The Dead Live

He's saying, "Nicodemus, your He's saying, "Nicodemus, your extraordinary extraordinary extraordinary religious life profits you nothing if if you're not born again. You don't need you're not born again. You don't need you're not born again. You don't need religion, you need life. That life is religion, you need life. That life is religion, you need life. That life is what comes, right? When a baby is born, what comes, right? When a baby is born, what comes, right? When a baby is born, that's life. that's life. that's life. Life has come into the world. That's Life has come into the world. That's Life has come into the world. That's what needs to happen to you. You need to what needs to happen to you. You need to what needs to happen to you. You need to be born. A life needs to come into being be born. A life needs to come into being be born. A life needs to come into being in you that isn't there. You're You're in you that isn't there. You're You're in you that isn't there. You're You're dead. dead. dead. >> There really is something jarring about >> There really is something jarring about >> There really is something jarring about the way Jesus talks to Nicodemus in John the way Jesus talks to Nicodemus in John the way Jesus talks to Nicodemus in John [music] 3. [music] 3. [music] 3. He is a deeply religious, morally He is a deeply religious, morally He is a deeply religious, morally serious man, and Jesus basically [music] serious man, and Jesus basically [music] serious man, and Jesus basically [music] says, says, says, "What you need is not what you think you "What you need is not what you think you "What you need is not what you think you need." I'm your host, Dan Cruver. need." I'm your host, Dan Cruver. need." I'm your host, Dan Cruver. [music] [music] [music] In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper turns to John chapter 3, verses 1 Piper turns to John chapter 3, verses 1 Piper turns to John chapter 3, verses 1 to 10, to show that apart from the new to 10, to show that apart from the new to 10, to show that apart from the new birth, even the best religious life birth, even the best religious life birth, even the best religious life leaves us spiritually [music] leaves us spiritually [music] leaves us spiritually [music] dead.

dead. dead. This message was originally delivered at This message was originally delivered at This message was originally delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on November Bethlehem Baptist Church on November Bethlehem Baptist Church on November 25th, 2007. [music] Unmistakable, Father, has been the Unmistakable, Father, has been the message message message to our hearts and to our hearts and to our hearts and to your ears in this worship service. that you might believe in the only Son that you might believe in the only Son of God, of God, of God, and believing has life in his and believing has life in his and believing has life in his name. Life in the name. That's why we sing Life in the name. That's why we sing about the name. There isn't life about the name. There isn't life about the name. There isn't life anywhere else. anywhere else. anywhere else. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Esteeming the name, cherishing the name, >> Esteeming the name, cherishing the name, >> Esteeming the name, cherishing the name, loving the name, trusting the name, loving the name, trusting the name, loving the name, trusting the name, seeing all that is implied in the name, seeing all that is implied in the name, seeing all that is implied in the name, and embracing it with all of our hearts. and embracing it with all of our hearts. and embracing it with all of our hearts. That's why we worship That's why we worship That's why we worship the name.

the name. the name. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And so I pray that And so I pray that And so I pray that as I try my as I try my as I try my best to unfold the truth concerning the best to unfold the truth concerning the best to unfold the truth concerning the new birth, new birth, new birth, Jesus Christ would be magnified. Jesus Christ would be magnified. Jesus Christ would be magnified. And this reality would happen in this And this reality would happen in this And this reality would happen in this room. There are people here room. There are people here room. There are people here who are not born of God. It is your work. It is your work. And I pray that you would come in your And I pray that you would come in your And I pray that you would come in your mercy mercy mercy and do it. and do it. and do it. And I pray this in Jesus And I pray this in Jesus And I pray this in Jesus name. name. name. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Verse 3. Chapter 3 of John. Chapter 3 of John. Jesus says to Nicodemus, "Truly, truly I Jesus says to Nicodemus, "Truly, truly I Jesus says to Nicodemus, "Truly, truly I say to you, unless one is born again, say to you, unless one is born again, say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom he cannot see the kingdom he cannot see the kingdom of God." of God." of God." He's speaking to all of us there.

He's speaking to all of us there. He's speaking to all of us there. There's There's There's Nicodemus is not a special case like, Nicodemus is not a special case like, Nicodemus is not a special case like, "Oh, he is one kind of human that needs "Oh, he is one kind of human that needs "Oh, he is one kind of human that needs to be born again. There are other kind to be born again. There are other kind to be born again. There are other kind of humans who don't." This is a word for of humans who don't." This is a word for of humans who don't." This is a word for all of us. all of us. all of us. "You must be born again," he says, "or "You must be born again," he says, "or "You must be born again," he says, "or you won't see the kingdom of God." That you won't see the kingdom of God." That you won't see the kingdom of God." That is, you won't go to heaven. is, you won't go to heaven. is, you won't go to heaven. You won't be saved. You won't enter the You won't be saved. You won't enter the You won't be saved. You won't enter the kingdom. You'll go to hell. kingdom. You'll go to hell. kingdom. You'll go to hell. You go to hell if you're not born again. You go to hell if you're not born again. You go to hell if you're not born again. The reason I even mention the word hell The reason I even mention the word hell The reason I even mention the word hell is because is because is because Nicodemus is called a Pharisee and I Nicodemus is called a Pharisee and I Nicodemus is called a Pharisee and I know some things that Jesus said to know some things that Jesus said to know some things that Jesus said to Pharisees. You know them, too. I'll read Pharisees. You know them, too. I'll read Pharisees. You know them, too. I'll read you two of them. you two of them. you two of them. He said, He said, He said, "Matthew 23:15, "Matthew 23:15, "Matthew 23:15, woe to you scribes and Pharisees, woe to you scribes and Pharisees, woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, hypocrites, hypocrites, for you travel across sea and land to for you travel across sea and land to for you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte and when he make a single proselyte and when he make a single proselyte and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice becomes a proselyte, you make him twice becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourself." as much a child of hell as yourself." as much a child of hell as yourself." That's Jesus talking. That's Jesus talking. That's Jesus talking. He said in verse 33 of Matthew 23, "You He said in verse 33 of Matthew 23, "You He said in verse 33 of Matthew 23, "You serpents, serpents, serpents, you brood of vipers, you brood of vipers, you brood of vipers, how will you escape being sentenced to how will you escape being sentenced to how will you escape being sentenced to hell?"

hell?" hell?" Hell is that place of outer darkness Hell is that place of outer darkness Hell is that place of outer darkness where there's weeping and gnashing of where there's weeping and gnashing of where there's weeping and gnashing of teeth, cut off from God, teeth, cut off from God, teeth, cut off from God, lake of fire, unquenchable flames, lake of fire, unquenchable flames, lake of fire, unquenchable flames, everlasting torment. This is Jesus. everlasting torment. This is Jesus. everlasting torment. This is Jesus. Jesus talked more about hell than Jesus talked more about hell than Jesus talked more about hell than anybody else in the Bible. anybody else in the Bible. anybody else in the Bible. Jesus is that's almost the only one who Jesus is that's almost the only one who Jesus is that's almost the only one who mentions the word hell in the Bible. mentions the word hell in the Bible. mentions the word hell in the Bible. 11 times. 11 times. 11 times. When Jesus looked this Pharisee in the When Jesus looked this Pharisee in the When Jesus looked this Pharisee in the eye and said, "Unless you are born eye and said, "Unless you are born eye and said, "Unless you are born again, you will never see the kingdom." again, you will never see the kingdom." again, you will never see the kingdom." He meant, "You'll go to hell and so will He meant, "You'll go to hell and so will He meant, "You'll go to hell and so will we if we don't we if we don't we if we don't experience the new birth." experience the new birth." experience the new birth." In other words, this is heavy. In other words, this is heavy. In other words, this is heavy. This is really big. This is not This is really big. This is not This is really big. This is not marginal. marginal. marginal. We're not doing a series of messages on We're not doing a series of messages on We're not doing a series of messages on how to get along at work how to get along at work how to get along at work or how to have a better marriage or or how to have a better marriage or or how to have a better marriage or we're just talking about you must be we're just talking about you must be we're just talking about you must be born again or you go to hell. That's born again or you go to hell. That's born again or you go to hell. That's what's at stake. what's at stake. what's at stake. And so it's heavy And so it's heavy And so it's heavy to me. Today's message is to me. Today's message is to me. Today's message is what happens in the new birth and we'll what happens in the new birth and we'll what happens in the new birth and we'll finish it next week. So, two messages on finish it next week. So, two messages on finish it next week. So, two messages on what happens. We could talk about why what happens. We could talk about why what happens. We could talk about why it's needed and how it happens and what it's needed and how it happens and what it's needed and how it happens and what are the effects of it. All that's coming are the effects of it. All that's coming are the effects of it. All that's coming later.

later. later. Today and next Sunday, Lord willing, Today and next Sunday, Lord willing, Today and next Sunday, Lord willing, it's what happens. What is it? Now, before I do that, before I pose and Now, before I do that, before I pose and try to answer that question, let me give try to answer that question, let me give try to answer that question, let me give you you you some more of my own heart about what I some more of my own heart about what I some more of my own heart about what I face as a preacher face as a preacher face as a preacher dealing with these dealing with these dealing with these infinitely weighty things. I feel I feel unusually nervous unusually nervous unusually nervous as I take up this as I take up this as I take up this this this this theme. theme. theme. I feel like I have in my hands people's I feel like I have in my hands people's I feel like I have in my hands people's everlasting destiny. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> I feel like I have tender little lambs >> I feel like I have tender little lambs >> I feel like I have tender little lambs who really are born again, and they're who really are born again, and they're who really are born again, and they're so prone to doubt. And I have in my hands And I have in my hands smiley-faced religious people who are smiley-faced religious people who are smiley-faced religious people who are not born again.

not born again. not born again. And they don't even feel anything about And they don't even feel anything about And they don't even feel anything about that. They just do their religion. They that. They just do their religion. They that. They just do their religion. They just come to church. This is a very unsettling series. Let me This is a very unsettling series. Let me give you as I've reflected, why is this give you as I've reflected, why is this give you as I've reflected, why is this so unsettling to talk about the new so unsettling to talk about the new so unsettling to talk about the new birth? birth? birth? Cuz I've I've I've talked to a lot of Cuz I've I've I've talked to a lot of Cuz I've I've I've talked to a lot of you. I feel it in my own bones. you. I feel it in my own bones. you. I feel it in my own bones. There are three reasons why this is such There are three reasons why this is such There are three reasons why this is such an unsettling topic. Number one, an unsettling topic. Number one, an unsettling topic. Number one, Jesus' teaching about the new birth Jesus' teaching about the new birth Jesus' teaching about the new birth confronts us with our hopeless confronts us with our hopeless confronts us with our hopeless spiritual, moral, and legal condition spiritual, moral, and legal condition spiritual, moral, and legal condition before God. before God. before God. Few doctrines, few teachings, few truths Few doctrines, few teachings, few truths Few doctrines, few teachings, few truths hit us hit us hit us with our helplessness, our hopelessness. with our helplessness, our hopelessness. with our helplessness, our hopelessness. Spiritually, it implies we're dead.

Spiritually, it implies we're dead. Spiritually, it implies we're dead. And we need life. And we need life. And we need life. Morally, it implies we are corrupt and Morally, it implies we are corrupt and Morally, it implies we are corrupt and selfish and rebellious and we need selfish and rebellious and we need selfish and rebellious and we need renewal. renewal. renewal. Legally, it implies we're guilty before Legally, it implies we're guilty before Legally, it implies we're guilty before the judge of the universe and we'll the judge of the universe and we'll the judge of the universe and we'll perish if something doesn't change. And perish if something doesn't change. And perish if something doesn't change. And when you get hit with that, when you get hit with that, when you get hit with that, apart from the new birth, you're apart from the new birth, you're apart from the new birth, you're spiritually dead, you're morally selfish spiritually dead, you're morally selfish spiritually dead, you're morally selfish and rebellious, and you're legally and rebellious, and you're legally and rebellious, and you're legally guilty, it's just unsettling. That's the first reason. That's the first reason. The second reason is that The second reason is that The second reason is that this doctrine this doctrine this doctrine tells us that tells us that tells us that the new birth is something done to us, the new birth is something done to us, the new birth is something done to us, not something we do. And that multiplies the unsettling And that multiplies the unsettling nature of it. nature of it. nature of it. We're Americans. We're Americans. We're Americans. We're just humans, but we we're American We're just humans, but we we're American We're just humans, but we we're American humans. Americans take charge.

humans. Americans take charge. humans. Americans take charge. Americans love the old poem from the Americans love the old poem from the Americans love the old poem from the 19th century, Invictus, 19th century, Invictus, 19th century, Invictus, >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> which ends, "I am the captain of my >> which ends, "I am the captain of my >> which ends, "I am the captain of my soul." We don't We don't We don't like lamb-like talk. We don't We don't like lamb-like talk. We don't We don't like lamb-like talk. We don't like dependent talk, especially totally like dependent talk, especially totally like dependent talk, especially totally dependent talk, which is what the new dependent talk, which is what the new dependent talk, which is what the new birth implies. birth implies. birth implies. This is something that has to happen to This is something that has to happen to This is something that has to happen to me from God, from the outside, or it me from God, from the outside, or it me from God, from the outside, or it doesn't happen. I can't make it happen. doesn't happen. I can't make it happen. doesn't happen. I can't make it happen. I'm dead. That's very unsettling to a lot of That's very unsettling to a lot of people, including me. people, including me. people, including me. This is an unsettling This is an unsettling This is an unsettling teaching. Peter Peter said, "Blessed be the God and Father of said, "Blessed be the God and Father of said, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to his our Lord Jesus Christ, according to his our Lord Jesus Christ, according to his great mercy, great mercy, great mercy, he has caused us to be born again." he has caused us to be born again." he has caused us to be born again." He has caused us to be born again. He He has caused us to be born again. He He has caused us to be born again. He does it, we don't do it.

does it, we don't do it. does it, we don't do it. Uh Jesus Uh Jesus Uh Jesus or John in John 1:13 says, "To the or John in John 1:13 says, "To the or John in John 1:13 says, "To the children of God, you were born children of God, you were born children of God, you were born not of blood, nor of the will of the not of blood, nor of the will of the not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of flesh, nor of the will of man, but of flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." God." God." We don't will the new birth. The new We don't will the new birth. The new We don't will the new birth. The new birth creates our will for God. birth creates our will for God. birth creates our will for God. It's very unsettling to people to be It's very unsettling to people to be It's very unsettling to people to be told, told, told, "My eternal destiny, my escape from my "My eternal destiny, my escape from my "My eternal destiny, my escape from my rebellion and my deadness and my guilt rebellion and my deadness and my guilt rebellion and my deadness and my guilt hangs on the work of another hangs on the work of another hangs on the work of another first." first." first." That's very unsettling. That's very unsettling. That's very unsettling. The third reason it's unsettling is The third reason it's unsettling is The third reason it's unsettling is because it confronts me with the because it confronts me with the because it confronts me with the absolute freedom of God. Apart from God, we're dead, selfish, Apart from God, we're dead, selfish, rebellious, rebellious, rebellious, guilty. guilty. guilty. By nature, Paul says, "Children of wrath By nature, Paul says, "Children of wrath By nature, Paul says, "Children of wrath by nature, children of wrath." That's by nature, children of wrath." That's by nature, children of wrath." That's who I am.

who I am. who I am. I am so deeply anti-God in my soul I am so deeply anti-God in my soul I am so deeply anti-God in my soul without regeneration that I am fit for without regeneration that I am fit for without regeneration that I am fit for wrath. wrath. wrath. It's right, it's fitting that I that I It's right, it's fitting that I that I It's right, it's fitting that I that I perish. perish. perish. By nature, children of wrath. By nature, children of wrath. By nature, children of wrath. And I don't have any power And I don't have any power And I don't have any power to change that. If it's going to be changed, Ephesians If it's going to be changed, Ephesians 2:4 and 5 have to happen. 2:4 and 5 have to happen. 2:4 and 5 have to happen. God being rich in mercy God being rich in mercy God being rich in mercy because of the great love with which he because of the great love with which he because of the great love with which he loved us, loved us, loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses even when we were dead in our trespasses even when we were dead in our trespasses and sins, made us alive together with and sins, made us alive together with and sins, made us alive together with Christ and seated us at the right hand Christ and seated us at the right hand Christ and seated us at the right hand in the heavenly places by grace you have in the heavenly places by grace you have in the heavenly places by grace you have been saved. He made me alive when I was dead He made me alive when I was dead is my only hope and yours. That's very is my only hope and yours. That's very is my only hope and yours. That's very unsettling.

So, I feel like I have to approach this So, I feel like I have to approach this with such great care. I I'm I'm I I'm I'm probably most concerned emotionally for probably most concerned emotionally for probably most concerned emotionally for the lambs among us who have very tender the lambs among us who have very tender the lambs among us who have very tender consciences. consciences. consciences. Because I know what you're going to feel Because I know what you're going to feel Because I know what you're going to feel when you hear these messages. You're when you hear these messages. You're when you hear these messages. You're going to go home and you're going to go going to go home and you're going to go going to go home and you're going to go to bed at night and you're going to say, to bed at night and you're going to say, to bed at night and you're going to say, "I'm not sure I'm saved. "I'm not sure I'm saved. "I'm not sure I'm saved. I'm just not sure." I'm just not sure." I'm just not sure." It happened to me. That's what you're It happened to me. That's what you're It happened to me. That's what you're going to feel. going to feel. going to feel. Dozens of you are going to feel that way Dozens of you are going to feel that way Dozens of you are going to feel that way and I'm I want to preach this message. I and I'm I want to preach this message. I and I'm I want to preach this message. I There's a razor's edge here that a There's a razor's edge here that a There's a razor's edge here that a pastor has to walk. pastor has to walk. pastor has to walk. On on one side is is genuinely born On on one side is is genuinely born On on one side is is genuinely born again again again believers whose consciences are are believers whose consciences are are believers whose consciences are are fragile and tender and they're prone to fragile and tender and they're prone to fragile and tender and they're prone to doubt. And and I don't want to hurt doubt. And and I don't want to hurt doubt. And and I don't want to hurt anybody. I don't want to make life anybody. I don't want to make life anybody. I don't want to make life harder for anybody. I want this series harder for anybody. I want this series harder for anybody. I want this series of messages to come with tremendous of messages to come with tremendous of messages to come with tremendous assurance and joy and power and assurance and joy and power and assurance and joy and power and liberation and courage and confidence.

liberation and courage and confidence. liberation and courage and confidence. And then on the other side you got all And then on the other side you got all And then on the other side you got all these nominal believers that live like these nominal believers that live like these nominal believers that live like the world and come to church every the world and come to church every the world and come to church every Sunday, don't have a spiritual bone in Sunday, don't have a spiritual bone in Sunday, don't have a spiritual bone in their bodies, and sing these songs cuz their bodies, and sing these songs cuz their bodies, and sing these songs cuz the music is cool, and they need to be the music is cool, and they need to be the music is cool, and they need to be jolted with supernatural awakening power jolted with supernatural awakening power jolted with supernatural awakening power or they perish. or they perish. or they perish. Now, how do you do that? Now, how do you do that? Now, how do you do that? How do I do that How do I do that How do I do that with one message every Sunday? How do I with one message every Sunday? How do I with one message every Sunday? How do I How do I get my hand under these lambs How do I get my hand under these lambs How do I get my hand under these lambs and say, "Yes." And how do I get these and say, "Yes." And how do I get these and say, "Yes." And how do I get these people and spank them alive over here on people and spank them alive over here on people and spank them alive over here on the other side? the other side? the other side? And the answer is, I don't do it. God And the answer is, I don't do it. God And the answer is, I don't do it. God does it. And I'm just pleading with you does it. And I'm just pleading with you does it. And I'm just pleading with you again, like I did last week, would you again, like I did last week, would you again, like I did last week, would you please pray for me? please pray for me? please pray for me? Would you pray for this church? This Would you pray for this church? This Would you pray for this church? This This is a season of life in our church This is a season of life in our church This is a season of life in our church that could be extraordinary. People could put in years to come could People could put in years to come could put a name on it. They could call it put a name on it. They could call it put a name on it. They could call it revival or awakening.

Because there's just so many of you Because there's just so many of you who are unspiritual. The veneer of religion has been laid The veneer of religion has been laid over since you were little. That could all change That could all change if God came. if God came. if God came. He uses the word, we're born again by He uses the word, we're born again by He uses the word, we're born again by the living and abiding word of God. the living and abiding word of God. the living and abiding word of God. And that's my job And that's my job And that's my job to try to be an instrument to try to be an instrument to try to be an instrument of that living and abiding word. of that living and abiding word. of that living and abiding word. Here's today's question. That's all Here's today's question. That's all Here's today's question. That's all introduction. introduction. introduction. Here's today's question. Here's today's question. Here's today's question. What happens What happens What happens in the new birth? So, in in unfolding this, I said last So, in in unfolding this, I said last time, I'll say it again, my hope is time, I'll say it again, my hope is time, I'll say it again, my hope is that unregenerate people that unregenerate people that unregenerate people would be quickened by the power of the would be quickened by the power of the would be quickened by the power of the Holy Spirit through the word of God and Holy Spirit through the word of God and Holy Spirit through the word of God and come alive in these services. come alive in these services. come alive in these services. And that And that And that most of you who are born again would most of you who are born again would most of you who are born again would discover what happened to you.

discover what happened to you. discover what happened to you. So that you love him more and you you So that you love him more and you you So that you love him more and you you enjoy your standing in God and his enjoy your standing in God and his enjoy your standing in God and his presence in you and the life that you presence in you and the life that you presence in you and the life that you own, you enjoy it more, you be fuller own, you enjoy it more, you be fuller own, you enjoy it more, you be fuller and richer and deeper and stronger and and richer and deeper and stronger and and richer and deeper and stronger and more courageous and more everything. more courageous and more everything. more courageous and more everything. When you know yourself for who you are When you know yourself for who you are When you know yourself for who you are in Christ, everything changes more and in Christ, everything changes more and in Christ, everything changes more and more. It's a progressive thing. And so more. It's a progressive thing. And so more. It's a progressive thing. And so don't don't panic. Remember I said last don't don't panic. Remember I said last don't don't panic. Remember I said last time time time that that that you can be born again and never have you can be born again and never have you can be born again and never have heard of the term born again. heard of the term born again. heard of the term born again. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I just want to encourage you because >> I just want to encourage you because >> I just want to encourage you because there's so many different ways the Bible there's so many different ways the Bible there's so many different ways the Bible talks about how we get saved and you talks about how we get saved and you talks about how we get saved and you might have heard one of them and that might have heard one of them and that might have heard one of them and that was enough and you got saved and here I was enough and you got saved and here I was enough and you got saved and here I am telling you you must be born again or am telling you you must be born again or am telling you you must be born again or you go to hell and you say, "Well, I've you go to hell and you say, "Well, I've you go to hell and you say, "Well, I've never even heard of being born again." never even heard of being born again." never even heard of being born again." So don't panic at that point. So don't panic at that point. So don't panic at that point. Just listen carefully Just listen carefully Just listen carefully and what I say, you'll say, "Well, yeah. and what I say, you'll say, "Well, yeah. and what I say, you'll say, "Well, yeah. Yes, that's what happened to me. I Yes, that's what happened to me. I Yes, that's what happened to me. I didn't know that's what you call it."

didn't know that's what you call it." didn't know that's what you call it." That's what will happen. That's what will happen. That's what will happen. And now your soul will grow bigger and And now your soul will grow bigger and And now your soul will grow bigger and you'll have more of the Bible talking you'll have more of the Bible talking you'll have more of the Bible talking about you and you'll be able to send about you and you'll be able to send about you and you'll be able to send your roots down into this as well as the your roots down into this as well as the your roots down into this as well as the other truths that you've enjoyed. other truths that you've enjoyed. other truths that you've enjoyed. I'm going to answer the question with I'm going to answer the question with I'm going to answer the question with three statements. What happened to you three statements. What happened to you three statements. What happened to you at your new birth? at your new birth? at your new birth? Three statements. Two of them we deal Three statements. Two of them we deal Three statements. Two of them we deal with today and one of them we deal with, with today and one of them we deal with, with today and one of them we deal with, Lord willing, next Lord's Day. Lord willing, next Lord's Day. Lord willing, next Lord's Day. Number one. Number one. Number one. What happens in the new birth is not What happens in the new birth is not What happens in the new birth is not getting a new religion, but getting a getting a new religion, but getting a getting a new religion, but getting a new life. new life. new life. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Life. >> Life. >> Life. So that's number one. Number two. So that's number one. Number two. So that's number one. Number two. What happens in the new birth is not What happens in the new birth is not What happens in the new birth is not merely a um merely a um merely a um affirming the supernatural affirming the supernatural affirming the supernatural in Jesus in Jesus in Jesus but experiencing the supernatural in but experiencing the supernatural in but experiencing the supernatural in yourself. What happens in the new birth is not the What happens in the new birth is not the improvement improvement improvement of the old human nature but the creation of the old human nature but the creation of the old human nature but the creation of a new human nature.

of a new human nature. of a new human nature. A nature A nature A nature that is really you. Forgiven and cleansed Forgiven and cleansed and really new. and really new. and really new. Being formed Being formed Being formed by the indwelling of the spirit by the indwelling of the spirit by the indwelling of the spirit giving his own shape to your soul giving his own shape to your soul giving his own shape to your soul and your life. and your life. and your life. That number three is all for next week. That number three is all for next week. That number three is all for next week. And if you wonder, is he ever going to And if you wonder, is he ever going to And if you wonder, is he ever going to deal with the verse born of water and deal with the verse born of water and deal with the verse born of water and the spirit? the spirit? the spirit? That's next week. That's next week. That's next week. So if you wonder, what does that mean? So if you wonder, what does that mean? So if you wonder, what does that mean? Born of water and the spirit, that's Born of water and the spirit, that's Born of water and the spirit, that's next week. So here we are, we do two next week. So here we are, we do two next week. So here we are, we do two now. Number one. now. Number one. now. Number one. What happens in the new birth is not What happens in the new birth is not What happens in the new birth is not getting a new religion getting a new religion getting a new religion but getting a new life. Let's read the but getting a new life. Let's read the but getting a new life. Let's read the first three verses first three verses first three verses again. again. again. Now there was a man of the Pharisees Now there was a man of the Pharisees Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said This man came to Jesus by night and said This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you're a to him, "Rabbi, we know that you're a to him, "Rabbi, we know that you're a teacher come from God, for no one can do teacher come from God, for no one can do teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is these signs that you do unless God is these signs that you do unless God is with him." Jesus answered him, with him." Jesus answered him, with him." Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom is born again, he cannot see the kingdom is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

of God." of God." John, who who wrote this chapter John, who who wrote this chapter John, who who wrote this chapter did not have to tell us that the man did not have to tell us that the man did not have to tell us that the man that came by night was a Pharisee that came by night was a Pharisee that came by night was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. and a ruler of the Jews. and a ruler of the Jews. It would have worked perfect. In fact, It would have worked perfect. In fact, It would have worked perfect. In fact, it might have been from our standpoint it might have been from our standpoint it might have been from our standpoint more perfect had he just said a man came more perfect had he just said a man came more perfect had he just said a man came to Jesus by night and said Jesus we see to Jesus by night and said Jesus we see to Jesus by night and said Jesus we see in you the work of God and Jesus says to in you the work of God and Jesus says to in you the work of God and Jesus says to the man the man the man you must be born again then we'd all you must be born again then we'd all you must be born again then we'd all feel oh just men must be born again. feel oh just men must be born again. feel oh just men must be born again. But but he goes out of his way and he But but he goes out of his way and he But but he goes out of his way and he tells us he's Pharisee. tells us he's Pharisee. tells us he's Pharisee. He's a ruler of the Jews. What's the He's a ruler of the Jews. What's the He's a ruler of the Jews. What's the point? The point is point? The point is point? The point is you don't need religion. you don't need religion. you don't need religion. You need life. You need life. You need life. That's the point. The Pharisees The Pharisees were the most rigorous were the most rigorous were the most rigorous of the Jewish religion. They knew their of the Jewish religion. They knew their of the Jewish religion. They knew their Bibles best. Bibles best. Bibles best. They were most disciplined in their They were most disciplined in their They were most disciplined in their spiritual spiritual spiritual efforts.

efforts. efforts. I fast twice a week. I fast twice a week. I fast twice a week. I haven't committed adultery against my I haven't committed adultery against my I haven't committed adultery against my wife. I don't take the name of the Lord wife. I don't take the name of the Lord wife. I don't take the name of the Lord in vain. I don't steal. I do not kill. I am a Pharisee. I keep the law. kill. I am a Pharisee. I keep the law. God is God is God is supreme. supreme. supreme. So John goes out of his way to say So John goes out of his way to say So John goes out of his way to say that's who came to Jesus and said Jesus that's who came to Jesus and said Jesus that's who came to Jesus and said Jesus we see we see we see God at work in you and Jesus God at work in you and Jesus God at work in you and Jesus just unlike so many of us just unlike so many of us just unlike so many of us beating around the bush forever beating around the bush forever beating around the bush forever just go straight just go straight just go straight for the for the for the juggler juggler juggler and says and says and says Nicodemus you You even see the kingdom of God if you You even see the kingdom of God if you're not born again. you're not born again. you're not born again. I mean that's out of the blue. I mean that's out of the blue. I mean that's out of the blue. He just said something nice about Jesus.

He just said something nice about Jesus. He just said something nice about Jesus. And out of the blue, Jesus just And out of the blue, Jesus just And out of the blue, Jesus just You need to be born again. So, it seems pretty clear to me So, it seems pretty clear to me that that that he's saying, "Nicodemus, your he's saying, "Nicodemus, your he's saying, "Nicodemus, your extraordinary extraordinary extraordinary religious life profits you nothing." If If >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> you're not born again. You don't need >> you're not born again. You don't need >> you're not born again. You don't need religion, you need life. That life is religion, you need life. That life is religion, you need life. That life is what comes, right? When a baby is born, what comes, right? When a baby is born, what comes, right? When a baby is born, that's life. that's life. that's life. Life has come into the world. That's Life has come into the world. That's Life has come into the world. That's what needs to happen to you. You need to what needs to happen to you. You need to what needs to happen to you. You need to be born. A life needs to come into being be born. A life needs to come into being be born. A life needs to come into being in you that isn't there. You're You're in you that isn't there. You're You're in you that isn't there. You're You're dead. Yeah. Now, now Zach uh Yeah. Now, now Zach uh Nicodemus Nicodemus Nicodemus You know what he says? "How can I be You know what he says? "How can I be You know what he says? "How can I be crawl back up into my mother's womb?" crawl back up into my mother's womb?" crawl back up into my mother's womb?" Ah. Ah. Ah. That's ridiculous.

That's ridiculous. That's ridiculous. He's so out of touch. He's so out of touch. He's so out of touch. If he heard what I just said here and he If he heard what I just said here and he If he heard what I just said here and he was standing here, he would say, "Excuse was standing here, he would say, "Excuse was standing here, he would say, "Excuse me? So, Jesus must have a category for the So, Jesus must have a category for the living dead. living dead. living dead. Does he? Does he? Does he? Think of any texts. Luke 9 Luke 9 verse 60 verse 60 verse 60 Man comes to Jesus says, Man comes to Jesus says, Man comes to Jesus says, "I'll follow you wherever you go." And "I'll follow you wherever you go." And "I'll follow you wherever you go." And she First, let me go bury my father. she First, let me go bury my father. she First, let me go bury my father. And Jesus says to him, And Jesus says to him, And Jesus says to him, "Let the dead bury their dead." Hm. Hm. So, there are dead who need to be buried So, there are dead who need to be buried So, there are dead who need to be buried and there are dead who bury them. That's a category of human being in in That's a category of human being in in Jesus' mind, dead living people, living Jesus' mind, dead living people, living Jesus' mind, dead living people, living dead people.

dead people. dead people. Parable of the prodigal son, I love it, Parable of the prodigal son, I love it, Parable of the prodigal son, I love it, don't you? And at the end, And at the end, the father's tears run down his face, the father's tears run down his face, the father's tears run down his face, he's talking to the older brother, he's he's talking to the older brother, he's he's talking to the older brother, he's talking to a Pharisee. talking to a Pharisee. talking to a Pharisee. And he says, And he says, And he says, "Won't you come into the party? "Won't you come into the party? "Won't you come into the party? If you just stand out there boasting in If you just stand out there boasting in If you just stand out there boasting in your service to me for all these years, your service to me for all these years, your service to me for all these years, won't you come into the party? Your son won't you come into the party? Your son won't you come into the party? Your son is home. My son is home. My son who was is home. My son is home. My son who was is home. My son is home. My son who was dead is alive." So he's got a category for living dead So he's got a category for living dead people. So he would look at Nicodemus people. So he would look at Nicodemus people. So he would look at Nicodemus and say, "You just don't get it, and say, "You just don't get it, and say, "You just don't get it, Nicodemus. The reason you don't get it Nicodemus. The reason you don't get it Nicodemus. The reason you don't get it is cuz you're dead. Dead people can't is cuz you're dead. Dead people can't is cuz you're dead. Dead people can't get what I'm saying." You need life. You don't need more You need life. You don't need more religion. religion. religion. You don't need to be a better Catholic You don't need to be a better Catholic You don't need to be a better Catholic or Baptist. or Baptist. or Baptist. It won't do you any good to be a better It won't do you any good to be a better It won't do you any good to be a better Lutheran or Pentecostal or Methodist or Lutheran or Pentecostal or Methodist or Lutheran or Pentecostal or Methodist or Presbyterian. Presbyterian. Presbyterian. >> [snorts] >> You need life >> You need life that you don't have.

that you don't have. that you don't have. And it comes from a birth. And it comes from a birth. And it comes from a birth. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> It comes into being. >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode of Light and Truth, where we [music] are of Light and Truth, where we [music] are of Light and Truth, where we [music] are committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. Dan Cruver. Dan Cruver. On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper continues our 15-part series [music] continues our 15-part series [music] continues our 15-part series [music] Born from Above with a message titled Born from Above with a message titled Born from Above with a message titled The Life Only Jesus Gives. [music] The Life Only Jesus Gives. [music] The Life Only Jesus Gives. [music] I hope you'll join us. I hope you'll join us. I hope you'll join us. For more resources, visit For more resources, visit For more resources, visit desiringgod.org.