A born-again Christian is an individual who has experienced a spiritual rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
This term comes from the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Jewish leader, in the Gospel of John, chapter 3. In this passage, Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3, NIV).
Being born again is a transformative experience that signifies a person’s acknowledgment of their sinful nature and need for redemption. They believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified, buried, and resurrected to provide forgiveness for their sins and to grant them eternal life.
This spiritual rebirth is not a physical process but rather a profound inner transformation. It involves repentance from sin, faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who provides guidance, comfort, and empowerment for righteous living. A born-again Christian is a follower of Christ who seeks to live a life of obedience to God’s Word and share the good news of salvation with others.
Being born again is a central concept in Christianity, emphasizing the spiritual transformation that takes place when a person becomes a follower of Jesus Christ. This transformation involves several key aspects:
- Recognition of sin and repentance: To be born again, one must first acknowledge their sinful nature and need for forgiveness. This involves recognizing that all humans have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Repentance involves a sincere turning away from sin and a commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God.
- Faith in Jesus Christ: Believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the only means of salvation is essential to being born again. This faith entails accepting that Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection was a divine act that paid the penalty for humanity’s sins and made reconciliation with God possible (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; John 14:6).
- Receiving the Holy Spirit: When a person becomes a born-again Christian, they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, acting as a guide, counselor, and source of strength in their spiritual journey (John 14:16-17; Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit also works to sanctify believers, helping them grow in Christ-likeness and manifest the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
- A new creation in Christ: As a result of being born again, a person becomes a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Their old way of life is replaced by a new life rooted in faith and obedience to God. This new life is characterized by a desire to serve God, love others, and live according to biblical principles.
- Becoming part of the body of Christ: Born-again Christians are members of the body of Christ, the universal church composed of all true believers (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). They are called to participate in the life of the church, encourage fellow believers, and work together to advance the kingdom of God.
- Sharing the gospel: As followers of Christ, born-again Christians are commissioned to share the good news of salvation with others (Matthew 28:19-20). This involves proclaiming the message of God’s love, forgiveness, and the offer of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
In summary, being a born-again Christian signifies a deep and transformative spiritual rebirth that affects every aspect of a believer’s life. It begins with repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and leads to a life marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit, spiritual growth, active participation in the body of Christ, and a commitment to sharing the gospel with others.
