Scripture Reading: John 3:3–5

Introduction

A. We have all heard the story of Ebenezer Scrooge who had a sudden change of heart after a visit from three spirits.

B. The Bible records the true stories of such changes of character, and none is as remarkable as that of Saul of Tarsus.

Discussion

I. Saul truly was born again.

A. Saul had once taken great pride and put much confidence in his physical birth (2 Corinthians 12:22–23; Philippians 3:4–6), but this was no longer the case (Galatians 1:1; 6:14–15).

B. Although pleasing men was once his main purpose in life, his new goal was only to please God (Galatians 1:13–14)

C. When the old Saul was put to death, a brand new one was born (Acts 22:16; Galatians 2:20).

II. Saul wasn’t the only one in need of rebirth.

A. Since all have sinned (Romans 3:23), all have this same need of God’s saving grace (cf. Ephesians 2:1–9).

B. As Jesus told Nicodemus, we must all be born of water and the Spirit (John 3:5; Galatians 3:26–29).

C. Baptism marks the beginning of a new life with Christ (Romans 6:4, 16–18; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

D. Of course, this new life is only possible because of Christ’s resurrection (1 Peter 3:21; Ephesians 1:19–20; 2:4–9; Colossians 2:11–12).

Conclusion

A. If you have the requisite faith in Christ, will you obey His command to put Him on in baptism?

B. If you have forgotten that you were cleansed from your old sins (2 Peter 1:9), why not return to Him today?