YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN

        The term "born again" is a key term that true believers not only understand but have experienced.  However, it is probably foreign and strange to those in today's culture who have no Bible background or experience in evangelical circles.  That was true of a Jewish leader named Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, who met with Jesus at night.  He was puzzled when Jesus said,  "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).  Thinking of a physical birth, Nicodemus rightly said it was impossible (vs. 4). But of course, Jesus was referring to spiritual birth, being born into the family of God by a work of the Holy Spirit, a birth that comes when the individual puts his or her faith in Christ . In order to have spiritual life and enter God's eternal kingdom, it's necessary to be born again (Titus 3:5).  As for Nicodemus, many believe that he may have come to faith and become a follower of Christ. We know he protested the plot against Jesus (John 7:50-51), and after the crucifixion he helped Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus (John 19:38-42). I understand that some historical information outside the Bible suggests that the once wealthy Nicodemus was ostracized and became destitute, likely because of his stand for Christ.  The story of Nicodemus and his encounter with Jesus was the inspiration for William T. Sleeper (1819-1904) to pen the words of this week's hymn choice in 1877.  The music was added by George C. Stebbins.   Stebbins was helping Dr. George Pentecost in evangelistic meetings in Worcester, Massachusetts and  Dr. Pentecost was preaching on the new birth. He shared the story of Nicodemus. Stebbins felt the phrase "Ye must be born again" could be combined with the phrase "verily, verily I say unto you" and with a musical setting could be a setting for a chorus of a hymn.  He approached Sleeper and asked him to write some verses to go with this chorus. Sleeper took the challenge.  Before the meetings closed, Stebbins added the musical setting to the words that Sleeper provided and the new hymn was completed.  And over the years this hymn has been used to convey the message of the Gospel to those who have heard it.  And while this hymn may not be very familiar today, its clear message remains.  The only way to heaven is to be born again through the work of Jesus who makes salvation possible to those who believe.  Have you experienced this free gift of salvation?  Are you born again?

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.

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.

Ye must be born again,

Ye must be born again;

I verily, verily say unto thee,

Ye must be born again."

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.

Ye must be born again,

Ye must be born again;

I verily, verily say unto thee,

Ye must be born again."

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.

Ye must be born again,

Ye must be born again;

I verily, verily say unto thee,

Ye must be born again."

You can listen to it here.  LISTEN