Could anyone be born again during Jesus Ministry on Earth
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Dear Pastor Chris, Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again. Could anyone actually be born again while Jesus was still on the earth?
It is a sharper question than it first appears, and the answer opens up the whole meaning of the new birth.
The new birth required the finished work
When Jesus spoke with Nicodemus, He was describing something that was still ahead. The new birth is a participation in the resurrection life of Christ — and He had not yet died or been raised.
That is why the Spirit had not yet been given
John tells us plainly that the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
What changed at the resurrection
After the resurrection He breathed on them and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." From that moment the new birth was available — and it has been available to every man since.
