NEW BIRTH IS BY GRACE Nicodemus, like most of us, may have difficulty understanding grace. For people in his time - as now - think that they become good through their own efforts. Paul (a fellow - Jew and formerly a Pharisee) describes the Jewish religion in this way: Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works (Romans 9:31-32). In other words, these Jews work hard to keep Gods law. They think that their labors make them righteous, and earn reward from God. Paul, in Romans, argues that such thinking is wrong. But Nicodemus, when we first meet him, still thinks in the old Jewish way. He is with other Pharisees who love to justify themselves to others. Even their prayers list for God their good deeds (Luke 16:14-15; 18:11-12). Jesus warns against the deadly yeast of their religious teaching (Matthew 16:6,12; 23:1-39). So Jesus offers no praise for Nicodemus good morals or high position. He closes the door on proud self-righteousness - Nicodemus must start from birth again! Jesus opens a window for humble self-examination You are Israels teacher, and do you not understand these things? Then Jesus throws open a door to the full light of Gods love. God gives the richest Gift heaven can give: For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). This is the very heart of grace. Yet many of us struggle with it. In all that Jesus says here, where is the human labor on which we rely? Is there not some way we can earn our place with God?
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 13:28:48 +0000