Being “born again” is a term that is often used in Christian circles, but it can be difficult to understand what it means exactly. The concept of being born again is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3 ESV). So, what does it mean to be born again?
At its core, being born again is a spiritual rebirth. It is the moment when a person becomes a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This rebirth is not physical, but rather it is a transformation of the heart and soul. It is a complete surrender of oneself to God, and an acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
The process of being born again is often referred to as salvation. It is through faith in Jesus Christ that a person is saved and becomes a new creation. In John 3:16, Jesus says, “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.” This is the essence of salvation – believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and accepting him as Lord and Savior.
So, what happens when someone is born again? First and foremost, they are forgiven of their sins. This is because Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins on the cross. When we accept him as our Savior, we are no longer condemned for our sins, but rather we are made righteous through his sacrifice (Romans 3:22).
Secondly, being born again means that we are now a child of God. In John 1:12-13, it says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” As children of God, we have a new identity and a new purpose. We are no longer slaves to sin, but rather we are free to live as God intended us to live.
Being born again also means that we have a new power within us – the power of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells his disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life that is pleasing to God, and to share the message of salvation with others.
It is important to note that being born again is not a one-time event, but rather it is a lifelong process. As we continue to walk with God, we will face trials and temptations, but we have the assurance that God is with us and that he will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
In conclusion, being born again is a spiritual rebirth that occurs when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is through faith in him that we are saved and become new creations in Christ. Being born again means that we are forgiven of our sins, that we are now a child of God, and that we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us. It is a lifelong process of growth and transformation as we seek to live a life that is pleasing to God and to fulfill the purpose that he has for us.
