What is to be born again and how to be a born again Christian reference from the Bible?

To be born again is a term that is often used in Christian circles, but what does it mean? In the Bible, being born again refers to a spiritual rebirth, a transformation of the heart and mind that comes from faith in Jesus Christ.

In John 3:3, Jesus tells Nicodemus, a Jewish leader, that "unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God". Nicodemus is initially confused by this statement, but Jesus goes on to explain that being born again means being "born of water and the Spirit" and that it is necessary for salvation.

So, how does one become a born again Christian? According to the Bible, it starts with acknowledging our need for a savior and placing our faith in Jesus Christ. In John 3:16, perhaps the most well-known verse in the Bible, we read that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Once we have placed our faith in Jesus, we are born again into a new life in Christ. Our old self is put to death, and we are given a new heart and a new spirit. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we read that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Being born again is not just a one-time event, but a lifelong process of growing in our faith and becoming more like Christ. It involves repentance, prayer, reading the Bible, and being part of a community of believers who can offer support and encouragement.

Subscribe to Bible Analysis

Sign up now to get access to the library of members-only issues.
Jamie Larson
Subscribe