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As the Wind Blows, October 13
John 3:1-21
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of
water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:5
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Nicodemus was astonished as well as indignant at these words. He regarded
himself as not only an intellectual, but a pious and religious man.... He could not
harmonize this doctrine of conversion with his understanding of what constituted
religion. He could not explain to his own satisfaction the science of conversion;
but Jesus showed him, by a figure, that it could not be explained by any of his
precise methods. Jesus pointed out to him the fact that he could not see the wind,
yet he could discern its action. He might never be able to explain the process of
conversion, but he would be able to discern its effect. He heard the sound of the
wind which bloweth where it listeth, and he could see the result of its action. The
operating agency was not revealed to view.... No human reasoning of the most
learned man can define the operations of the Holy Spirit upon human minds and
characters; yet they can see the effects upon the life and actions....
He was not willing to admit truth, because he could not understand all that
was connected with the operation of the power of God; and yet he accepted the
facts of nature, although he could not explain or even comprehend them. Like
other men of all ages, he was looking to forms and precise ceremonies as more
essential to religion than the deep movings of the Spirit of God
We may have flattered ourselves, as did Nicodemus, that our life has been
upright, that our moral character is correct, and think that we need not humble
the heart before God, like the common sinner: but when the light from Christ
shines into our souls, we shall see how impure we are; we shall discern the
selfishness of motive, the enmity against God, that has defiled every act of life.
Then we shall know that our own righteousness is indeed as filthy rags, and that
the blood of Christ alone can cleanse us from the defilement of sin, and renew
our hearts in His own likeness
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21
The Review and Herald, May 5, 1896
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22
Steps to Christ, 28, 29
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