Born Again: Understanding the Difference Between Saving Faith and Self-Righteousness

Only the radical transformation wrought by God in regeneration can impart spiritual life to the spiritually dead.

In the pivotal chapter of John 3, Jesus instructs Nicodemus―and all of us―in the spiritual necessity of the new birth. Explaining the clear divide between true, saving faith and self-righteous religion, Jesus reveals that no amount of moral effort, religious knowledge, or personal achievement can bring a person into the kingdom of God. Unless sinners confess Christ’s lordship, and repent of all sin, including the sin of trying to earn heaven, they cannot be saved.

Taken from the MacArthur New Testament Commentary, this book equips believers with transforming truth by unpacking John 3 verse by verse:

• Exposing the folly of works-based religion
• Emphasizing the necessity of the new birth
• Explaining the Holy Spirit’s work of regeneration
• Exhorting sinners to submit to Christ’s lordship

This powerful and life-giving chapter illuminates what it means to be born again to true faith in the living God.

About the Series

The Great Chapters of the Bible series focuses on key portions of Scripture that establish the foundational truths of the Christian faith. John MacArthur methodically explains each verse of these monumental passages to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the life-transforming truth revealed in God’s Word. Exposition of the great chapters of the Bible will lead many to experience the blessing of knowing the Scripture in its fullness.

About the Author

John MacArthur served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Los Angeles, California, Chancellor of The Master’s University and Seminary, and Bible-teacher with his global media ministry Grace to You. He spent over fifty years preaching through every verse of the New Testament and much of the Old Testament, while being a featured speaker at conferences around the world. He authored numerous best-selling books including The Gospel According to Jesus, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary series, and the expositional notes for The MacArthur Study Bible.

About the John MacArthur Publishing Group

The John MacArthur Publishing Group exists to produce biblical resources that bring the transforming truth of God’s Word to the lives of His people.