Note 2 at Jn. 3:3: The new birth is essential for entering into the kingdom of God (v. 5). As Jesus explained to Nicodemus, this is not a second physical birth, but rather a spiritual birth. Our spiritual man became dead unto (separated from) God through sin (Rom. 3:23; 6:23; 7:9,11; Eph. 2:1,5). Just as we didn't accomplish our physical birth, we cannot produce this spiritual rebirth. We are totally incapable of saving ourselves (Jer. 13:23; Rom. 3:10-12; 8:7-8; Eph. 2:3); therefore, we need a Savior (Ti. 1:4; 2:13; 3:4,6). We simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and we are saved (Acts 16:31). Faith is the only condition (Rom. 3:28; 10:6-9). Faith alone saves. However, saving faith is never alone. As stated in James 2:17-18, "faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone . . . shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." Salvation is not a reformation, but rather a regeneration, a new birth, a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), that can only be accomplished by a creative miracle of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 1:13; 3:5).

Note 3 at Jn. 3:3: Throughout Jesus' earthly ministry, the Jews kept looking for Jesus to establish a physical kingdom here on the earth and deliver them from the oppression of the Romans (Dan. 7:13-14,27; Lk. 17:20; Acts 1:6). Although at Jesus' second coming, the kingdom of God will physically rule over the nations of the earth (Mt. 25:31-46; Rev.11:15; 20:4), Jesus' kingdom is spiritually established by His Word and not carnal weapons (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Jesus said, "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation . . .behold, the kingdom of God is within you" (Lk. 17:20-21). Paul says we are already in the kingdom of God (Col. 1:13). The kingdom of God is therefore Christ's "invisible church," His body, which was begun during His earthly ministry and is still ruling the hearts of men today. To be a part of His church (Rom. 12:5; Eph. 1:22-23), you must be born again.