About the New Birth

Born Again

Scripture on Being Born Again

The concept of being “born again” comes from John 3:3-7, where Jesus speaks to Nicodemus, a Pharisee:

John 3:3 (NKJV) – Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Nicodemus, confused, asks how someone can be born a second time. Jesus explains:

John 3:5-6 (NKJV) – Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?

Being born again refers to spiritual rebirth—a transformation that occurs when someone receives Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

1. It’s a New Birth in the Spirit
   • Every person is born physically (of the flesh), but to be born again means receiving a new spiritual life from God.
   • This happens through the work of the Holy Spirit (John 3:6).
2. It Comes Through Faith in Jesus
   • John 1:12-13 (NKJV) – 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.
   • Being born again is not about good works but about trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
3. It Brings Eternal Life
   • John 3:16 (NKJV) – For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
   • The new birth allows believers to enter God’s kingdom and experience eternal life with Him.
4. It Results in a Changed Life
   • 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
   • A person who is born again desires to live for God, turning away from sin and following His ways.

How Can Someone Be Born Again?

Romans 10:9 gives the answer:

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Being born again happens when a person:

1. Repents of their sins (Acts 3:19).
2. Believes in Jesus as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10).
3. Receives the Holy Spirit, who regenerates and transforms them (Titus 3:5).

A simple prayer to be born again is often called the “Sinner’s Prayer.” It’s a heartfelt declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. Here’s a simple version:

“Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I ask You to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart. I turn away from my old life and choose to follow You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make me a new creation. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

This prayer is not a formula but a reflection of what the Bible says about salvation: believing in Jesus, repenting of sin, and receiving Him as Lord. If someone prays this sincerely, they are born again according to Scripture (Romans 10:9-10, John 1:1