“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Cor 5:17This Scripture alone shows us that to truly follow Jesus, there must be a transition from an old self to something new. Being a follower of Christ is a status that we acquire, not something that we are initially born with. You will see, according to the Christian faith, that there is no ceremony or religious birthright that puts us in right standing with God. That is a gift that each of us, as an individual, makes the choice whether or not to accept. This short article will bring clarity to what does it mean to be born again. If you are not a believer in Jesus as the Son of God, hopefully, this resource will at least bring some clarity to what a Christian believes around the subject. If you are a follower of Jesus, you will understand that this step is a requirement to make such a claim.
“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3Nicodemus was a high ranking Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. Many looked to him as an expert in the ways of God according to Judaism. This particular influential Jewish leader was intrigued by the ministry of Jesus and came at night to question Him.
Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:1-3 NASBRead all of John 3 here Like some of us, Nicodemus is confused. Thinking on the more literal side, he follows up with an interesting question.
Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” John 3:4 NASBSo, the Jewish High Ruler is puzzled at the concept of someone being born twice in the same lifetime. After all, a grown adult cannot climb back into mom’s belly. That would be absurd and is definitely not what Jesus is implying. Jesus answers in a way that is often interpreted incorrectly. He says:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5 NASB
That which is born of the flesh is flesh (physically), and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:6
7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”A true Christian must be reborn. They exist physically through natural birth and, in deciding to follow Jesus Christ, then exist through a supernatural birth, being transformed through the Holy Spirit. This is what gives them access to eternal life beyond this world, but also the ability to enjoy that victory here.
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.
If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9There is no special magical prayer or ceremony. What does it mean to be born again? God just wants you to give Him your heart. He wants to transform you from the inside out. If you are unsure as to whether you are born again, you can say a prayer just like this. God will be faithful to His promise and fill you with the Holy Spirit, transforming you into a new creation. Once this happens, eternal life is your future. It is important, however, to continue learning because now that you can say without a doubt that you are saved, there are so many amazing things in store for you in this world.
“Father God. Today, I make the decision to accept the gift of salvation. I believe in my heart that Jesus lived, died, and rose for me. I am sorry for the things that I do wrong and want the guidance of your Holy Spirit. Today, I am born again because you make me a new person. Nothing in my past can hold me back and I want to live a life where I follow you and all things are possible. Thank you Lord that I now have eternal life. Help me each and every day to be the person that You called me to be. I pray this prayer in the Mighty Name of Jesus.”If you prayed this prayer, congratulations! You just started a party in Heaven! Jesus said in Luke 15:7
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”Did this article give you more perspective on what does it mean to be born again? Do you have more questions. If either is true, Contact us! We at Sound of Heaven are here for you! For more study on this topic, here are some great resources. What Do I Need to Be Saved From? Can I lose my salvation?
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