The Best Life Ever

“How can these things be?” Being “born again” was a hard concept for Nicodemus because the Pharisees believed salvation came by keeping the rules. As the quote goes, “I get my religion the old-fashioned way—I earn it.” The term for this is “works-righteousness.” Many believe God will judge us favorably if our good deeds outweigh our bad ones and that we don’t have to be the best, but we just need a passing grade and God will love us. We believe we must establish our own righteousness. Like the Pharisees, our problem is we often think we must save ourselves. It is easy for us to become self-righteous. If we cannot earn salvation, how is it possible? Jesus said what is impossible with people is not impossible with God (Mark 10:27).

Jesus reminded Nicodemus of Moses’ plan with the bronze serpent, Nehushtan, in the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. Poisonous snakes began to bite the Israelites when they bitterly complained about their mistreatment. They had to look upon the bronze serpent to be healed (saved) of a snakebite. They dragged Nehushtan around for nearly 1,000 years and worshipped it as an idol. King Hezekiah finally destroyed it. Jesus explained to Nicodemus that He will be lifted up on the cross like Nehushtan. All who look upon Him (trust Him) will be saved. Like Nehushtan in the wilderness, Jesus will remove the sting of death from all who will look upon Him. He offers the best life ever— here, now and forever.