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The Youth’s Instructor

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September 2, 1897

“Ye Must Be Born Again”

Part 1.

EGW

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” YI September 2, 1897, par. 1

Nicodemus held a high position of trust in the Jewish nation. He was highly educated, and possessed talents of no ordinary character. With others, he had been stirred by the teaching of Jesus of Galilee. Though rich, learned, and honored, he had been strangely attracted by the humble Nazarene. The lessons, so new and strange, which had fallen from the lips of this teacher had greatly impressed him; and he resolved to seek Jesus, that he might learn more of these wonderful truths. YI September 2, 1897, par. 2

But he did not visit Jesus by day; it would have been too humiliating for a ruler of the Jews to acknowledge himself in sympathy with a teacher as yet so little known. Learning by special inquiry where Jesus would be likely to retire for the night, he waited till the city was hushed in slumber, and then sought him. YI September 2, 1897, par. 3

“Rabbi,” he said, “we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” By speaking of Christ's rare gifts as a teacher, and also of his wonderful power to perform miracles, he hoped to pave the way for his interview. But in his infinite wisdom, Christ saw before him a seeker after truth. He knew the real object of the visit, and with a desire to deepen the conviction already resting upon his listener's mind, he came directly to the point, saying, solemnly yet kindly, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” YI September 2, 1897, par. 4

This was a very humiliating statement to Nicodemus, and with a feeling of irritation, he took up the words of Christ, saying, “How can a man be born when he is old?” But the Saviour did not meet argument with argument. Raising his hand with solemn, quiet dignity, he pressed the truth home with greater assurance: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” YI September 2, 1897, par. 5

Some gleams of truth penetrated the ruler's mind. As he stood before Jesus, the softening, subduing influence of the words of the Saviour shone into his mind and impressed his heart. Yet he did not fully understand the message. Amazed at the thought of a kingdom so pure that he could have no part in it unless he became a new man, he said, wonderingly, “How can these things be?” “Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?” Jesus asked. Surely one entrusted with sacred responsibilities in connection with the people of God should not be ignorant of truths so important. His words conveyed the lesson that instead of feeling irritated over the plain words of truth, Nicodemus should have a very humble opinion of himself because of his spiritual ignorance. Yet Christ spoke with such solemn dignity, and both look and tone expressed such earnest love, that Nicodemus was not offended as he realized his humiliating position. YI September 2, 1897, par. 6

In this memorable interview, Christ laid down principles of the greatest importance to every one. He defined the terms of salvation in clear terms, and emphasized the necessity for a new life. Christ showed that if a man would be a blessing in this world, and be counted worthy to take part in the joys of the future life, he must be born again,—born by the divine Spirit, which changes our wicked hearts, giving us instead a pure heart, a virtuous character, and a willing obedience to the requirements of God. To every one who names the name of Christ, who has decided to follow the meek and lowly Jesus, just as truly as to the Jewish ruler, these words are addressed, “Ye must be born again.” If they are received and heeded, they will be as a light shining in a dark place, guiding the inquiring soul into perfect day. YI September 2, 1897, par. 7

Mrs. E. G. White