John Aziza

​What does it mean to be born again? The expression “born again” comes directly from John 3, where we discover the story of Jesus and Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee. Nicodemus approached Jesus at night seeking to deepen his understanding of Christ's message. Jesus informed Nicodemus that unless he was born again he could not enter the kingdom of God. Nicodemus questioned how such a thing was possible since he was already a grown man. Jesus explained that to be born again one must "be born of water and the Spirit":

​

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. 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? 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 (Jn 3:3-5).

 

It is likely that Jesus used the phrase "born of water" to represent our natural birth, while being "born of the Spirit" signifies our spiritual birth. Like all of us, Nicodemus had a real need—he needed a change of heart, a spiritual transformation that could only come from above. Being born again or new birth is an act of God whereby eternal life is imparted to the person who believes in Christ through faith (Jn. 3:16; 6:47). But this is just the beginning. True faith also calls for repentance from sin (Mat. 4:17; Act. 2:38), a public confession of belief (Mat. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10), and water baptism in Jesus' name to symbolize our new life in Christ (Mat. 28:19-20; 2 Cor. 5:17). Once these steps are taken, we can confidently claim the promise of John 1:12-13: that as born-again Believers, we are now children of God.

But why does a person need to be born again? Apostle Paul answers this question in Romans 3:23, where he writes, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. To the Ephesians, he wrote, “And you hath He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph 2:1). Sinners are spiritually “dead” and can only receive spiritual life through faith in Christ. Being born once makes us children of Adam who share in his corruption. We need a second birth—a spiritual birth—to make us children of God.

 

Once we are born again, our new life in Christ will be marked by a clear and visible transformation. Also, our choices and actions should now be aligned with God's will since we no longer care for the things that represented our old way of life.

​

It is fair to say that being born again is the most vital experience in the Christian faith. Only those who are born again can have their sins forgiven and enjoy a relationship with God. Conversely, those who reject the Gospel and refuse to repent of their sins are unable to experience God's life-changing work or the blessing of salvation (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Mk. 1:15).

​

To fulfill the born-again requirement of John 3:5, Jesus imparted the Holy Spirit to His disciples when He blew on them in John 20:22: “And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, ‘Receive ye the Holy Ghost’” (John 20:22). Essentially, this marked the exact point in time when Christ's disciples were indwelt by the Holy Spirit and became God's children.

​

In conclusion, it's important to remember that being born again is not merely an intellectual assent to theological truths; it is a profound spiritual transformation that redefines our very existence. It is a divine act of grace that empowers us to live a life pleasing to God. As we embrace this new life in Christ, we are called to grow in faith, love, and obedience. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome sin, cultivate godly character, and fulfill our divine destiny.

​

​​