John 3:3 English Standard Version (ESV) Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again^[a] he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Footnotes: a. Or from above; the Greek is purposely ambiguous and can mean both again and from above;

John 3:5 English Standard Version (ESV) Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

We do not want to scare off anyone who comes to a point of confession and acceptance of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yesterday we explored the necessity of telling the initiate the truth. In our zeal to witness salvation we might overlook some important issues about this individual.

An in depth interview should be held to understand the initiates desires and expectations. That tale will take us back to a life lived under Satan’s rule. Were they aware of Satan’s influence? Do they understand the captive nature of sin? Do they understand they are helpless to change those conditions? Do they want to change, not just their circumstances but their very identity?

2 Corinthians 5:17 English Standard Version (ESV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Is this passage understood properly? While it seems simple enough there is a human perspective that always gets attached that rarely becomes part of the initiate’s conversation. What do they expect to become as this new creation? Some version render creation as creature. False expectations lead to disappointment.

Matthew 13:23 tells us; “As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it.” The gospel, the good news, must be understood in order to develop this new creation.

What should they expect? Simply put the truth is all they should expect.