From the opening verses of John's Gospel, we've been invited to behold Jesus, the eternal word, who was with God, who was God, and through whom all things were made. We've seen him revealed as life and light, the one who dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. But as Jesus sits across from Nicodemus under the cover of night, the question comes into sharp focus. What does it mean to truly know God? In this episode, Pastor Harry Burns opens John chapter 3 and helps us to see that salvation is not born of our effort, but from above, by the Spirit of God alone. The challenge of unbelief, the assurance of grace, and the evidence of eternal life are all laid before us. So here's Pastor Harry Barns with today's teaching.

Hello, and welcome again to the Takeaway. I'm your host, Pastor Harry Barns. And over the past few episodes, we've journeyed through John's prologue and the early ministry of Jesus, seeing him revealed as the eternal word, the true light, the Lamb of God, and the Son who makes the Father known. And now as we turn to John chapter 3, we step into a nighttime conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a religious leader searching for truth. And in this conversation, Jesus makes it clear, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again, which literally means born from above. So let's begin by reading John chapter 3, verses 1 to 21. As you listen, I want to encourage you to follow along in your Bible or simply close your eyes and let the word of God speak to your heart. Notice how every verse points us toward Jesus, the one who came from above to give new life. Let's begin. Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him. Nicodemus comes at night. This is not just a detail of time, but it's a symbol of spiritual darkness. And Jesus answered him, Truly, truly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Now the phrase here, born again, in Greek also means born from above. Jesus is pointing Nicodemus to a spiritual birth that only God can give. And Nicodemus said to him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born? And Nicodemus misunderstands what Jesus is saying here. He thinks only in physical terms. And Jesus answered him, Truly, truly I say to you, unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Water and the spirit. This echoes Ezekiel chapter 36, where God promises to cleanse his people and give them a new heart and spirit. Jesus is saying, human birth gives human life, but only the spirit gives spiritual life. So he says, Do not marvel that I said to you, you must be born again. The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. Now here Jesus compares the Spirit to the wind. And just as the wind is sovereign and unstoppable, so the Spirit moves freely. New birth is God's work, not man's. And Nicodemus said to him, How can these things be? Jesus answered him, Are you the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? So Nicodemus, a scholar of the law, had missed the heart of it, that salvation is God's gift, not man's achievement. Jesus says, Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. So here Jesus points to his unique authority. He alone has come from heaven and has the authority to speak of heavenly realities. And as Moses lifted up the servant in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. This here looks back to Numbers chapter twenty-one, where those bitten by serpents lived when they looked at the bronze serpent. In the same way, eternal life comes by looking to Christ crucified. He continues on, for God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Now, here is the gospel in its purest form. God's motive is love, his gift is his son, his purpose is salvation. John 3 16 has been called the heart of the Bible, the gospel in a single sentence. It is the most quoted and preached verse in all of Scripture because it summarizes the entire redemptive story of God. In one breath, it declares his love, his sacrifice, and his promise of eternal life. Generations of believers have clung to this verse because it speaks of the depth of God's love and the simplicity of his invitation. To believe in his son and be saved. God's love is seen so vividly here that many stop there and miss the larger picture, that his love flows out of and ultimately magnifies his glory. Glory does not lessen his love, it displays it in full. This truth reminds us that the love of God and the glory of God are never in competition. They are one beautiful reality revealed in Jesus Christ. And here lies the invitation that makes this love personal. Whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life. This single verse is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It's the truth that has carried the gospel around the world for centuries, from pulpits to street corners, whispered prayers to mission fields. It continues to proclaim that God loved, God gave, and God saves. And the verse that follows completes the picture. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. The same love that moved the Father to send the Son also moves the Son to seek and save the lost. Together, these verses reveal a Savior who came not to judge first, but to redeem. So that through him the world might find life. Now, continuing in verse 18, we read, Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in this name of this only Son of God. And this is the judgment. The light has come into the world, and people love the darkness rather than the light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his work should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clear, clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God. So unbelief is not passive, it is active love of darkness. Belief, by contrast, is evidence of God's Spirit bringing us into the light. So let's take a closer look at what Jesus said together when we look at Nicodemus. Nicodemus, with all his knowledge, was still blind to the truth. Like so many of us, he thought he understood, yet missed what only the Spirit can reveal. Human birth produces human life, but spiritual birth must come from above. John already told us in chapter one that salvation is not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. We are powerless to bring about this new birth. It is a divine work of grace. The problem of fleshly birth exposes our inability. But here's the good news the answer to unbelief is found entirely in Christ. Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so Jesus would be lifted up on the cross. Eternal life is not earned by effort or religion, but received through faith. And this is a faith given by the Spirit of God Himself. And finally, we see the results of unbelief. Jesus makes it clear that those who reject him remain condemned, enslaved to darkness, and opposed to truth. It's a sobering truth, yet one that magnifies the grace of God who brings light into our darkness. Those who believe are set free, brought into the light, and made new by the power of the Spirit. Picture with me a courtroom. Man stands on trial, presenting his case that he has some ability within himself to reach God. The defense argues that provenient grace gives man the power to choose. Now, for those unfamiliar with the term, provenient grace is the idea that God gives every single person just enough grace to be able to choose or reject him on their own. It teaches that man's will, though weakened, can still respond to God apart from being made new. But the evidence is opened and scripture testifies against us. Ephesians 2 says we were by nature children of wrath. Romans 3 declares, none is righteous. No, not one. No one understands, no one seeks for God. If provenient grace were true, man would never be fully under wrath. Yet the Bible says we are. If provenient grace were true, man would always retain the ability to seek God. Yet the Bible says no one does. So, Your Honor, the case collapses. Every attempt of man to justify himself through law, works, or intellect fails under the weight of God's holiness. There is no defense left. The only hope we have is this that God Himself intervenes, that He gives grace from above, that He causes us to be born again, and here mercy meets justice, because in the very place where judgment is deserved, God pours out His compassion. The gavel that should fall on us falls instead on His Son, so that grace and mercy triumph together. Jesus Christ stands at the center of all hope. He is not only the judge who declares mercy, but the Savior who took our place, bore our sin, and rose to give us new life. As John chapter 4, verse 42 later says, We know that this is indeed the Savior of the world. And that is exactly what he has done. The judge himself has declared mercy. He gave his son, he lifted him up on the cross, he poured out his spirit to bring dead hearts to life. The result for those who believe, not condemnation, but joy, not wrath, but eternal life, not fear, but assurance. And so we rest today in this truth. Salvation is not of us, it is of him. And because he finished the work, we can rest secure. As Hebrews 10 14 reminds us, for by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Salvation, then, must be seen as the total work of God from beginning to end. Scripture teaches that even the command to repent and believe is not proof of human ability. It is a divine summons that reveals our inability and points us to the one who alone makes faith possible. Romans chapter 1, verses 19 to 21 reminds us that what we can what can be known about God is plain to all, for he has shown it in creation. Yet mankind, through seeing his eternal power and divine nature, did not honor him as God or give thanks to him. Instead, we suppress the truth in unrighteousness. Romans 2 14 to 15 tells us that even those without the written law show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness. But rather than follow that inner compass, we rebel to fulfill our own desires. Ephesians 2 1 declares, you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked. This is dead, not wounded, unable, not willing. You we could not respond unless God Himself first acted. So why the command to repent and believe? Because it reveals what we cannot do, so that we will see the glory of the one who can. God's command exposes sin. His grace transforms the sinner. Romans 3 20 says, Though through the law comes knowledge of sin. But in the very next verses, Paul writes, But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. The command reveals sin, grace provides the remedy. All of it displays his glory. He is both the author and perfecter of our faith, Hebrews 12.2. Our continued struggle with sin after salvation is a constant reminder that we neither, that neither saved ourselves, nor could we ever keep ourselves by our own choice. If even a small portion of our salvation depended on us, our pride would boast in our supposed wisdom and righteousness. But Scripture silences every boast. Ephesians 2, 8 to 9 reminds us, for by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing. It is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Therefore, as it is written, let the one who boasts boast in the Lord. This is the beauty of God's design. His command reveals sin, his grace redeems, and his glory is the purpose of it all. Every other framework leaves man with something to claim. Only this one leaves us falling on our knees before a sovereign savior, worshiping the God who both commands and completes our salvation. Take a moment and let that truth settle deep into your heart. Every time you read Scripture, whether it's the law, the Psalms, the prophets, or the Gospels, remember this framework. His command reveals sin. His grace redeems. And his glory is the purpose of it all. This is the lens through which we understand all of God's word. When you read his commands, see them as mirrors that reveal your need for grace. When you encounter his grace, let it point you upward to his glory. And when you behold his glory, worship him with a heart that rests in what he has already done. This is how the whole of Scripture comes alive and leads us back to Jesus. The one who fulfills every command, offers every grace, and reveals all glory. Now, Nicodemus could not see these truths for the same reason none of us can until God opens our eyes. Though he was a teacher of Israel, his understanding was darkened. Like every man and woman born in the flesh, he needed the Spirit to bring light into the darkness of his heart. Only when God breathes life into a dead soul does it awaken to the wickedness within and the glory of the Savior. You may ask, What can I do then if I have no power to do anything? The answer is both simple and profound. You are responsible. Scripture makes that clear. You must repent. But because you must does not mean you can unless God grants you the ability. If you feel conviction, if you sense your need for forgiveness, that is already the Spirit's work in you. Respond to Him. Repent. If you are willing, confess your sins, turn from your wicked ways, and follow Jesus. That willingness is the first evidence that you have been born from above. For as 1 Corinthians 12.3 says, no one can say Jesus is Lord except in the Holy Spirit. Then to confirm that you have been born again of God's Spirit, obey the next command that follows the first. Repent and be baptized. Acts 2.38. The first repentance is what happens in you. The second baptism is what happens because of what God has done in you. Jesus said in Luke 6.46, Why do you call me Lord, Lord and not do what I tell you? The evidence of genuine faith is obedience. Baptism becomes that first outward step of obedience, assuring your heart that God has truly begun his work in you. There is no need to delay or hesitate. If you believe and call him Lord, then obey him and be baptized. After that, spend the rest of your life following him, imitating him, and trusting him to complete what he began in you. Philippians 1 6. So where does this leave those who don't believe? Do they have a choice? Absolutely they do. They have a choice, but again, it's not about merely having the choice. It's about the ability to make it. Some will say, well, that's not fair. If not all are saved, then God must not love all. So we invent concepts like free will to picture God as the loving God we imagine in our minds, hoping to keep him from being responsible for sending anyone to hell. But Scripture makes clear that God does not desire that any should perish, 2 Peter 3.9. He doesn't send people to hell because he doesn't want to save all.3 says, we were by children by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. All our sins were under his wrath. No one is spared from it. We all deserve hell. We don't want a fair God. We want a merciful, gracious one. If he were fair, we would all get wrath. But because of the great love with which he loved us, he sent his son so that whoever believes would be saved. Ephesians 2, 4 to 5. All, everyone, all have the choice before them, but only the elect believe. Romans 8, 29 to 30 says, For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined, to be conformed to the image of his son. And those whom he predestined, he also called, and those whom he called, he also justified, and those whom he justified, he also glorified. God calls, predestines, and chooses before the foundation of the world, Ephesians 1, 4 to 6. So the big question becomes: if Jesus died for all, why aren't all saved? If God loves all, why doesn't he save all? Does that mean God lacks the ability? No. God indeed has the ability. God indeed loves the world. But love and election operate according to his divine wisdom, not our limited reasoning. This is not a matter of God's inability, but of his will being fulfilled perfectly according to his purpose and for his glory. Whether one argues for human choice or divine election, both positions still face the same reality. Not all are saved. The problem arises when we define God's love from human terms and reshape him into our own image. Yes, God is love, but his ultimate motive is not love alone. It is his glory. God desires all to be saved, but his will, his sovereign purpose, places his own glory first. Look at Romans 9, 22 to 23. What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory, even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles. This offends our natural man, centered thinking, because we start with ourselves instead of with God. Isaiah 43:7 declares that we were created for his glory. God's love for his glory is not prideful or self-centered. It is holy, perfect, and true. Out of his love for himself, he created a people to reflect that glory. Some vessels display his mercy, others his justice, and together they reveal the fullness of his divine nature. Yet our sinful hearts resist this truth. We constantly react or recreate God into what we want him to be instead of submitting to who he is. But when we yield to his will and live for his glory, we finally enter into the fullness of his joy because we are living as we were created to live, reflecting his glory through worship and spirit and truth. John 4, 23 to 24. This gospel offends many. Not because it isn't true, but because it is. It requires us to reject everything about ourselves and accept everything about him. Deep down, humanity craves autonomy, the right to choose whether we love God or sin. But scripture is clear. By nature we love sin, John 3.19. We only love God because he first loved us, 1 John 4.19. He made it possible for us to love him in the first place. At the heart of it all is our rejection of God and the grace revealed in the face of Jesus Christ that saves us for his glory. He shows us his greatness because there is nothing better he could give than himself. Until you realize that he is your everything, you will struggle to find peace. Only when you see that you were created for his glory and saved by his grace will your heart finally rest in the one who is both just and the justifier of all who believe. Romans 3 26. And that leads to another question many people ask that often weighs heavily on our hearts. What about those we love who do not yet believe? Even those who affirm human freedom still pray for God to save the lost. Because deep down we know salvation is his work. If our choice alone could secure salvation, prayer would be powerless. Persuasion would be our only tool. But since God is sovereign and able to change hearts, prayer becomes the most powerful act of love we can offer. It's not our convincing that saves, but Christ in us who proclaims his gospel through our words, our actions, and love. So keep praying for those you love. Trust that the same Spirit who brought you from death to life can open their eyes as well. Yes, God has chosen those who will be saved from before time began, as Ephesians 1.4 says, even as he chose us in him before the foundations of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. But we do not know who they are. What we do know is that he alone saves and graciously allows us to participate in his redeeming work. And he invites us into that process, both to receive the gift and to take part in sharing it. He does not exclude us from his work on either end. Instead, he comes alongside us so that both salvation and proclamation are possible in and through us because he lives in us. It doesn't get any more beautiful than that. As 2 Peter 1, 3 to 4 reminds us, his divine power is granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature. The fullness of his deity dwells in us through Christ, making this partnership possible. Think of Nicodemus one more time. He came to Jesus by night, confused and searching, yet later we find him stepping into the light to help prepare Jesus' body for burial in John 19 39. Somewhere between those two moments, his eyes were opened. And that's the same journey God offers each of us. From darkness to light, from confusion to clarity, from striving to rest, the Spirit moves where he wills. And when he breathes new life, the heart that once resisted now rejoices. So let the story of Nicodemus remind you: no matter how long you've walked in the dark, the light of the world still calls you to come and believe. Now, before we go, I want to speak to those who may feel this message stirring something deep inside. If you sense God drawing you, if you have questions, need prayer, or simply want someone to talk with, please reach out using the text us link in the episode description. When you write, please include your first name and an email address or phone number so we can contact you and follow up personally. We'd love to pray with you and help you take your next steps in faith. You don't have to walk this journey alone. Let us stand with you and point you to the one who gives life from above. Let's pray. Father God, thank you so much for your word. Thank you for Jesus, who is your word, who became flesh, so that we can see him and see you in him. That if we know him, we know you, God, that we can understand the grace that you poured out for us. That we didn't do anything of ourselves, God. It was all you, and it's all for your glory, and that you are inviting us into that. Our prayers are powerful. What if people aren't being saved because we're not praying? You invite us into active participation to pray that the lost may be saved. You are calling the harvesters into the harvest. It starts with our prayers, God. I pray for our listeners today that they would hear this truth, that they would look over these scriptures and see this for themselves. They would get on their hands and knees and pray and beg to you, God, to save the lost, to redeem us, sanctify us, and help us to walk through our sinful natures, that we may be holy as you are, holy God. Help us do what only you can do, Father. All for your glory, that we may enjoy you forever and ever in Jesus' name. Amen. Now, as always, I want to thank you for joining us today. And I hope this episode has helped you take a step closer in your relationship with Jesus and that you now have a deeper understanding of just how much God loves you and wants you to know Him. It's our desire that this ministry be a tool to reach the loss, to pray with the searching, and to equip the saints for a life that brings glory to God. In our next episode, we'll continue in John chapter 3 as John the Baptist reminds us, he must increase, but I must decrease. We'll explore what it looks like to live a life that points away from self and toward Christ. Until then, God bless, and we'll see you next time on The Takeaway.