ARE YOU BORN AGAIN?
Today there is a great controversy surrounding "born again"
Christian terminology. Many in Christendom say that people do not
need to be "born again" to arrive in the kingdom of God. Many others
in Christendom claim that one must be baptized in order to be "born
again." Cults and churches on the fringes of orthodoxy will claim
that one must be baptized in their particular church to be "born
again" or saved. We will briefly explain through Scripture the
concept of what it means to be "born again."
John 3:1-2 There was a man of the Pharisees named
Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and
said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God;
for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."
Note: Being a religious person does not necessarily mean
being "born again." (Acts 17:22-34)
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."
Note: A person must be "born again" in order to be in the
kingdom of God. (Romans 14:17)
John 3:4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when
he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be
born?"
Note: Nicodemus was confused with being "born again"
naturally. (1 Corinthians 15:46)
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."
Note: In context, one must first be born naturally and then
spiritually. (1 John 5:4)
Corollary: Fallen angels cannot be "born again" since they
have never been born naturally.
John 3:6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and
that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
Note: Being born naturally does not mean you have the Holy
Spirit. (Romans 8:9)
John 3:7 "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be
born again.'"
Note: To be in the kingdom of God you must know God. (John
14:7; 1 John 4:7)
John 3:8 "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the
sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes.
So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
Note: There is not a set pattern of how God will work in
your life. (Ecclesiastes 11:5)
Corollary: Every true Christian's testimony of Jesus Christ
will be different from each other.
In the context of John chapter three, have you placed your sincere
belief in the person of Jesus Christ? (John 3:16-18) Have you placed
your sincere faith (Galatians 3:26) and trust (Psalms 2:12) in the
person of Jesus Christ? Have you confessed Jesus Christ to others?
(Romans 10:9) Do you sincerely love Jesus Christ? (Ephesians 6:24)
Have you received or asked Jesus Christ to come into your life?
(Revelation 3:20)
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.