What the Bible says about being Born Again
Let’s dive into this very interesting biblical topic and find out what the bible says about being born again. In the book of John chapter 3, Jesus is having a conversation with a man named Nicodemus about a “new birth.”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 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?” 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. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ John 3:3-7
I also would like to reference this definition from Wiki:
Born Again, or to experience the new birth, is a phrase, particularly in evangelicalism, that refers to “spiritual rebirth”, or a regeneration of the human spirit from the Holy Spirit, contrasted with physical birth.
Due to the sinful nature we inherited, which is known as the Adamic Covenant for you theologians, “even in the midst of the curse, God’s gracious provision of salvation shines through.” God sent Jesus into this broken world and salvation through Him is how we are born again.
We must be born again to see the Kingdom of God, as we read above in John 3. It’s the Spirit of God that breaks chains and allows you to live under the influence of the Holy Spirit, day by day.
How the Holy Spirit Works in our Life
God sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. His resurrection tore the vail ( which was the separation) we endured due to the Adamic covenant between ourselves and God (unless we were a Prophet). We now have access to God, the Father, through Jesus and only through Jesus. Scripture says that Jesus is on the throne at the right hand of God making intercession for us!
Before Jesus crucifixion He tells His disciples that the time is coming that He will leave earth to go be with the Father and look what He says next: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin”. John 16:7-8
Jesus sent us a Helper, the Holy Spirit, to guide us through life.
Have you ever felt a nudge, a small still voice that leads you to God? But you ignore it.. or don’t quite realize it..
Prior to salvation, the Holy Spirit woos us to the need of a Savior. This is Jesus Calling!!
Once we receive salvation and are born again, our fellowship to God is restored! The Holy Spirit converts us, changes us, sanctifies us, see Titus 3:5 The Holy Spirit conforms us and likens us to Himself. See 2 Corinthians 3:18
On what to expect after being born again, read How to Choose a Life Led by the Holy Spirit.
Is Salvation the same as being Born Again
Yes. Salvation is deliverance from our sin nature, through faith by the grace of God.
How do we receive salvation? We are saved by faith. First, we must hear the gospel—the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Ephesians 1:13). Then, we must believe—fully trust the Lord Jesus (Romans 1:16). This involves repentance, a changing of mind about sin and Christ (Acts 3:19), and calling on the name of the Lord (Romans 10:9-10, 13).
Salvation, being born again is starting afresh. It’s choosing to leave your old life of sin behind and walk in communion with the Lord and enter into His calling on your life. So in essence, you’re being “born again.” Some people will be baptized after they receive salvation which is the outward expression of an inward decision.
If you need further clarification you might like How to Choose Life through God honoring choices in this post I explain the process from another perspective. I remember when I first gave my life to Christ, reading the bible was like a foreign language and there was so much I just wasn’t sure about. But I stand here today 14 years later more sure about this truth than the very breath I breathe and I want to encourage you to take that leap of faith and allow the God of all creation to do a work in you through the Holy Spirit so you can stand firmly, rooted and grounded in your purpose for your life.
Bible Verses about being Born Again
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
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5
Bible verses continued
If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him. 1 John 2:29
Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. 1 John 3:9
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13
Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever.” 1 Peter 1:22-25
