated by Jesus, or transformed by Him?
What religious credentials might you be tempted to rely on instead of the new birth?
How would you explain the difference between religious reformation and spiritual regeneration?
Stay dialed in,
Jonny Ardavanis