John 3 - The Life Recovery Bible

3:1-12 Spiritual rebirth is as necessary to the recovery process as it is to entering God’s Kingdom. Being born again is the beginning—a baby step in the process. The hard part comes each subsequent day as we submit our stubborn heart and will to the control of God’s Spirit. True recovery is not attained by our trying harder to live a better life. As we repent, entrust our life to God, and seek to obey him, we will receive forgiveness and true recovery.

3:16-18 Faith says yes to God’s loving overtures to us. God cared enough to send his own Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for our sins. True faith has nothing to do with our human efforts, social achievements, or material wealth. True faith says to God, “I’m a helpless sinner, unable to effect my own recovery. I trust your forgiveness, which you freely offer me in Jesus Christ.” This faith delivers us from the ultimate consequence of our sins—eternal separation from God. It also empowers us to make changes in the present that will plant the seeds for a new life.