WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BORN AGAIN?
To be born again means that God gives a spiritually dead sinner new spiritual life through the Holy Spirit. It is not simply becoming religious, turning over a new leaf, or trying harder to be a better person.
Jesus told Nicodemus, a very religious man:
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
— John 3:3
The Bible says that because of sin, we are spiritually dead and need God to make us alive.
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”
— Ephesians 2:1
Being born again is an inward work of God through the Holy Spirit. He gives you a new heart, new desires, and a new life.
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.”
— Ezekiel 36:26
The Bible calls this regeneration and renewal by the Holy Ghost.
“According to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”
— Titus 3:5
When you are born again, you become a new creation in Jesus Christ.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
Being born again does not mean that you will never sin again. But your relationship with sin changes. You no longer desire to live in rebellion against God. There is conviction of sin, repentance, and a growing desire to follow and obey Jesus Christ.
The new birth is not accomplished by baptism, church membership, good works, repeating a prayer, or becoming more religious. God must change you from the inside.
The Bible says that the new birth comes through the Word of God:
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God.”
— 1 Peter 1:23
To be born again is to be made spiritually alive by God—to turn from sin to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith, receive a new heart through the Holy Spirit, and begin a new life following Him.
Jesus said:
“Ye must be born again.”
— John 3:7
Forsake your sin. Trust in and obey Jesus Christ. You must be born again.