What does it mean when someone says “Born Again”.
Many people go to church, but they are not born again. If this phrase is confusing, you’re not alone. In a way it’s Christianese (technical Christian speak), but it’s also referenced in the Bible. Let us look at the scripture.
Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus, a spiritual leader and ruler of the Jews who appeared not to doubt that Jesus was from God, but even he got flummoxed. In John 3:2 he says, “…Rabbi we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”
John 3:3. Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”.
John 3:4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.”
To be born again means to:
- make a decision to follow Jesus
- to confess your sins and turn from those sins (some of them take longer than others to shake off, but the act of turning from sin is called “repentance”).
When you step out in faith and pray something along these lines,
I want you, Jesus to be the Lord of my Life. I am sorry for my sins, I believe in your work on the cross when you were crucified to be the final sacrifice for my sins. That you paid the debt which I owe for my sin. I believe in the power of Jesus Christ to absolve me of my sins and I trust you have forgiven me. I am now forgiven. I am a now new spiritual creature in Christ and I will not experience the second death (after the death of the flesh). I receive the free gift of eternal life. I ask for the Holy Spirit to take up residence and help guide me in my new life in Christ. Thank you Jesus!
By this prayer, your spirit is no longer dead. It is alive! You are now BORN AGAIN. You cannot see it, because it’s something that happens beyond the visible, but you will gradually start to experience change as you read the Holy scriptures and begin to talk to God. It’s also important to find fellowship with other Christians. This may be a church, or home church or bible study.
Afterward, at some point in the near future, it is recommended that you be baptized by water. See Matthew 3:13-16
Going to church alone doesn’t make you born again, any more than entering a hospital makes you a doctor. You might just be the patient. A prayer along these lines prayed in earnest, even if you’re not sure and are stepping out in ‘faith’ is exactly what will set you on the journey of your new life!
As Easter is approaching this 2024, it’s a good time to reflect on the notion of the Easter Egg being a symbol of new life and that when we confess our sins to Christ and make Him Lord, we become a new creation and are like the baby chick emerging from a fertilized egg. We have much to learn, but the Holy Spirit will help guide us.
May God Bless you if you’ve prayed a prayer similar to the one above and if you’re still confused, ask God for his Holy Spirit to help you understand what it means. To ask the question means you are being drawn by Him. Hallelujah!
