"That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God..." (John 3:6, I John 5:1)

The daily news of court cases underscores the vital importance of evidence.

The Dictionary defines "evidence" as the ground of belief or that which tends to prove or disprove something. More often than not, we think of evidence in terms of whether or not a crime has been committed. But there are other areas of life in which evidence is of great significance. The doctor in the emergency room looks for vital signs (evidence of life) so that he may determine what procedure to follow. If a person is alive, there are certain evidences. The Bible speaks not only of physical life but of spiritual life as well. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Just as there is evidence which proves that a person is alive physically, so there is evidence that a person is alive spiritually.

To illustrate this point, let us suppose that it is against the law to be a Christian. If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Suppose the prosecuting attorney was trying to prove beyond reasonable doubt that you are a true Biblical Christian. What kind of evidence would he bring before the court? The attorney might point out the fact that you used to attend church when you were a child or young teen-ager. The church membership register with your name inscribed might be presented as exhibit "A". Perhaps the most outstanding piece of evidence would be your Baptismal Certificate." Surely the defense attorney would have no trouble proving that all such evidence is no valid proof that a person is a true Biblical Christian. Many have attended church when they were children and young teens. Of course they haven't darkened the door of a church since. Many have been baptized and joined the church which give no real evidence of spiritual life. There has been no more change in their life than if they had joined the local civic club. The person who gives serious thought to the matter knows that a person can do all of these things and yet never experience true Biblical conversion.

Those who have been "born of the Spirit" have spiritual life, and where there is spiritual life, there will be indisputable evidence. "Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God..." One of the birthmarks of a true Christian is he believes that Jesus is the Christ. The word "Christ" means "the anointed One". It is a reference to the Messiah, God's Prophet, Priest and King. In other words those who are born of God (who have spiritual life) believe that Jesus is God's Prophet, Priest and King. This belief will be evidenced in the following ways. The teachings of Scripture will have supreme authority over all human wisdom and learning. Christ as High Priest will be the only object of trust in the matter salvation. Christ will be acknowledged and submitted to as the One who has supreme authority to rule over every area of life.