Perhaps the most current, tangible, widespread and ongoing evidence of the truth and power contained in the message of the Bible is the transformation experienced by every believer. It is described therein, by Yeshua Himself in a conversation with Nicodemus, a zealous religious leader who admitted to Yeshua, ” ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.’ Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’ ” (John 3: 2-3). In this verbal exchange Yeshua expounds on the transformation that begins with being born again, even as Nicodemus expresses his failure to understand each aspect disclosed to him. Nicodemus was himself a teacher who should have understood that certain realities can only be understood in their conceptual framework. For example, Truth, Love, Faith, and Courage, can not be picked up and handled or dismantled physically. Even certain physical aspects of nature require conceptual analysis, such as air, gasses, gravity, and light. Therefore, undergoing a spiritual birth, being “born again”, is real albeit intangible. The Believer understands through experience it is as though you become a new person. (2 Cor. 5: 17).

Next, Yeshua touches upon the promise foretold in scripture. “Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.’ ” (v. 5). This spiritual infusion was prophesied by Ezekiel, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36: 26). John the Baptist preached this message about the coming of the Messiah and alerted Israel at that time that the prophecy would be fulfilled by Yeshua. (John 1: 33). When a believer is filled with the Holy Spirit there is a new dimension of power and life released within by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Yeshua illustrated to Nicodemus what the Spirit-filled life was like, replying, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” The Spirit moves within, upon, and around the Believer in a mysterious unseen manner, but with effect and demonstration. An explosion of vision, understanding and authority come with the Spirit’s presence. The scriptures are filled with acts, (tangible and intangible), directed, accomplished, and explained by the dynamic release of Holy Spirit among the congregation of Believers. Yeshua said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1: 8).

Finally, Yeshua explained how these characteristics of Salvation’s work upon the Believer would be inconceivable to the world and the lost soul. He said, “Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.” (v. 11). It is virtually impossible to describe light to a person who has never seen. However, there is hope for every living person, because today still remains the “Day of Salvation”. It appears that the Nicodemus story ends well as he defended Yeshua, brought spices for his burial and it was mentioned that many of the leaders subsequently became believers. It’s not suprising that a sincere encounter with the Supreme, Son of God, King of Kings, Messiah would result in blessing and a life changing event – it happened to me.