Being Born Again (The Basics)

The Savior declared that we must be “born again” (John 3:3). Review John 3:1–8; Mosiah 5:7. Then respond in writing to the following questions and instructions:

• What is the difference between “seeing” the kingdom of God and “entering” the kingdom of God?
      -Seeing the kingdom of God means the Holy Ghost has worked within a person to bring about a “change of heart.” Entering the kingdom of God involves participating in the ordinances of the gospel. Seeing involves the change of heart and entering means following a righteous course.
  
  
• What did Jesus Christ teach Nicodemus that he must do to enter the kingdom of God?
      -He had to be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
  
  
• What does it mean to be “born of water?”
      -Being born of water means being baptized by immersion.
  
  
• Read Moses 6:59 and list ways that baptism is a symbol of rebirth. Read Romans 6:4 and list how baptism can be a symbol of death.
      -Water, blood, and the Spirit are part of being born into this world. Likewise, baptism involves being immersed in water, receiving the Holy Spirit, and being cleansed by the blood of Christ. During baptism we are placed under the water much as someone is placed in the ground at death. As we come out of the water, we are being made wholly clean and beginning a new life. This is much the same as being placed in a grave and then becoming new at the time of resurrection.
  
  
• What does it mean to be “born of the Spirit?”
      -Born of the Spirit means receiving the Holy Ghost.
  
  
• What natural element does the Lord compare with the Spirit? Why is it an effective comparison?
      -The Lord compares the Spirit to the wind. He says that we are certain the wind blows, yet it is something we cannot see. So it is with the Spirit. The Spirit is real, and speaks to men, but we cannot see it. This is a good comparison because the wind is a very tangible example for those who don’t understand the Spirit. One wouldn’t deny that wind exists, even though it is something that is only felt. Then why should one doubt the Spirit is real when it too can be felt but not seen?

Review John 3:14–17, 35–36. Write a paragraph that describes who the Father loves, what He has done to show his love for his children and for Jesus Christ, what the purpose of the Savior was, and what blessings will come to those who accept the Son.
    -God loves the world, in other words, all of mankind. This perfect love is shown to us through the sacrifice of His chosen Son, Jesus Christ. Christ is the most beloved of the Father and thus He was entrusted with the authority and the power to be the Savior of the world. He came to the earth as an example and to atone for man so we can be worthy before God. Those who accept the Son can be saved through His atonement and, by living righteously, receive the blessing of eternal life.