Being a believer is not just about being born into a Christian family, attending church, or following religious traditions. While these practices can provide a foundation for the Christian life, the essence of Christianity is a personal and transformative relationship with Jesus Christ—a spiritual rebirth that Jesus Himself spoke about. In this article, we will look at what it means to be “born again,” its principles, and the key Bible verses that help bring this life-changing understanding.
In the Bible, Jesus introduced the concept of being “born again” to a member of the Jewish council named Nicodemus. Curious about Jesus’ teachings, Nicodemus came to Him at night. Jesus replied to Nicodemus, saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)
Being “born again” means a spiritual rebirth—a transformation that only comes from God. This rebirth is essential because, according to the Bible, we are separated from God because of sin. Paul wrote, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). Sin has created a gap between humanity and God, which we cannot bridge through our own efforts, heritage, or morality.
Being born into a Christian family or growing up with Christian teachings is not enough to become a true Christian. Faith is not something inherited but is a personal decision to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. In John 1:12-13, John writes clearly, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” Being “born of God” is a divine transformation that comes through faith in Jesus, not through family or human effort.
Being born again, also called rebirth, is a central doctrine in the Christian faith. It involves three key elements:
1. Repentance:
True rebirth begins with recognizing one’s sin and turning away from it. In Acts 3:19, Peter calls believers, saying, “Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Repentance means acknowledging our need for God’s grace and committing wholeheartedly to leave a life of sin.
2. Faith in Jesus Christ:
Jesus is the only way to salvation. In John 14:6, He declares, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Believing in Jesus means accepting His sacrifice on the cross as payment for our sins, trusting Him for salvation, and following Him as Lord.
3. Transformation by the Holy Spirit:
When a person believes in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them and transforms them. In Titus 3:5, Paul explains, “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit renews the believer’s heart, enabling them to live according to God’s will.Through this new birth, believers gain a new identity as children of God. They are no longer slaves to sin but are adopted into God’s family. Romans 8:15-16 says, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” This close relationship with God reshapes every aspect of a believer’s life.
Being born again is not a one-time emotional experience but a continuous journey of spiritual growth. Paul urges believers in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.” This renewal comes through daily engagement with God’s Word and prayer. Galatians 5:16 encourages believers to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” A life led by the Spirit displays qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). As a new creation in Christ, believers are called to represent Him in the world.
Some may wonder how to be sure they are truly born again. Assurance of being “born again” can be found by trusting in God’s promises and the testimony of the Holy Spirit. In Romans 8:16, Paul reassures us, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” This assurance is rooted not in our own performance but in God’s faithfulness.
Rebirth in Christ is a profound change that goes beyond tradition, heritage, or upbringing. It is a personal decision to repent, believe in Jesus, and allow the Holy Spirit to reshape one’s heart and life. As Jesus explained to Nicodemus, being born again is essential to enter the Kingdom of God—a rebirth that restores us to a relationship with God. Embracing this new life, believers find peace, purpose, and eternal security in Christ.
Written By: Oshan Shrestha
Worship Leader, Sydney Nepali Church
