09/09/2026
John 3:6 says, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” Jesus spoke these words to Nicodemus, a religious teacher, while explaining that entering God’s kingdom requires being “born again”—not physically, but spiritually. Human birth gives us physical life, yet it cannot by itself give us a restored relationship with God.
“To be born of the Spirit” means that the Holy Spirit gives a person new spiritual life and changes their heart. This is God’s work, not merely self-improvement or outward religious behavior. Jesus compares this new birth to the unseen wind in John 3:8: although we cannot see the wind itself, we can see its effects. Likewise, the Spirit’s work becomes visible through faith, repentance, love, and a changed life. Ezekiel 36:26–27 similarly speaks of God giving a new heart and putting his Spirit within his people.
This new life is centered on Jesus Christ. John 3:14–16 explains that people receive eternal life by believing in the Son whom God gave for the world’s salvation. First Peter 1:3 describes believers as receiving “new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” and 2 Corinthians 5:17 calls those in Christ “a new creation.” John 3:6 therefore teaches that spiritual renewal is necessary—and that God graciously provides it through the Holy Spirit.
Evangelism Ministry
