June 24, 2025

What kind of “new birth” is this? When Yeshua [Jesus] was beginning His earthly ministry, some folks noticed that He was no ordinary man, and His speaking with authority was troublesome to the establishment, so much so that one “ruler” of the Jews sought Him out discretely because he feared the “establishment Jews” would ostracize him if he was seen with Him. Lets look at the Biblical record of this, John Chapter 3:

“There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”

10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? 11 Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” jn 3:1-21 nkjv

I think this is a watershed moment… Yeshua is telling a “ruler” of the Jews, that he being a teacher of Israel should know these things… a powerful pivotal point for those who ask if Jews have to be saved [born again in Yeshua]… from the plain reading of the text, I would say yes they do. ALL of mankind must enter into the Kingdom through one gate [faith in Yeshua], that the Bible makes clear.

I have heard a lot of discussion, read many written theological opinions, and seen a considerable amount of disagreement about this, some in the form of “who is Israel,” and recently, who is the seed of Abraham… namely as Paul writes here:

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” gal 3:26-29 nkjv

In Paul’s time, there was much disagreement concerning theological thinking… just as there is today. For example, if you listen to some, they equate modern geopolitical Israel with the Israel of the Bible… to that I have some agreement and some disagreement… I’ll not try to confuse you [and myself] elaborating on that issue… but, given global nations conflict, about which Yeshua said, there would be [wars and rumors of wars], the identity of some people and their background handlers makes the determination of who is who much more difficult. Consider this, words of Yeshua:

“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” rev 2:9 nkjv   And,

“Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.” rev 3:9 nkjv

Why did not Nicodemus know what Yeshua was talking about… if He, a ruler and teacher of Israel was confused, who confused him… My guess would be the works of men, who were deceived by the same devil that confused Adam/Eve, because Yeshua would not have expected him to know if it were not possible to believe the Torah [and the Prophets] and their foretelling of His coming… and the understanding of the new birth.

The same theological confusion exist in the definition of the “seed” of Abraham. As from Biblical context, we can see Abraham had many offspring… but only the “promised” seed [earthly] seed was Isaac, not Ishmael, his firstborn, whom the Islamic clans claim have first rights to Abrahamic status. And Paul tells us that Abraham’s seed was Christ.  Gal 3:16   Most orthodox Jews reject this today, and historically, as clearly noted in the arguments the Pharisees and Sadducees had with Yeshua. Now when one studies the “seed/seeds” as referring to such passages, it really matters about context, who is addressed and what is to be promised, etc. I will leave this mysterious discussion, simply with what I consider the way to understanding… study the Word carefully and listen to the Holy Spirit’s counsel, as theological entanglements will drive you in circles. A likely plan of the devil as well.

Now let me come to the points of the above… Judy and I were watching a very interesting conversation [somewhat of a debate at times] between Senator Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson, on the Tucker Carlson network on our internet TV. First, I respect both these men, and I think in the general and broad sense, as best they can, they try to understand the complex issues of life and civil governance, and try to pursue positive and ethical remedies to humanity’s needs. That said, I suggest neither of them are qualified to explain or elaborate on Biblical matters, accurately, as they fumbled through the complex subject of Israel and “who” Israel is… namely as it relates to the US being involved in Israel’s wars with their neighbors. It would be worth your time to look it up and watch it.

Here is the key take away from this message. The devil is the father of lies, from the beginning. The “last days” we live in are fraught with misinformation and outright lies and distortions in the news sources. Yeshua warned us that deceptions in the last days would be brutal, even if possible that the very elect would be deceived. Even worse, so much of “preaching” and church doctrine is faulty and often intentionally presented… who do you think is behind that? With the coming of more influence from AI (artificial intelligence) and more atheistic tendencies in our society, truth is hard to find. Truth is the only way into the safe-house of Yahweh’s plans for us. The heading scripture says, “...having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever…” Here we are back to the “seed” issue. The Sanctifying power of the Torah seed, the forever faithful Yeshua as our High Priest making intersession for us at the right hand of Yahweh, and with the Holy Spirit’s faithful counsel, we have “incorruptible” truth if we will embrace it and remember, not be like Nicodemus who was a good man deceived by bad influence. Yeshua’s answer to him is also Yeshua’s answer to us as well… it is always the answer.

So, as things in our world boil over, especially concerning Israel, be careful how you make your decisions as to “who” Israel is and is not. Yahweh’s covenant with Biblical Israel is irrevocable, I think the only certain Israel [distinguishable today] is the Land itself; I use caution as I observe the players. The devil’s last stand will be to try to keep the promise of Yahweh to restore Israel and His people from coming together as He has promised. That fight will be full of deception and smoke and mirrors; otherwise, why would Yeshua be telling us fake Jews will be real players in this game.

Shalom, John