Jesus teaches that Christians must be born again to enter the kingdom of heaven.
“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’”
Part of being born again is refining words and actions to resemble Christ. Speaking words to encourage, care for, support, strengthen, and uplift others resembles Christ. But, living in a worldly way leads to grumbling and complaining.
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
The righteousness of God’s people must exceed that of the Pharisees. Being born again is a way to achieve this. Being born again is a matter of law, including the Sabbath and the Passover (Eph 4:22-31).
