What Does It Means to Be Born Again?

This is a question many of us have asked at some point in our lives. If you’re like me, you’ve likely wondered what it truly means to be "born again." Thankfully, we’re not alone in this curiosity. In John 3:1-8, we find that even Nicodemus, a highly respected religious leader and expert in Jewish law, shared this same concern. Despite his deep knowledge of scripture, Nicodemus was drawn to Jesus. Under the cover of night, possibly to avoid the judgment of his peers, he approached Jesus and said,

“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him” John 3:2.

Jesus’ reply was both profound and unexpected:

“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” John 3:3.

Understandably puzzled, Nicodemus responded,

“How can someone be born when they are old? Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” John 3:4.

Jesus then clarified that He wasn’t speaking of a physical rebirth but a spiritual one. Being born again isn’t about a physical process; it’s about a profound spiritual transformation. It’s about being renewed through the power of the Holy Spirit, which opens the door to a relationship with God and allows us to experience His kingdom in a deeply personal way.

Our heart and mind are transformed when we place our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is about leaving behind our old way of life and stepping into a new life in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus explained to Nicodemus,

“Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” John 3:6.

This means that while our physical birth gives us life in this world, our spiritual birth gives us eternal life in God’s kingdom.

When we are born again, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us, guiding, empowering, and transforming us from the inside out. As Jesus said,

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” John 3:8.

Just as the wind is invisible yet its effects are undeniable, the work of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life is transformative, even if it’s not always visible to the naked eye. And this happens when you become born again.

Being born again is not something we can achieve on our own. It’s a gift of God’s grace, made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 explains,

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

This means that being born again is not about earning our way into God’s favor through good deeds or religious rituals. Instead, it’s about recognizing our need for salvation and accepting the gift of grace that Jesus offers. Being born again entails the transformation brought about by the Spirit of God, where one is regenerated, from being spiritually dead (dead in sin) to new spiritual life, alive to God in Christ. How does someone become born again? By turning from our sin and trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

When we are born again, we receive a new identity. We are no longer defined by our past mistakes, our sins, or our old way of life. Instead, we become children of God.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says,

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

This new identity comes with a new purpose—to live for God and reflect His love to the world. It also comes with the assurance of eternal life. As Jesus said,

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16.

So how does someone become born again? The first step to being born again is recognizing our need for salvation. This means acknowledging that we are sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. Romans 3:23 explains,

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Without Jesus, we are separated from God and unable to save ourselves. Being born again requires faith in Jesus Christ. This means believing that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for our sins, and that He rose again to give us new life.

Romans 10:9 'that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.' 

John 1:12 also says,

“Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” 

Being born again is not something we do for ourselves; it is something God does in us. But it does require our response—faith and repentance.” And faith is more than just a belief; it’s a heartfelt commitment to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings. When you put your faith in Jesus, you are trusting Him for your salvation. Since God is pleased by faith and moved by it, He will respond through that faith you have placed in Him to make you born again.  This begins when we repent of our sins. Repentance means turning away from a sinful Christless life  and turning toward God. It’s a complete change of mind and heart that leads to a change in behavior. Acts 3:19 says,

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

And you know, Repentance is not about perfection but about a sincere desire to live for God. And faith in Jesus Christ allows the Holy Spirit to work in us.

When we are born again, we receive the Holy Spirit, who comes to dwell within us. The Holy Spirit guides, empowers, and transforms us, helping us to live a life that honors God.  Romans 8:9 says,

“You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.” 

Being born again leads to a deep love for God and for others. 1 John 4:7 says,

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

This love is not just a feeling but a commitment to serve and care for others. Those who are born again have a desire to obey God and live according to His will.  1 John 2:3-4 says,

“We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands. Whoever says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.”

The fruit of the Spirit is another evidence of being born again. As Galatians 5:22-23 explains,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

These qualities are the result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.

Being born again is not a one-time event but the beginning of a lifelong journey. It’s about growing in our relationship with God and becoming more like Jesus every day. This growth happens through prayer, reading the Bible, fellowship with other believers, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. Philippians 2:12-13 instructs us,

'Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.'

Being born again is about being spiritually reborn through faith in Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. It means leaving behind our old way of life and stepping into a new identity as children of God. As Jesus told Nicodemus,

“You must be born again” John 3:7.

This invitation is open to everyone. If you haven’t yet experienced this spiritual rebirth, today could be the day you take that step of faith and begin your journey as a born-again follower of Christ. And it starts by saying this prayer.

 “Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name. Amen.”

If you have said this prayer, you are born again, you are a new creation, declare Galatians 2:20  over your life,

'I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. '