What does it mean to be born again?
Here's the answer:
Being born again means God gives a sinner new life in Jesus.
You were born the first time as a baby. But even as a cute little baby, the Bible says you were a sinner. Your father and your grandfather and your great-grandfather and all the way back to the first man, Adam, are sinners. All of us, except Jesus, are born with a sin nature inside us. So we each rebel against God's commands like loving God best, honoring our parents, and telling the truth.
As sinners, we deserve God's judgment—eternal separation in hell. Even when we try to be good and do good things, we're still sinners deserving punishment.
Because we're born sinners, Jesus said, "You must all be born again" (John 3:7b). This doesn't mean you can get back inside your mom to be born again! Being born again is not something you can see happen or make happen yourself. Only God can cause a sinner to be born again. He gives new life through Jesus.
If God causes you to be born again, you'll believe in Jesus—God's one way to save you from sin.
Jesus told us why God sent Him: "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life" (John 3:16).
Because He loves us, God sent His own Son to save believers from the punishment of sin—death—by dying on the cross in their place. Then Jesus rose from the dead, proving His victory over sin and death for those who believe in Him. (To find out how to believe in Jesus, read "How do I believe in Jesus as my Savior?".)
If you're born again, you're a new person from the inside out. God gives the born-again believer the desire and power to obey Jesus. You'll still fight sin after you're born again. You won't be perfect. But if you're born again, you'll keep turning from sin and trusting Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).
Trust in Jesus as your only Savior from sin and ruler of your life!
If you trusted in Jesus as your Savior after reading this article, please click on the "I trusted in Jesus today" button below.
Bible Truth
"Some people did accept him. They believed in his name. He gave them the right to become children of God" (John 1:12).
"Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life. Anyone who says no to the Son will not have life. God's anger remains on him" (John 3:36).
"Give praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy he has given us a new birth and a hope that is alive. It is alive because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. He has given us new birth so that we might share in what belongs to him. It is a gift that can never be destroyed. It can never spoil or even fade away. It is kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:3-4).
