As a Christian, you may have heard the term "born again" used to describe someone's experience of becoming a follower of Jesus Christ. But what does it really mean to be born again? In this blog post, we will explore the biblical concept of being born again and what it means for our lives as believers.
The phrase "born again" comes from a conversation between Jesus and a Pharisee named Nicodemus, who came to Jesus at night seeking answers. Jesus told him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3 ESV). Nicodemus was confused, thinking that Jesus was talking about physical birth, but Jesus explained that he was talking about a spiritual birth.
To be born again means to have a spiritual rebirth, to become a new creation in Christ. This is not something that we can do on our own; it is a work of God's grace through the Holy Spirit. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Being born again involves turning away from our old way of life, acknowledging our need for a Savior, and putting our faith in Jesus Christ. It means recognizing that we are sinners in need of forgiveness and that we cannot save ourselves. As Jesus said, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16 ESV).
When we are born again, we are given a new identity as children of God. We become part of the body of Christ, the church, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out our faith and follow Jesus. We are no longer slaves to sin but are set free to live for God's glory.
Being born again is not a one-time event; it is the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and discipleship. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we are transformed from the inside out, becoming more like him and bearing fruit in our lives. This transformation is a gradual process that involves surrendering our will to God and allowing him to work in us.
In conclusion, being born again is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith. It means having a spiritual rebirth, becoming a new creation in Christ, and living a life that is pleasing to God. If you have not yet experienced this new birth, I encourage you to seek God and put your faith in Jesus Christ. And if you have already been born again, may you continue to grow in your faith and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.