John 3 is probably ground zero on this whole issue. Certainly there is no verse more universal known than John 3:16. So let's start small. John 3 opens with Jesus having a clandestine (I presume) chat with Nicodemus, who was a man on the Jewish ruling council. Old St. Nic here really took a chance with this since Jesus was largely seen as directly challenging the Jewish way of life. Still, Nic seems sincere in learning from the Master. Jesus opens with this line:
3 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again. It's interesting that Jesus does NOT say we have to be born again to be saved. He says we have to be born again to SEE the Kingdom of God. Being born again opens our eyes to the truth that is already present before us.
I love the movie The Matrix. In it, there is a hidden world behind the Matrix---one is that is the truth and always present. Neo is born again as he comes to realize that what he knew of the world is a cyber existence. The transition is shocking and painful and comes with great responsibility. Being born again is being willing to accept the Truth behind what we see, to trust and see the Divine Creator continuing to weave and create. Coming into the Kingdom is an act of BEING and SEEING. Later we will see that while the Truth is revealed at no cost whatsoever, that knowing the Truth commands a response.
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