By. Dr. Nilo H. Flores
October 7, 2026
“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
— John 3:7 (KJV)
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for giving us Your Word and for revealing the truth about salvation.
Today, I am reminded of the words of Jesus:
“Ye must be born again.”
Father, help me understand this truth not merely as a doctrine to study, but as a life-changing reality.
Thank You that salvation is not simply about becoming religious or improving my outward behavior. Thank You that through Jesus Christ, You offer new spiritual life.
Help me examine my heart honestly.
Keep me from trusting in my church background, good works, baptism, religious activities, education, accomplishments, or reputation.
Help me trust Jesus Christ alone.
If there are areas of my life that still need to be surrendered to You, give me humility to recognize them.
Help me live each day as a person who has been changed by Your grace.
May my family see Christ in my life.
May my church see Christ in my service.
May my coworkers see Christ in my character.
May the people I meet hear the Gospel through my words and see the Gospel through my life.
Thank You for giving us the promise of new life through Christ.
In the precious name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I pray.
Amen.
Introduction
The words “born again” are familiar to many people.
Some use the expression frequently.
Others have heard it many times in church.
Some may even say:
“I am a born-again Christian.”
But what does it actually mean to be born again?
Jesus explained this truth to a man named Nicodemus.
Nicodemus was not an immoral man.
He was religious.
He was educated.
He was a Pharisee.
He was a ruler of the Jews.
He knew the Scriptures.
Yet Jesus told him:
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
— John 3:3 (KJV)
This conversation teaches us that knowing about God is not the same as knowing God.
Being religious is not the same as being saved.
Being moral is not the same as being born again.
The new birth is a work of God that gives spiritual life to the believer.
What Does “Born Again” Mean?
Original Greek Study
The Greek phrase translated “born again” in John 3 is connected with two important words.
1. γεννάω — gennaō
Pronunciation: ghen-nah’-o
It means:
- To beget
- To give birth
- To bring forth
- To generate
- To produce
2. ἄνωθεν — anōthen
Pronunciation: an’-ō-then
It can mean:
- From above
- From a higher place
- Again
- Anew
Therefore, Jesus was speaking about a birth that comes from above—a spiritual birth that originates with God.
Nicodemus initially thought about physical birth.
Jesus was speaking about spiritual birth.
This is why the new birth is not simply self-improvement.
It is God’s work in the life of a sinner.
1. Jesus Said We Must Be Born Again
John 3:7 says:
“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
Notice the word:
“Must.”
Jesus did not present the new birth as an optional religious experience.
It is necessary.
Every person needs spiritual life.
It does not matter what family we were born into.
It does not matter what country we live in.
It does not matter how educated we are.
It does not matter how successful we become.
Every sinner needs the saving grace of God.
2. Being Born Again Is Different From Physical Birth
Nicodemus asked:
“How can a man be born when he is old?”
— John 3:4
Nicodemus was thinking physically.
Jesus was speaking spiritually.
John 3:6 explains:
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
Physical birth gives us physical life.
The new birth gives spiritual life.
A person can have everything necessary for physical existence and still be spiritually separated from God.
That is why we need more than physical life.
We need spiritual life.
3. The New Birth Comes From Above
James 1:17 says:
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…”
The new birth is ultimately God’s work.
We cannot manufacture it.
We cannot buy it.
We cannot earn it.
We cannot inherit it from our parents.
John 1:13 says believers are:
“…born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
What a powerful statement.
The new birth comes from God.
4. Church Membership Does Not Make a Person Born Again
Being a member of a local church is valuable for a Christian.
But church membership itself does not produce the new birth.
A person can have his name on a church roll without having trusted Christ personally.
A person can attend services regularly without being saved.
A person can participate in ministries without being born again.
Jesus was speaking to a very religious man when He said:
“Ye must be born again.”
That should cause every church member to examine his own heart.
The important question is not merely:
“Am I a church member?”
It is:
“Have I personally trusted Jesus Christ?”
5. Baptism Does Not Replace the New Birth
Baptism is important in Christian obedience, but baptism itself does not give spiritual life.
The new birth is God’s spiritual work.
Ephesians 2:8–9 says:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
A person should not trust an outward ceremony instead of Christ.
The believer’s confidence must be in Jesus Christ.
6. Good Works Do Not Produce the New Birth
Good works have an important place in the Christian life.
But they do not create spiritual life.
Titus 3:5 says:
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…”
We cannot work ourselves into the family of God.
We need God’s mercy.
We need His grace.
We need Jesus Christ.
Good works should follow salvation, not replace it.
7. Faith in Jesus Christ Is Central to Salvation
John 3:14–15 says:
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
Jesus connected eternal life with believing in Him.
The sinner looks to Christ.
The sinner trusts Christ.
The sinner receives God’s gracious gift of salvation.
The focus is not:
“What can I do to save myself?”
The focus is:
“What has Jesus Christ done for me?”
8. The New Birth Brings New Spiritual Life
Ephesians 2:4–5 says:
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ…”
The word “quickened” means made alive.
This is the heart of the new birth.
God gives spiritual life.
The person who was spiritually dead is made alive in Christ.
The person who was separated from God can now have fellowship with Him.
The Gospel is not simply about improving an old life.
It is about receiving new life in Christ.
9. The New Birth Produces a New Identity
2 Corinthians 5:17 says:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Notice the expression:
“In Christ.”
Our new identity is connected with Jesus Christ.
We are no longer defined only by our past.
We are not defined by our failures.
We are not defined by our achievements.
We are not defined by our possessions.
We are not defined by our social position.
Our identity is found in Christ.
10. The New Birth Produces Spiritual Growth
Being born again is the beginning of spiritual growth, not the end.
1 Peter 2:2 says:
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
A newborn baby needs nourishment.
A new Christian needs spiritual nourishment.
We grow through:
- God’s Word
- Prayer
- Faith
- Christian fellowship
- Obedience
- Service
- Biblical teaching
- Sharing the Gospel
A healthy Christian should continue growing.
11. The New Birth Changes Our Attitude Toward Sin
Being born again does not mean a believer will never stumble.
Christians still face temptation.
Christians can still fail.
But our attitude toward sin should change.
Romans 6:14 says:
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
Grace does not make sin acceptable.
Grace teaches us to live differently.
Titus 2:11–12 says:
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly…”
The new birth begins a new direction.
12. The New Birth Produces Love for Other Believers
1 John 3:14 says:
“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.”
A person who has experienced God’s love should increasingly learn to love God’s people.
This does not mean that every church member will agree on everything.
It does not mean there will never be misunderstandings.
But Christian love should characterize our relationships.
We should learn to forgive.
We should encourage.
We should help.
We should pray for one another.
We should bear one another’s burdens.
13. The New Birth Produces a Desire to Serve Christ
When Christ saves us, we should want to serve Him.
Ephesians 2:10 says:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works…”
Notice the order.
We are saved by grace.
Then we are created unto good works.
Service does not purchase salvation.
Service is a response to salvation.
We serve because Christ has already saved us.
We work because we love Him.
We witness because we want others to know Him.
We give because God has blessed us.
We minister because Christ has given us a new life and a new purpose.
14. The New Birth Gives Us a New Purpose
Before salvation, our greatest goals may revolve around ourselves:
“My success.”
“My career.”
“My money.”
“My reputation.”
“My comfort.”
“My plans.”
But Christ gives us a greater purpose.
Jesus said in Matthew 28:19–20:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…”
The Christian life is not simply about going to heaven.
It is also about living for Christ while we are here.
We have a mission.
We have a message.
We have a Saviour to proclaim.
15. The New Birth Should Be Seen in Our Testimony
A changed life becomes a testimony.
People may not remember every sermon we preach.
They may not remember every Bible verse we quote.
But they can observe how we live.
They can see how we treat our family.
They can see how we respond to difficulties.
They can see how we conduct business.
They can see whether our words match our actions.
Philippians 2:15 says:
“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”
Our lives should shine for Christ.
An Illustration: The Difference Between Cleaning and New Life
Imagine an old house that has been neglected for many years.
Someone comes and cleans the windows.
The walls are painted.
The floors are polished.
The furniture is rearranged.
Everything looks better.
But the house is still empty.
It has been cleaned, but there is no life inside.
Now imagine that a family moves into the house.
Suddenly there is activity.
There is conversation.
There is laughter.
There is purpose.
There is life.
The difference is not simply the appearance.
Someone is living inside.
Similarly, Christianity is not merely about making our outward behavior look better.
The new birth brings spiritual life.
God changes us from the inside out.
Business for Christ
A business can have a new sign without having a new heart.
It can have a new logo.
A new office.
A new website.
A new marketing strategy.
A new business plan.
But real transformation is deeper than outward appearance.
The same is true spiritually.
We can change our clothes.
Change our vocabulary.
Change our schedule.
Change our religious activities.
But Jesus says:
“Ye must be born again.”
For the Christian business owner, the new birth should influence the entire way we conduct business.
We should ask:
Is my business honest?
Do I treat employees fairly?
Do I keep my promises?
Do I pay what I owe?
Do I speak truthfully to customers?
Do I handle money responsibly?
Do I treat people with dignity?
Does my business testimony honor Jesus Christ?
Business for Christ means that Christ is not merely mentioned in our business.
Christ should influence how we conduct it.
Practical Application
Take time today to examine your heart.
Ask yourself:
- Have I personally trusted Jesus Christ?
- Have I experienced the new birth?
- Am I trusting Christ or merely trusting my religion?
- Am I depending upon church membership?
- Am I depending upon baptism or good works?
- Do I have a genuine desire for God’s Word?
- Do I desire to pray and fellowship with God?
- Has my attitude toward sin changed?
- Do I desire to serve Christ?
- Does my life show evidence of spiritual growth?
- Does my family see Christ in me?
- Does my workplace see Christ in me?
- Does my business reflect Christian integrity?
Do not merely ask:
“Am I religious?”
Ask:
“Am I born again?”
Today’s Challenge
Read and meditate on:
John 3:1–21
John 1:10–13
Ephesians 2:1–10
2 Corinthians 5:17–21
1 Peter 1:22–25
1 John 3:1–3
Then take a quiet moment with God.
Write down:
1. What Christ Has Changed in Me
Think about your life before and after trusting Christ.
2. What God Is Still Changing in Me
Be honest about areas where you still need spiritual growth.
3. How I Can Show Christ to Others
Choose one practical way to demonstrate Christ’s love today.
It may be:
- Encouraging someone.
- Forgiving someone.
- Helping someone.
- Sharing the Gospel.
- Serving faithfully.
- Speaking truthfully.
- Showing kindness.
- Conducting business honestly.
Then pray that God will use your life as a testimony.
Remember
Being born again is not merely becoming religious.
It is receiving spiritual life from God.
Being born again is not simply changing habits.
It is becoming a new creature in Christ.
Being born again is not trusting our works.
It is trusting Jesus Christ.
Being born again is not something we accomplish by ourselves.
It is God’s gracious work.
Jesus said:
“Ye must be born again.”
Therefore:
Believe Christ.
Trust Christ.
Follow Christ.
Serve Christ.
Live for Christ.
And let your life point others to Christ.
✍️ Quotation by Dr. Nilo H. Flores
“To be born again is not merely to become religious, respectable, or better in the eyes of men. It is to receive new spiritual life from God through faith in Jesus Christ. When Christ changes the heart, that inward transformation begins to touch every part of our life, giving us a new identity, a new purpose, and a new desire to live for His glory.”
— Dr. Nilo H. Flores
😊 Flores Faith Smile
A Sunday school teacher asked a young boy:
“Johnny, are you born again?”
Johnny answered:
“Yes, ma’am!”
The teacher smiled and asked:
“How do you know?”
Johnny thought for a moment and said:
“Because Jesus lives in my heart.”
The teacher smiled.
Then Johnny added:
“And because my mother says I’m definitely not the same boy I was before!”
The class laughed.
The teacher said:
“That may be true, Johnny. But remember, the most important change is the one God makes inside your heart.”
Johnny nodded.
Lesson to Remember:
The new birth begins with God’s work in the heart, and that new spiritual life should gradually become visible in the way we live.
Closing Prayer
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the wonderful truth that we must be born again.
Thank You that salvation is not something we must earn through our own efforts.
Thank You that Jesus Christ came to save sinners.
Thank You for His death on the cross.
Thank You for His resurrection.
Thank You for the new life we have through Him.
Father, help me examine my heart honestly.
If I am trusting in anything other than Jesus Christ, show me.
If I am depending upon religion, remind me that I need Christ.
If I am depending upon good works, remind me that salvation is by Your grace.
If I am depending upon my accomplishments, remind me that everything I have comes from You.
Help me live as a person who has been born again.
Give me a hunger for Your Word.
Give me a desire to pray.
Give me love for Your people.
Give me compassion for lost souls.
Give me courage to share the Gospel.
Help me become more faithful in my family.
More honest in my work.
More responsible in my business.
More faithful in my ministry.
More Christlike in my relationships.
When I fail, help me repent.
When I am tempted, help me stand.
When I am discouraged, help me trust You.
When I succeed, keep me humble.
May my life show that Jesus Christ has made a difference in me.
Use my testimony to lead others to the Saviour.
Help me faithfully proclaim:
“Ye must be born again.”
May everything I say and do bring honor to Jesus Christ.
In the precious name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I pray.
Amen.
Memory Verse
John 3:7 (KJV)
“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
Today’s Prayer Focus
🙏 Thank God for the new birth.
🙏 Thank Jesus Christ for salvation.
🙏 Ask God to examine your heart.
🙏 Pray that you will never substitute religion for genuine faith in Christ.
🙏 Ask God to help you grow spiritually.
🙏 Pray for victory over sinful habits.
🙏 Pray for a deeper hunger for God’s Word.
🙏 Pray for greater faithfulness in your family, work, business, and ministry.
🙏 Pray for people who have religion but do not yet know Christ personally.
🙏 Ask God for opportunities to share the Gospel.
🙏 Pray that your testimony will point others to Jesus Christ.
BUSINESS FOR CHRIST
Preaching the Gospel • Equipping Believers • Making Disciples
Tomorrow — Day 18
JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
— Romans 5:1 (KJV)
Τῷ μόνῳ Θεῷ δόξα
Tō monō Theō doxa
To God Alone Be the Glory
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