“Unless one is born again” Jesus said, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) The new birth is only the BEGINNING of a new life, preparing us for the life to come. We must be born again because heaven will not be defiled! (1 Peter 1:3; Revelation 21:27) The people who go there will ADD to its beauty because they have become children of God! (Revelation 21:24-26; Colossians 3:10; 2 Peter 1:4) We are being fitted for service here AND “for service above” (Ephesians 2:10; Revelation 22:3)

“Unless one is born again” The Cross: The Ground of Our Salvation Without the death and resurrection of Christ, everything else is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:7) Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission (Hebrews 9:22; Matthew 26:28) The cross is our only boast (Galatians 6:14) When Jesus died on the cross, heaven and earth were shaken! (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 12:26-28) The cross is God’s bridge back to Him (Romans 5:6) “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God…” (1 Peter 3:18)

“Unless one is born again” Hearing & Believing the Message of the Cross The process of the new birth begins by hearing and believing the message of the cross! “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). “…it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Cor. 1:21). The message of the cross even pierced the hearts of those who crucified Christ (Acts 2:37).

“Unless one is born again” Turning to God: REPENTANCE Peter commanded believers to repent (Acts 2:38) Saul of Tarsus illustrates repentance: He changed from trying to destroy the faith to living it and preaching it (Acts 9:21; Gal. 1:23). He was a different man! A change just as radical must be ours as well. (Acts 3:19).

“Unless one is born again” Old man Buried, New man Rises: BAPTISM In baptism, the message of the cross is re-enacted (Romans 6). The purpose of baptism is clearly stated in the Bible. It is “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). To “wash away sins” (Acts 22:16). To “save us” (1 Pet. 3:21). It is God who performs this. It is His operation, not ours (Rev. 1:5; Col. 2:11-13).

“Unless one is born again” Pressing Toward the Goal (Philippians 3) Paul showed determination to become Christ-like He was willing to give up all to gain Christ (Phil. 3:8) He pursued Christ! (Phil. 3:9-10) He would stop at nothing! (Phil. 3:14) We are to follow this same rule of life! (Phil. 3:16)