Jesus answered, “I assure you, everyone must be born again. Anyone who is not born again cannot be in God’s kingdom.”

The passage of scripture comes from John 3, where Nicodemus, a respectable teacher in the synagogue, came to Jesus in the evening because of the miracles that he saw Jesus perform. Jesus was not interested in discussing miracles; He addressed Nicodemus with a pivotal issue—”being born again” and “seeing the kingdom of God.”

Can we agree that Nicodemus was spiritually blind? Jesus repeats to Nicodemus several times, saying, “I assure you everyone must be born again.” Anyone who believes in his or her heart that Jesus is Lord will be saved and have eternal life in Him—sins forgiven, start a new life of walking right with God through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), being born again.

Jesus makes every believer experience the kingdom lifestyle and its benefits! The New International Version says, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” The Hebrew word “horao” is defined as to see, look upon, experience, perceive, discern, or beware. Thus, for Nicodemus to behold or experience God’s kingdom, he must be born again! Nicodemus’ spiritually blind eyes must be opened to perceive, experience, and look upon the lifestyle God has for those who follow Jesus Christ!

In chapter 9, Jesus heals a man born blind. After his healing, those who claimed to have sight remained blinded because of a lack of faith, repentance, and humility to receive the saving grace from Christ! Beloved, spiritual blindness affects all of humanity. We must be humble enough like Nicodemus, who ended up seeing God’s kingdom and following Jesus (John 19:38-39). Sin affected our spiritual sight. We were blind to God’s beauty and indulged in a sinful lifestyle. Jesus said to those who claim to be seeing it all and knowing it all, “If you were really blind, you would not be guilty of sin. But you say that you see, so you are still guilty,” (John 9:41).

Would you like to experience and be part of God’s kingdom? Believe in Jesus and follow Him alone! He cleanses all those who come to him and forgives sins! He is still the Lamb that takes away the sins of His people, trust Him with yours! He is coming again soon. Eternity awaits those who trust Him and follow Him in faith, illuminated by the Good News!

By Christopher Thetswe, Bible League International staff, South Africa