THE MEANING OF 'BORN AGAIN'

A believer would do well to unearth all the precious truths in the third chapter of John's gospel; within its pages, the mystery of eternal life is opened. It begins with a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus ... by far, one of the most significant passages in all of Scripture. 

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” John 3:1-2

This man was a well-respected religious ruler, but the inner peace for which he longed evaded him. Nicodemus had seen evidence that Jesus was sent by God and hoped to gain insight into that which was missing in his life. He put pride aside and sought a private interview. 

Knowing the intent of his heart, the Lord delivered this astounding statement ... No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. John 3:3

It is the single most important proclamation in all of time and eternity, and yet there is much confusion on what it actually means to be 'born again'. We witness the bewilderment in the seeker's response ... 

“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” John 3:4

Christ then explained the difference between the two births ...

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. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ John 3:5-7

In one brief verbal exchange, Jesus swept away everything Nicodemus stood for and revealed the need to be 're-made' by the power of God.

It is the same with us.

The phrase 'born again' is also translated ... 'born from above'. Mankind desperately needs a change of heart; a spiritual transformation that can only come through the Savior. The 'new birth' is the supernatural act by which a man who surrenders his life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is granted salvation. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

This negates the idea that Christianity is something you can 'add' to your old life. Through repentance (a change of the 'mind') and regeneration (a change of the 'man'), you 'walk in newness of life'.

Note that being 'born again' is not just an altered opinion or a psychological state of mind. It is also not the consequence of baptism, confirmation, church membership, or some other rite of passage. It is not even the intellectual acceptance of the Bible as God's Word ... but instead, how the truth that lies therein brings about 'rebirth'.

All of us are spiritually dead 'in Adam' until we receive spiritual life through faith in Christ. Only those who are born again become the children of God.