What does it mean to be born again? The word theologians use for “born again” is regeneration. It describes renewal, restoration or regrowth and occurs in both the natural and spiritual worlds. Cells in the bodies of living things regularly die and are replaced through the process biologists call regeneration. Death gives way to new life. Jesus said a spiritual rebirth was necessary to enter the Kingdom of God. Just as we had no say in our natural birth, we have no control over our rebirth. “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44 | NIV). Regeneration results from placing faith in Jesus as both lord and savior in response to the Holy Spirit’s prompting. It means dying to self to live for Christ. Theologically speaking, regeneration or rebirth justifies the believer in God’s sight. It saves him from sin’s penalty. The proof of regeneration is receipt of the Holy Spirit. And the proof of the Holy Spirit is striving to be like Jesus by living a life that glorifies God.
We are all born into a natural, sinful world. In the natural world we make our own choices and follow the course we decide. Some people believe that life is short and all that matters is “looking out for number one.” Such people are godless and self-seeking. But most of us, on the other hand, try to be good people who do mostly good things. And while that works pretty well, there is something inside us that longs for a connection to something greater than ourselves. There is always a sense there is more. Nothing we try or buy seems to satisfy. The gospel message demonstrates we can never be good enough for God on our own. It also makes us aware of how we can satisfy that longing by ultimately making that connection and gaining a restored relationship with God. A relationship with God is only possible through regeneration.
The gospel is the door that allows us to move from being a natural being inhabiting a material world to one who sees the world from a radically different spiritual perspective. “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned”(1Corinthians 2:14 | NIV). No matter what happens around us, we have confidence that everything is going to work out exactly as God intends. We no longer have to worry about tomorrow. Knowing God has our backs allows us to put others before ourselves. What God wants, we want. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2 | NIV). No, it isn’t looking through “rose-colored glasses.” Everything around us likely remains the same. We are totally different. Our priorities and concerns are no longer self-defined. We are, indeed, a new creation. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20 | ESV). We have been born again!
If you are wondering how you can be born again you are in good company. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council secretly visited Jesus one night. He didn’t ask the question directly, but apparently Jesus inferred that to be the reason for his visit. “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again’” (John 3:3 | NIV). This was the first time “born again” appeared in Scripture. Nicodemus stated the obvious regarding the physical impossibility of an adult being naturally reborn. Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:5-6 | NIV). After Christ’s resurrection and ascension, the apostle Peter put flesh on those bones. He was asked a similar question after he preached his first sermon. His response, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38 | NIV).
Regeneration is only the beginning of a walk of faith. It only places our feet on the pathway of sanctification–striving to be like Jesus. Through the Spirit’s leading, Christ’s disciples are empowered to live lives that honor God by emulating Jesus as they expand God’s kingdom on earth. It is common for people to say that they “made a profession of faith,” “accepted Jesus,” or “gave their life to Jesus.” All of those phrases essentially mean the same thing as regeneration or born again. But that is only if the person went beyond simply accepting Jesus as a fact of history and considering him to be a great teacher and role model. It even means more than them believing he died on the cross for their sins and those of everyone else in the world. It must also mean that they have turned away from sinful behavior and with their whole heart are trusting in Jesus as both their personal savior and lord. Accepting him as savior is easier than making him lord over every aspect of their life. But, unless that happens, they have been still born, not reborn.