What does it mean to be a born-again Christian? The classic passage from the Bible that answers this question is John 3:1-21.
The Lord Jesus Christ is talking to Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and
member of the Sanhedrin (the ruling body of the Jews). Nicodemus had
come to Jesus at night with some questions.
As Jesus talked with Nicodemus, He said, “‘I tell you the truth, no one
can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’ ‘How can a man be
born when he is old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely he cannot enter a second
time into his mother’s womb to be born!’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the
truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water
and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth
to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, “You must be born
again”’” (John 3:3-7).
The phrase "born again" literally means "born from above." Nicodemus had
a real need. He needed a change of his heart—a spiritual
transformation. New birth, being born again, is an act of God whereby
eternal life is imparted to the person who believes (2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1-4, 18). John 1:12, 13
indicates that being "born again" also carries the idea of "becoming
children of God" through trust in the name of Jesus Christ.
The question logically comes, "Why does a person need to be born again?" The apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:1
says, "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins"
(NKJV). To the Romans he wrote, "For all have sinned and fall short of
the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
Sinners are spiritually “dead”; when they receive spiritual life
through faith in Christ, the Bible likens it to a rebirth. Only those
who are born again have their sins forgiven and have a relationship with
God.
How does that come to be? Ephesians 2:8-9
states, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this
not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one
can boast." When one is saved, he/she has been born again, spiritually
renewed, and is now a child of God by right of new birth. Trusting in
Jesus Christ, the One who paid the penalty of sin when He died on the
cross, is the means to be "born again." "Therefore, if anyone is in
Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
If you have never trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, will
you consider the prompting of the Holy Spirit as He speaks to your
heart? You need to be born again. Will you pray the prayer of repentance
and become a new creation in Christ today? "Yet to all who received
him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become
children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human
decision or a husband’s will, but born of God" (John 1:12-13).
If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and be born again,
here is a sample prayer. Remember, saying this prayer or any other
prayer will not save you. It is only trusting in Christ that can save
you from sin. This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith
in Him and thank Him for providing for your salvation. "God, I know that
I have sinned against you and am deserving of punishment. But Jesus
Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I
could be forgiven. I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for
Your wonderful grace and forgiveness—the gift of eternal life! Amen!"
