Being “Born Again” is a central concept in Christianity, referring to a spiritual rebirth or renewal. It is a transformation of the soul, brought about by faith in Jesus Christ, that signifies a new life in God’s grace and a departure from an old way of living bound by sin.
Biblical Basis
The phrase “born again” comes from the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in the Gospel of John:
- John 3:3:
“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’”
Nicodemus, a Pharisee, was confused, asking how a person could re-enter their mother’s womb. Jesus explained that being born again is not a physical rebirth but a spiritual one:
- John 3:5-6:
“Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.’”
What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?
- Spiritual Renewal:
- Being born again means experiencing a profound change in one’s heart and spirit. It’s a transformation where the believer receives new life through the Holy Spirit.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
- Forgiveness of Sins:
- Through being born again, a person’s sins are forgiven, and they are reconciled with God.
- 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
- New Relationship with God:
- A person who is born again becomes a child of God, entering into a personal relationship with Him.
- John 1:12-13: “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
- Indwelling of the Holy Spirit:
- The Holy Spirit begins to dwell in the believer, guiding them into truth and empowering them to live a righteous life.
- Ezekiel 36:26-27: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
How Is Someone Born Again?
- Faith in Jesus Christ:
- Belief in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior is essential for being born again.
- Romans 10:9: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
- Repentance:
- Turning away from sin and toward God is a key part of the process.
- Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
- Baptism (Symbolic Expression):
- Many Christians view baptism as an outward sign of the inward change that occurs when someone is born again.
- Romans 6:4: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
- Receiving the Holy Spirit:
- The Holy Spirit seals the believer and works in their life to produce spiritual growth and maturity.
- Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Characteristics of Someone Born Again
- Changed Heart:
- A renewed love for God and others.
- Matthew 22:37-39: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… Love your neighbor as yourself.”
- Hunger for God’s Word:
- A desire to read, understand, and live by the Bible.
- Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
- Fruitful Living:
- A life characterized by the fruits of the Spirit and obedience to God.
- John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
- Perseverance in Faith:
- A commitment to follow Jesus, even in difficult times.
- James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Why Is Being Born Again Important?
- Salvation:
- Jesus stated that being born again is essential for entering the Kingdom of God.
- John 3:7: “You must be born again.”
- Eternal Life:
- Being born again secures eternal life through Christ.
- John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- Reconciliation with God:
- Through spiritual rebirth, believers are brought back into right relationship with God.
Conclusion
To be “born again” means experiencing a spiritual transformation through faith in Jesus Christ, leading to a new life in God. It’s not just a one-time decision but the beginning of a lifelong journey of growing in faith, love, and obedience to God. It is a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering hope, redemption, and the promise of eternal life.