Jesus took him where his own flawed reasoning planted him and raised him to a new understanding. But if Nicodemus had been obstinate enough, he could have remained gnarled up in his own illogic.
Jesus told Nicodemus, 'Except a man be born of water AND The Spirit' I believe Jesus was referring tot he water of physical birth then the birth by the Spirit of God, to be born from above. Once you are born into His family, the relationship with God is completely different, a family relationship, of intimacy by love, God's nature IN US.
You keep trying to slide back into a relationship under the old covenant, a performance based covenant. That is not the hallmark of the Church Age. It is a hallmark of Catholicism, however.
Your comment: “You keep trying to slide back into a relationship under the old covenant, a performance based covenant. That is not the hallmark of the Church Age. It is a hallmark of Catholicism, however.
I disagree with you interpretation.
Again, do you not seem to acknowledge that free will allows one to commit evil works that may not be forgiven on Judgement Day?
How does someone grow and become mature in today’s world? By working and gaining experience in dealing with worldly matters.
As human beings, why wouldn’t we grow in faith through God’s graces by loving God and our neighbor through goods works and charity?
Your comment: “You keep trying to slide back into a relationship under the old covenant, a performance based covenant. That is not the hallmark of the Church Age. It is a hallmark of Catholicism, however. “
Your statement is false.