Over the years, I have heard the phrase “born again” used in many different contexts. When Jimmy Carter was President he professed that he was “born again” – and Presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump also professed that they were “born again”. The phrase “born again” became very popular in our society and has been viewed in many venues from bumper stickers to billboards. However, over time this phrase has seemed to have lost its “luster” – and for many the phrase is now just a “cliché”.
But in John 3 we find that the words “born again” are used in more than just a catchy societal phrase. Here, they are actually coupled with an eternal spiritual truth. On the night that Nicodemus came to see Jesus, we read in John 3:3-7,
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
In this passage we see that Jesus declared unto Nicodemus that there must be two births (a physical birth and a spiritual birth) – else one cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
In other words, each man, woman, boy, and girl has been physically “born of water” through their mother’s womb; thus the “physical birth” requirement is fulfilled. But to be “born again spiritually” requires you to believe that Jesus Christ is God’s only begotten Son and that He is the Savior of the world, to repent of your sins and through faith receive God’s gift of salvation (that is, eternal life). In John 3:16 we read,
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Note the following Scriptures.
John 5:24,
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
Acts 4:12,
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Acts 20:21,
“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Acts 3:19,
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;”
Romans 1:16,
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
John 1:12,
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
Romans 10:13,
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Ephesians 2:1,
“And you hath he quickened [the spiritual birth], who were dead in trespasses and sins;”
Many have professed to be – or attempted to become – “born again” through their own methods. But God’s Word teaches there is only one way to be truly “born again” – that being through Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 states,
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Titus 3:5 states,
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
The question must now be asked, “Have you been [born again] by first recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior, repenting of your sins placing your faith and trust in Jesus Christ unto God’s salvation?” If you are not “born again“, please allow us the opportunity to share God’s Word with you today – so that you may truly understand God’s love for you through Jesus Christ.
