What does it mean to be born again?
This has got to be the most important question one could come to ask! Billions have asked this question but where or who do you ask to get the right answer?
In these last days the Gospel being taught is that salvation is gained by accepting Jesus as your own personal savior and that when you accept him into your heart you are born again but is this what the Bible teaches is the Gospel?
When Jesus died on the cross he provided the means for all of us to be saved. This salvation was made possible through his death, burial and resurrection. I don’t think any Christian would argue these facts. Jesus also taught his apostles to go into the world and preach the Gospel. So just what do the scriptures say about the Gospel and how does the Gospel and being born again tie into the crucifixion?
When the crucifixion is mentioned Jesus death, burial and resurrection are front and center. They are the corner stone of the Gospel and Paul makes this known in (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) Read (WIP Article - “What is the Gospel?”) to learn more on that subject. As we go forward the Bible will make it clear that in the act of obeying the Gospel you become born again.
Dictionary.com has this definition:
1. Committed or recommitted to religious faith through an intensely religious experience: a born-again Christian.
Merriam-Webster.com has this definition:
1. of, relating to, or being a usually Christian person who has made a renewed or confirmed commitment of faith especially after an intense religious experience
A simple search on the World Wide Web as many people do in this “Age of the Internet” to see what is described as being born again will lead to many different opinions. This can easily cause confusion but God is not an author of confusion. (1 Corinthians 14:33) What is amazing is many of these opinions do not give one scripture in their definition and/or process for being born again.
Hundreds of different denominations claiming Christianity naturally produce many different interpretations of “What it means to be born again” or “What must be done to be born again”
The further we get from the day of Pentecost which is believed to be almost 2,000 years ago now gives way to even many more opinions. Scriptures show that the Apostles were combating many different false doctrines even at the infancy of the Church Age. One can only imagine how many false doctrines there are today.
The Bible is the inspired word of God (2 Timothy 3:16) and is the first and only place that anyone should read/study to understand the answer to the question – “What must I do to be born again?”
So what does the Bible say about being born again? Well if you were to search the King James Bible you will find two places that reference “born again” which is in John and in 1 Peter.
1 Peter 1:23
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
First Peter is referring to what happens after the process which is to become incorruptible but this does not answer what to do.
John Chapter three however gives a very straight forward answer by Jesus himself.
John 3:1-9
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 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. 4 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? 5 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. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
To rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) let us break this down and extract the crucial scriptures to examine them more effectively.
Verse 3 – 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.
From this scripture it is clear that being born again directly relates to the Kingdom of God. More directly, being born again is required to see the Kingdom of God. So as we study to find the true meaning of being born again it will be profitable to understand what and where is the Kingdom of God. (Luke 17:20-21) clearly answers this and we will study this further in this study.
Verse 4 – 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?
This scripture shows Nicodemus referring back to the only thing he can comprehend from Jesus’s statement which is his original birth. If only he would have simply asked “What do you mean?”
Verse 5 – 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.
From this scripture it is clear that being born again is required to enter into the Kingdom of God.
Another detail is added as well– the process of being born again involves “born of water and of the spirit” and a new question now arises “What is being born of water and of the spirit?” We will study this after reviewing these last few scriptures in John Chapter three.
Verse 6 – That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
This scripture gives clear indication of a fleshly birth and a spiritual birth. Our first birth is of the flesh and the Bible says in (1 Corinthians 15:50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. This clarifies the need to be born again because the flesh (our first birth) cannot enter into the Kingdom.
Verse 7 – Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
This scripture removes any doubt what is required. You must be born again and as verse 5 states that unless you are born of water and of the spirit you cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Some argue that born of water is your first birth but the first birth is of the flesh and flesh cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Verse 5 is very clear “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Jesus made it clear what he meant both water and Spirit will be required to enter the Kingdom.
Verse 8 – The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
In this scripture Jesus makes reference to the “sound of wind” a certain noise or sounds will be associated with everyone that is born of the Spirit. When you analyze the flesh vs. the Spirit a pattern is clear which shows that we can see fleshly things (they can be observed) but we cannot see spiritual things (no observation) but we can and will hear something when one is born of the Spirit.
A quick review of what has been studied:
1. Being Born Again is required to see and to enter the Kingdom of God.
2. Flesh (which is our first birth) cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. This indicates that the flesh cannot see the Kingdom of God nor can the flesh observe the Second birth (Spiritual Birth).
3. The process of being Born Again involves being born of the water and of the Spirit.
4. Jesus clearly says you must be born again which involves “of the water and the Spirit”
Not just believing or confessing Christ as your personal savoir.
5. When one is Born Again it cannot be observed but it can be audibly acknowledged.
One should be able to surmise that being born again (of water and of Spirit) gets you into the Kingdom of God but when someone is born again it cannot be observed by the flesh because it is spiritual. What is also made clear is the Kingdom of God cannot be seen by the flesh. Are there any scriptures that support this notion? Let us take a moment to better understand what and/or where the Kingdom of God resides.
Luke 16:16
The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
This scripture is plainly letting us know that the Kingdom of God was coming whether man wanted it to or not and there is no escaping it. Every man presseth into it.
Luke 17:20-21
20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Jesus said in John 3:3 we must be born again to see the Kingdom of God. In these scriptures “The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation” meaning it can’t be seen. It can’t be seen because “Behold the kingdom of God is within you” These scriptures bring up a serious question… “How can you enter into a Kingdom that is within you?” and “How does being born of the water and of the Spirit accomplish this?” Praise God he is not an author of confusion let us look at some scriptures that mention something else being in you.
John 14:16-17, 26
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
So Jesus said the Kingdom of God shall be in you and these scriptures speak of the comforter “the Spirit of truth” that shall be in you. So who or what is the comforter?
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
The Holy Ghost is the comforter! And what does Jesus say about the Holy Ghost?
John 7:38-39
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
A quick review of what has been studied:
1. Being Born Again is required to see and to enter the Kingdom of God.
2. Flesh (which is our first birth) cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. This indicates that the flesh cannot see the Kingdom of God nor can the flesh observe the Second birth (Spiritual Birth).
3. The process of being Born Again involves being born of the water and of the Spirit.
4. Jesus clearly says you must be born again which involves “of the water and the Spirit”
Not just believing or confessing Christ as your personal savoir.
5. When one is Born Again it cannot be observed but it can be audibly acknowledged.
6. The Kingdom of God when it comes will not be observed (like being born again).
7. When the Kingdom of God comes it shall be in you.
8. God will send a comforter which is the Holy Ghost and he shall be in you.
There is a direct correlation between the Kingdom of God being in you and the Holy Ghost being in you. This leads us back to the question of being born of the water and the Spirit. The Spirit part of this is clearly receiving the Holy Ghost. There is a scripture in Acts Chapter 2 and verse 38 that mentions water and the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
In Hebrews it states that without the shedding of blood there can be no remission.
Hebrews 9:22
22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Jesus made it clear that his blood was shed for remission of sins.
Matthew 26:27-28
27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Acts chapter 2 was the day of Pentecost (the day the church was created “the body of Christ”) and they asked Peter what to do. He commands them to repent (death) and to be baptized (burial) in the name of Jesus Christ “for the remission of sins” now it is clear from what Peter says here that the removal of sins comes from water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. Then he proceeds to acknowledge that you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (resurrection).
This goes against what is being preached in a lot of churches today but it is what the Bible (Word of God) says. How can anyone deny or exclude what Peter says on the day of Pentecost? Peter was given the Keys (Matthew 16:16-19) Peter was instructed by Jesus to feed his (Jesus’s) sheep (John 21:14-17) and that once converted (Receiving the Holy Ghost) to strengthen the rest of the apostles (Luke 22:31-32)
Christ made it clear to his apostles what they were to do before he left them and was received into heaven.
Matthew 28:19-20
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Okay real quick it is crucial to point out that the apostles minds were opened to understand the scriptures (Luke 24:44-45) the apostles were given revelation and Jesus trusted them to carry out his commandments. When he told them to Baptize in the name of the father and the son and the Holy Ghost Peter stood up and told them in the name of Jesus Christ. Read (WIP Article - “In what name should I be Baptized?”) for more on this subject. Why would he do that? Did he disobey Jesus in doing this? Nowhere in the Bible did they ever baptize in the Titles (Father, Son & Holy Ghost) only in the name of Jesus.
Mark 16:15-20
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Luke 24:46-48
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
John 7:38-39
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
The Death (Romans 6:1-3 / Repentance) along with Burial (Romans 6:4 / Baptism in the name [which is how we get the blood] Acts 4:12 & Colossians 3:17) and the Resurrection (Romans 6:5-6 / Receiving the Holy Ghost; 2 Corinthians 5:16-18 & Ephesians 4:20-25 & Colossians 3:9-11) Peter preached on the day of Pentecost how Jesus Died was buried and rose the third day and then they asked how to be saved and Peter Said…
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Doing what is commanded in Acts 2:38 is obeying the Gospel and in doing so you are born of the Water (Baptism in Jesus Name) and of the Spirit (Receiving the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in tongues Mark 16:17, John 3:8, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:6).
Now this is where some teach that Acts 2:38 is works and they quote:
Ephesians 2:7-9
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Or that all you need to do is confess your sins and call on Jesus for Salvation and they will qoute:
Romans 10:10-13
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
The argument here is that being baptized is works and salvation is made through confession and that these scriptures clearly state that you are saved by faith not by works so Acts 2:38 is not applicable. There are several things to consider when approaching this line of thinking.
1. Having the full Bible in front of us today it is easy to swift through the pages trying to find one scripture to get around Acts2:38 but the biggest problem with this is that the Bible was not written on the day of Pentecost. When Peter stood up he preached the Gospel (Death, Burial, Resurrection) Repentance, Baptism, Holy Ghost and that was the doctrine they had as the church was being formed there was no Ephesians 2:7-9. There was no Romans 10:10-13. There was only what was being preached by the Apostles and Luke recorded it later in the Book of Acts.
2. In Acts Chapter 10 Peter goes to Cornelius and his household preaching the Gospel (slew on a tree and was raised the third day) Now there still is no Bible and there is no Epistles. Yet he goes on to say whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins and after saying this the Holy Ghost fell on them and they spoke in tongues (John 3:8) and he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Now why would he command them to be baptized in the name if believing was enough for remission of sins?
3. Acts Chapter 19 Paul the apostle who later wrote the Book of Ephesians and the Book of Romans did not have these Epistles with him when he ran into the disciples of John the Baptist. He asked them if they had received the Holy Ghost since they believed. They said they had not and he asked them what baptism they were under. They said John’s baptism and he re-baptized them in the name of Jesus and when he laid his hands on them they received the Holy Ghost and they spoke in tongues (John 3:8) and prophesied. If Believing is enough to receive the Holy Ghost then why did they not have it already? If Baptism is not important then why did he re-baptize them in the name of Jesus?
4. When quoting Ephesians 2:7-9 one must consider;
James 2:14-26
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
5. When quoting Romans 10:10-13 one must consider
Romans 10:14-16
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
When one comes to true repentance and is seeking the truth of God’s salvation they will be willing to do all that Jesus had commanded. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of understanding. Yes we all have fallen short of the glory and yes we all are sinners saved by Grace but that Grace is the Holy Ghost (Zechariah 12:10 )
To be born again is to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in other tongues (John 3:8) as the spirit gives the utterance. “For the promise is unto you, and your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:39