June 28, 2019 (Friday)
In the fall of 1976 Newsweek Magazine’s cover featured the Biblical words, “Born Again.” That was more than 42 years ago.
The words made the cover because a secular world does not understand what they mean. Just like Nicodemus, member of the Jewish Sanhedrin to whom Jesus spoke the words, many people find the terminology strange and unusual. The expression, “born again,” however, is as old as the New Testament.
October 25, 1976 Cover of Newsweek
Nicodemus, in response to hearing these words from Jesus, responded by asking, “Do you mean a person must enter his mother’s womb and be born again?” Jesus replied, “What I am telling you so earnestly is this: Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. Men can only reproduce human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven; so don’t be surprised at my statement that you must be born again! (John 3:5-7 TLB). “Born of water” described physical birth; “born of the Spirit” described spiritual birth.
The Christian life is a brand new life in Christ. “When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 TLB).
Ye Must Be Born Again
Author: William T. Sleeper
Composer: George C. Stebbins
1 A ruler once came to Jesus by night
To ask Him the way of salvation and light;
The Master made answer in words true and plain,
“Ye must be born again.”
Chorus:
“Ye must be born again,
Ye must be born again;
I verily, verily say unto thee,
Ye must be born again.”
2 Ye children of men, attend to the word
So solemnly uttered by Jesus the Lord;
And let not this message to you be in vain,
“Ye must be born again.” (Chorus)
3 O ye who would enter that glorious rest,
And sing with the ransomed the song of the blest;
The life everlasting if ye would obtain,
“Ye must be born again.” (Chorus)
4 A dear one in heaven thy heart yearns to see
At the beautiful gate may be watching for thee
Then list to the note of this solemn refrain,
Ye must be born again. (Chorus)
Author: William T. Sleeper
Composer: George C. Stebbins
1 A ruler once came to Jesus by night
To ask Him the way of salvation and light;
The Master made answer in words true and plain,
“Ye must be born again.”
Chorus:
“Ye must be born again,
Ye must be born again;
I verily, verily say unto thee,
Ye must be born again.”
2 Ye children of men, attend to the word
So solemnly uttered by Jesus the Lord;
And let not this message to you be in vain,
“Ye must be born again.” (Chorus)
3 O ye who would enter that glorious rest,
And sing with the ransomed the song of the blest;
The life everlasting if ye would obtain,
“Ye must be born again.” (Chorus)
4 A dear one in heaven thy heart yearns to see
At the beautiful gate may be watching for thee
Then list to the note of this solemn refrain,
Ye must be born again. (Chorus)