What does it mean to be "born again?"

"You have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God." —1 Peter 1:23 (NLT)

One of the classic terms used in Christian communities is "born again." People will call themselves a "born again" Christian or say you must be "born again" to be saved. They might even say that a person isn't a "real" Christian unless they're a "born again" believer. Where does this term come from and what does it mean?

What does the Bible say about being born again?

"Jesus replied, 'I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.'" —John 3:3 (NLT)

The first person who heard about being born again was Nicodemus (John 3:1-21). Nicodemus was a Pharisee, which means he belonged to an influential religious sect within Judaism. The Pharisees were extremely concerned about following God's laws (as well as some 600+ additional laws, rituals, and ceremonies) in the strictest way possible.

Nicodemus was interested in Jesus’ teachings, so he went to talk to Him late one night (v. 2). Maybe he was afraid his Pharisee buddies would reprimand him if they knew he was talking to this man who had been stirring up so much "trouble" in the region.

As they chatted, Jesus told Nicodemus, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again" (v. 3). The phrase Jesus used for "born again" literally means "born from above." Confused, Nicodemus replied, "How can a man be born again?! Can he go into his mother’s womb a second time?" (v. 4).

Jesus gently explained that there's a difference between being "born of the flesh" and "born of the Spirit" (v. 6). Nobody can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born of the Spirit (v.5).

Why do I need to be born again?

"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." —Romans 3:23 (NLT)

We're all sinners (Romans 3:23), and we're all doomed to eternal separation from God because of our sin (Romans 6:23). Jesus is the only one who can save us from our doom and restore our relationship with God. That's why we call Him our Savior—because He grants us salvation from spiritual death. Until we accept Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf, we are spiritually dead. When we're born again through Jesus, we "die" to our old life of sin and become spiritually alive in Christ.

Salvation is a gift that is given—not earned by any good things we've done. We only receive salvation because of God's amazing love and grace for us (Ephesians 2:8-9). When a person is "born again," they are "reborn" as a child of God, a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Every person must be "born" in this way to enter Heaven and be with God for eternity.

Why would I want to spend eternity with God?

"We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." —Romans 8:28 (NLT)

God is good, loving, and generous, and He wants what's best for us (Romans 8:28). He helps us when we cry out to Him, and He gives us guidance when we're confused (1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:5). And life and eternity with Him is one of everlasting joy. Not to mention that the alternative is spiritual death (also known as hell), which is a fate worse than anyone could possibly imagine (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 21:8).

Once we have accepted Jesus, God makes us new creations and gives us eternal life in Christ (John 3:16-18; 1 Peter 1:3). When we've been saved, we can rest in the knowledge that our safety, security, and eternal rewards await us at the end of our mortal lives in heavenly paradise (2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 16:27).

How can I be born again?

"Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household." —Acts 16:31 (NLT)

You can be born again by having faith in the truth and miraculous grace of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (Acts 16:31). We should have to pay the penalty of death for our sin (Romans 6:23), but Jesus came to earth and sacrificed Himself on our behalf (John 3:16-17).

When we accept that Jesus is our Savior and Lord, we are immediately "born again," and God adopts us into His family as sons and daughters (John 1:12-13). Children of the Creator of the Universe! Isn’t that amazing?

If you're ready to be born again, talk to Jesus right now. Tell Him that you accept Him as your Savior from a spiritual death away from God. Thank Him for providing the grace of forgiveness for your sins. Acknowledge that you believe His death, burial, and resurrection are true and all a part of God's plan for you.

Jesus is God, and He is filled with joy when each person makes the decision to become "born again." If you've made that decision today, let us be the first to joyfully welcome you into the family of God! This is not the end. It’s actually just the beginning. You are reborn. And today, you are a new creation, just starting a new life in Christ.

"Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" —2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

ALSO SEE:

• What happens after death?
• Are people born sinners?
• How can I receive forgivness from God?
• What is salvation?
• What is the grace of God?
• What does it mean to accept Christ?
• What does it mean that Jesus saves?
• Why should I want to be saved?
• How can I be saved?
• How can I stop being afraid of going to hell?
• What is repentance?
• Why is the resurrection important?
• What does it mean that a Christian is a new creation?