Being Christians “born again” is something we all must be. Although many have associated the phrase with certain denominations, being born again does not necessarily mean joining a religion. It means exactly what it sounds like it means — to be born again once more, this time into a life lived in surrender to Christ. But how should we understand that we are born again and what does it mean?
Being Born Again
The “experience” of being born again, as some call it, is something that no man can replicate or duplicate. It can only be done through the power of the Holy Spirit, and it produces results that only the goodness of God can bring. Let us take a look at how Christ described it in John 3:5-6:
Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and of 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.
From what the Lord said, we derive several things regarding the new birth:
Born of Water
First, we read Him saying “unless a man is born of water,” which means baptism by immersion in water. Of course, it is not the water that brings the new birth, but the reason behind it.
We know that the man who ministered baptism — John the Baptist — preached a message of repentance. In Matthew 3 we read him preaching to the people: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (see verse 2). He preached repentance and all those who repented of their sins were baptized by him.
Repentance is a primary requirement for being born again. We must repent and renounce our sins, the very things we do that separate us from God (see Isaiah 59:2). And after repenting, we desire to be baptized as a sign of our commitment to follow Christ.
In baptism we do two things: first we go down into the water (symbolizing the death of our old and sinful self with Christ), then we rise up from it (which symbolizes Christ raising us to a new life in Him). Romans 6:4 explains it well:
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Born of the Spirit
Next, we read Jesus saying that one must be “born … of the Spirit.” We understand that when we repent of our sins, trust and believe in Christ for our salvation, God places His Holy Spirit within us as a sign that we belong to Him, that we are His children:
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
(2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, Abba, Father. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
(Romans 8:14-17)
How Can I Know If I Was Born Again?
Now you may ask how you know if you were born again. Do not expect to see the clouds parted and the angels of heaven visibly dancing with joy in the skies (but they actually do! see Luke 15:7). Instead, look at the result of your repentance.
First, look for a changed life (see Ephesians 5:8). Did you truly turn away from your sins? If you did, that is good!
Second, look to see whether your heart has turned to the Lord (see Acts 3:19). Did you turn away from your sins? If you did, that is great!
Third, look for the fruits of your repentance (see Matthew 3:8, Luke 3:8). Do you continue in the Lord Jesus Christ and continually reject sin? Are you living in relationship with God and in obedience to His Word? Do you have the fruits of the Spirit? (See Galatians 5:22-23). If this is so, then give thanks to the Lord for the new life.
Being Born Again
Friends, being born again does not have to be spectacular in human terms. It may not mean becoming financially rich in this life, nor does it mean being materially prosperous or comfortable (think of the Persecuted Church, for example), but it does mean being secure in the love of God (see Romans 8:31-39), being set free from the dominion of sin (see Romans 6:18, Colossians 3:13), and living a life for the Lord (see 2 Corinthians 5:15; 2 Peter 2:16).
As a born-again Christian, you have been given a new life in Christ. Live in freedom for His glory and pleasure!