John 3:16, America's Favorite Bible Verse, And What Does Born Again Mean.

Now, all men are born sinners and for this sin, they are already condemned to death and hell (John 3:18-20). You've told a lie, taken something that wasn't yours, and desired others physically that don't belong to you. These are examples of your sin.

Following the rules (God's law) cannot save your soul from eternal damnation: "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." - Galatians 2:16.

"...for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." To be justified, and found not guilty, you must be a joint heir with Jesus Christ to His kingdom. We'll come back to this, but according to John 3:16, Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. Therefore, He alone is the inheritor of the kingdom of God.

Being a good person doesn't get you into heaven. "For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not." - Ecclesiastes 7:20. Regardless of how good or just you are, you're still a sinner.

Neither can religion save you. Perhaps the most religious people to ever exist were those who followed God's Old Covenant religious ceremonies. "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins." - Hebrews 10:4. But the blood of a million bulls and goats could only temporarily suspend the wrath of God but could never save a soul.

So, following the law can't save you, being a good person can't save you, and joining a religion can't save you.

Hang in there, this is going somewhere.

You have an appointment with death, a day ordained by God in which you will meet Him and be found guilty of your sin. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" - Hebrews 9:27.
When you're found guilty, and you are guilty, you will be cast into the lake of fire which is the eternal punishment for sin. "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." Revelation 20:14.
You will suffer what is called the second death, eternal death.

Now, to John 3:16.

But God so loved the world "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." - John 3:15-17.

Jesus didn't come to condemn world because as John 3:18-20 says, because all men, including you, are already condemned. So, Jesus came to pay your sin debt for you, because He loves you. He was crucified, and tortured to death, having all of the wrath of God you deserve poured out on Him. He took your sin and became your sin. God made Jesus Christ to be sin for you so that you might be made holy by faith. "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Jesus Christ was perfect and without sin, the only perfect sacrifice (not bulls and goats) to bring in the New Covenant in His blood.

Now, about being born again. In John chapter 3, Jesus is talking to a man who is completely reliant on his religion, his family heritage (bloodline), and being a petty good rule follower. This man, Nicodemus, thought he was just fine with God. But in John 3:3, Jesus tells him that he must be born again. Not by the power of human flesh (as in the first birth - when a woman's water breaks) or anything else on earth, but born again by the Holy Spirit of God (John 3:4-7) On this point see also John 1:12-13.

Here's John 3:3, "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"

"A man" any man cannot see God's kingdom as a beloved son of God with Christ, unless he is born anew by the Spirit of God Almighty. You must be made a son of God with Jesus. A new birth by the Spirit of God is necessary to be a joint heir with Christ to the kingdom, heaven, and eternal life.

But how? Remember, not your good works, not the rules, and not your religion.

Only God can forgive your sin. He does this if you accept that you're a sinner, condemned to hell and that God has the power and authority to judge you guilty. But, also, that He has the power and authority to show mercy on you because His Son, Jesus Christ, already paid your sin debt. If you believe, this moment of faith by trusting in Christ, is the second birth. You should talk directly with God about this.

"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:17-18

The preaching of the cross is foolishness to those yet dead in their trespasses and sins. But unto us who are born anew by the Spirit of God, it is the power of God.

Frens, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is non-negotiable. It's not up for debate or open to various understandings. It's not merely one religious point of view among many that may also be valid; no, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of our Lord and Saviour. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth...” - Romans 1:16

The Gospel is straightforward; thusly put forth in its simplicity of manner here: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

If there is no final sacrifice by the only begotten Son of God for your sins, then you remain a walking dead man, the wrath of God abiding on you. There is no forgiveness of sin if Christ wasn't crucified; there is no salvation from death and hell if Christ be not raised again from the dead. “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” - 1 Corinthians 15:17

For Almighty Father God ordained it and appointed the day for Christ to offer himself in final atonement. His dear Son was freely given to deliver His own life in exchange for yours that you might go free: “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” - Jesus Christ (John 10:18).

There's no dispute, no nuance of interpretation, no alternative opinions, no subtlety of doctrine on the matter; without the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, you will never see the promise of life everlasting that was made by the Father before the world began.

There is one sure hope, and only one; please, I beseech you by the mercies of God that you put all of your faith in Jesus Christ.

Serving Christ is the hardest thing you'll ever do. You were made for this; it's why God saved you, and it's your mission in the Kingdom of God.

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” - James 1:22

Millions of Christians are sitting in church week after week, hearing the word of God but are not sure what to do.

"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" - Jesus Christ, in Luke 6:46

You may not know what our Lord says Christians should do. Or, you may have some ideas but require specific details to act upon. Well, these short posts show you how to put Christianity into action according to the word of God. These four things are what every disciple of Jesus Christ is instructed to carry out while we anticipate His return.

Essential Christian Instruction, Parts One through Five

One: https://www.captainsjournal.com/2022/03/01/essential-christian-instruction-part-one/
Two: https://www.captainsjournal.com/2022/03/01/essential-christian-instruction-part-two/
Three: https://www.captainsjournal.com/2022/03/02/essential-christian-instruction-part-three/
Four: https://www.captainsjournal.com/2022/03/03/essential-christian-instruction-part-four/
Five: https://www.captainsjournal.com/2022/03/04/essential-chri