What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?
Being born again is a profound spiritual transformation that leads to a new life in Christ. It means experiencing a personal renewal where you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, resulting in the forgiveness of sins and a restored relationship with God.
The expression of being “born again” comes from what Jesus said in John 3:3: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (NKJV).
This new birth is not physical but spiritual, marking the beginning of a life centered on Christ.
The Meaning of Spiritual Rebirth
The concept of being born again refers to a complete renewal of your heart and soul. It happens when you repent of your sins, turn to Christ in faith, and receive the Holy Spirit.
Then through the help of the Holy Spirit, you leave behind the old way of life and embrace a new, Christ-centered existence.
2 Corinthians 5:17 explains it this way: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (NKJV).
Through faith in Christ, you become a new person—your past is forgiven, and you begin a journey of spiritual growth and transformation.
The Role of Repentance and Faith
Repentance is a crucial part of being born again. It involves recognizing your sins, feeling genuine sorrow for them, and deciding to turn away from sinful behaviors.
Acts 3:19 urges us saying, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” (ESV).
Repentance clears the way for you to fully experience God’s forgiveness and grace.
Faith, on the other hand, is trusting in Jesus for your salvation. When you place your faith in Him, you acknowledge that He died for your sins and rose again, offering you eternal life.
Through this faith, you invite Jesus into your heart, allowing Him to transform your life from within.
The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
When you are born again, the Holy Spirit comes to live within you.
The Holy Spirit is God’s presence guiding, comforting, and empowering you to live according to His will.
As Romans 8:9 puts it, “You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you” (NKJV).
The Holy Spirit helps you grow spiritually, strengthens your faith, and enables you to resist temptation.
How to Take the Step to Be Born Again
If you are ready to take the step to be born again, it begins with a sincere prayer of repentance and faith. Here are the key steps:
- Acknowledge your need for Jesus – Admit that you are a sinner in need of God’s grace and forgiveness.
- Believe in Jesus – Place your faith in Jesus Christ, trusting that His death and resurrection provide salvation.
- Repent of your sins – Turn away from sinful habits and commit to following Christ.
- Invite Jesus into your life – Ask Jesus to come into your heart to renew your spirit and lead your life.
When you take these steps, you will experience the joy of a renewed life in Christ.
Living a New Life in Christ
Being born again is just the beginning of your spiritual journey. As a new believer, your life will be marked by continuous growth in faith, love, and obedience to God’s Word.
Engage in daily prayer, study the Bible, and surround yourself with other believers who can support and encourage you. By doing so, you will strengthen your relationship with God and live out your new identity in Christ.
If you’re ready to explore more about being born again and deepening your faith, visit other faith-building pages on HFA or sign up for our free online Bible Studies.
Ready to take your spiritual rebirth one step further? Check out some of our other pages on faith, such as trusting in God.
Learn about baptism through one biblical story
Disclaimer: Hope for Africa is not affiliated with the following video. It is simply being provided as a helpful resource for baptism.
One of the first things Jesus did as He began His ministry is get baptized by John in the river Jordan. Join Caroline and Emmanuel as they study this example and learn about the public expression of a convicted sinner’s decision to die to the world and gain a new birth in Christ via immersion.
6 Bible verses about being born again
Compiled by the Hope For Africa staff on September 26, 2024
Bible verses related to “What does it mean to be born again?” from the New King James Version (NKJV) by Relevance
- John 3:3
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Explanation: Jesus pointed out the necessity of being born again to our salvation and attaining eternal life. - John 3:5
“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
Explanation: Being born again is closely associated with baptism by water and receiving the Holy Spirit. - 1 Peter 1:23
“Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.”
Explanation: The agency by which we are born again and transformed is through receiving and obeying the Words of Scripture and letting them be the guiding principle of our lives. - Titus 3:5
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
Explanation: It is not through our own strength and effort that we are born again, but It is the Holy Spirit that changes us and makes us new creatures or regenerates us in Christ. - 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Explanation: When we are born again, we become new people, with new habits and ways of thinking. - John 1:12-13
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
Explanation: When we are born again, we become children of God as we are adopted in His spiritual family.
Search the StepBible.org for more references about being born again.
Topics and verses are generated from multiple resources and are reviewed by our team. If a verse or topic does not belong or is missing, please contact us. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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