Definition: Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important verse from John 3:3. It’s a pretty profound statement, so we'll go through it step-by-step. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about the promise of God’s kingdom and how it’s connected to our individual lives. Let’s unpack each part: “John 3…” : This refers to a specific passage in the Bible, specifically John 3:1-10. “…Jesus answered…” : Jesus is speaking! He's giving a direct answer to a question or statement. “…and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee…” : This is a fancy way of saying “I’m going to tell you something very important.” “Verily, verily” means very truly , so it's an emphatic declaration. “…I say unto thee…” : Jesus is explaining something significant. “…Except a man be born again…” : This is the core of the message. “Born again” is a key word. It’s not just about being born; it means being regenerated – fundamentally changed and made new by God's grace. Think of it like this: you’re born, but you need to be "born again" to start experiencing God’s love and purpose in your life. “…he cannot see the kingdom of God.” : This is the consequence of not being born again. The Kingdom of God – that's a place where God lives with his people – isn't something you can see or experience . It's a future reality, a state of being that’s beyond our current lives. Putting it all together: Jesus is telling us that you can't see the Kingdom of God unless you are born again. It’s like planting a seed – you need to give it water and sunlight (God’s grace) to grow into a tree. Without that initial start, there’s no future fruit or reward. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the hope of eternal life and the ultimate purpose of God. It encourages us to: Believe: To trust in Jesus as the way to salvation and eternal life. Change Your Life: To turn away from sin and follow God's will, becoming more like him. Look Forward: To anticipate a future where we are reunited with God and experience his perfect peace and joy. In short: God offers a pathway to the Kingdom of Heaven – but you need to choose to accept that path by becoming born again. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to everyday life? Answer any specific questions you have about it?