Expert: Scott Talbot - 8/1/2008

Question
In John 3:5-8 What are the two distinct categories of existence which apply to every person?
In John 3:5-8 How many births must every person experience in order to see the kingdom of God?
In John 3:7-10 Why did Jesus say that Nicodemus shouldn't have been surprised at the requirements to be born a second time

Answer
Hi Marie,

I feel like I'm helping someone with his homework. That's alright, though, because this is a great passage. Let's try to answer your questions, and then I'd like to take a few moments to make this a practical learning experience for you.

Q: In John 3:5-8 What are the two distinct categories of existence which apply to every person?

A: Flesh and spirit.

Q: In John 3:5-8 How many births must every person experience in order to see the kingdom of God?

A: Two.

Q: In John 3:7-10 Why did Jesus say that Nicodemus shouldn't have been surprised at the requirements to be born a second time?

A: Nicodemus was an expert in the Mosaic Law. Furthermore, he was a teacher. He taught the Law to others. If you read Galatians 3:19-25, you will see that the Mosaic Law had one unifying theme and overall purpose--to demonstrate that NO ONE is able to consistently keep God's commands, and therefore we cannot save ourselves. We can find forgiveness and peace and reconciliation with God only through God's grace, as He makes a way for us.

OK, there are the answers to your questions. I hope this helps. Now let me ask you a few questions, if I may. What do you think Jesus is talking about in this passage? More to the point, what do you think He means when He says in verse 3, "No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again"? And in verse 7, He says, "You must be born again." What do you think He means?

Also, read verses 16-18. What do you think they're saying? Specifically, what does the word, "believe," mean? How does that relate to Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 10:9-13?

(Note: I'm trying to get you to think here. This is not just busy work, but rather honest questions that I think would be helpful for you to consider and for us to discuss together. I would very much like it if you would write back to me.)

Scott