Danny Rowlat comments on this foundational teaching of Jesus.
BACKGROUND
In John 3:3-7, Jesus tells Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus appears confused by this statement and asks how someone can be born again when they are already old. Jesus responds by explaining that this rebirth is not physical but spiritual, often described as being “born of the Spirit” or “born of God.”
In Christian theology, being “born again” is understood as spiritual rebirth. It signifies a profound transformation or conversion experience where an individual turns away from a life apart from God and accepts Messiah Jesus as Lord and as Saviour. This experience is often associated with repentance, faith, and a commitment to follow Messiah.
“Born of water and the Spirit” is a reference to baptism, as Messiah commands His disciples in the Great Commission to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
Jesus then explains to Nicodemus what it means to be born of the Spirit: That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. John 3:6-8
“BORN AGAIN” MEANING
The term “born again” in the original Greek is (genn?th? an?then). Let’s break down the key elements:
(genn?th?): This is a form of the Greek verb “gennao,” which means “to be born” or “to be begotten.” It is in the aorist passive subjunctive tense, indicating a one-time action in the past with ongoing effects.
(an?then): This adverb can mean “from above,” or “anew” or “again.” In the context of the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, it is often understood as “again” or “anew.”
So, the phrase “born again” can also be translated as “born from above”, or “born anew.” It emphasizes spiritual rebirth or transformation, a radical change that occurs in a person’s life through faith in Messiah Jesus. It’s not a physical rebirth but a metaphorical or spiritual one, emphasizing a new life and a new nature that comes through a relationship with Messiah Jesus.
BIBLE VERSES ABOUT BEING BORN AGAIN
2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
1 Peter 1:23 – Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;
John 3:7 – Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
Titus 3:5 – He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
BORN AGAIN – THEOLOGY
The idea of being “born again” carries several key theological and spiritual implications:
- Spiritual Renewal:It signifies a transformation of one’s inner self, where a person’s heart and spirit are renewed by the Holy Spirit. It represents a turning away from a life of sin and a turning toward God and righteousness.
- Forgiveness of Sins:Through the process of being born again, Christians believe that their sins are forgiven and that they are reconciled with God. This is often associated with repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
- New Life:Being born again is seen as the start of a new life in Christ. Believers are considered new creations in Him, with old ways of thinking and living passing away and a new way of living in accordance with God’s will emerge.
- Eternal Life:It is also connected to the promise of eternal life. Those who are born again are believed to have the assurance of eternal life with God in heaven.
- Baptism:In many Christian traditions, baptism is seen as the outward expression of being born again. It symbolizes the washing away of sins and the emergence of a new life in Christ.
SUMMARY
Different Christian denominations may have varying interpretations of what it means to be “born again” and how this spiritual rebirth is experienced. Some may emphasize the role of a personal confession of faith in Jesus, while others may see it as a process that unfolds over time.
In summary, being “born again” in the Bible refers to a profound spiritual transformation, a new birth in Christ, which leads to forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life. It is a fundamental concept in Christian theology and has significant implications for the life and beliefs of Christians.
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Video discussions – Dan Holland and Peter Sammons discuss being born again.
Being Born Again – How? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_trcv65Pyc (8 minutes)
Being Born Again – Why? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxIrHjTNPq4 (8 minutes)
Being Born Again – What? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-XZ96-OVSI&t=53s (8 minutes)
Being Born Again – What is actually meant? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-XZ96-OVSI&t=68s (8 minutes)
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