What it Means to be “Born Again”
When
are born into this world by a ‘water birth.’ We were conceived and grew inside
of our mother’s womb in a sack containing amniotic fluid (or ‘water’). The sack
broke open; we were delivered out of that “hidden world” into the world
outside. That was our first birth. Sadly, for most souls, it is the only
birthdate they can claim. We entered this world corrupt and sinful, “lost” and
headed to the dreadful, ever-tormenting, endlessly fiery place called Hell full
of those eternally dying.
Being
born again is the work of the Holy Spirit of God and a supernatural birth “from
above” referred to as being “born of the Spirit” of God. It is the action of regeneration and a born-again
believer will have a new nature with new principles, affections, and aims in
this life 1(Matthew Henry). It is a turning away from sin with a
turning to God by agreeing with Him that we (and I include myself) are by
nature sinners – we are sinners. It is the Holy Spirit Whose presence is
in all the earth and you feel a “tug” on your heart while being exposed to the
Gospel, you are experiencing the Holy Spirit drawing you to God.
Being
born again does not mean you stop being a sinner; however, God sees you differently – not “not guilty”
of sins because of Christ’s blood atonement, for He suffered our guilt and
punishment. The daily battle continues against that sinful nature until the day
of physical death. The difference in the life of a born-again believer is of
having a personal relationship with
God, available only through Christ Jesus, which affords the privilege of
immediate access to Him through prayer and forgiveness all day every day.
Christian liberty is another topic study; however, to be born again does not give
“liberty” to sin freely and at will. God expects refrain from sin to the utmost
of our ability. Though we may slip – He will catch us when we repent. One who
is born again can know that all past sin has been forgiven, present and future
will be as He is faithful and just to forgive.
Adam
and Eve were coerced by Satan to go against God’s (their Creator and Father)
command. They “fell” out of fellowship with God through their action of
disobedience; hence the “fallen nature of man.” We are descendants of the same Adam
and Eve. Like our greatest grandparents, God has also given us free will. We
are free to make our own decisions – be they right or wrong. We are also born
with that nature to go against God and commit sin against Him. Therefore, we
must be reconciled (born again) to Him if we want to see, let alone enter, the
kingdom of Heaven. Being born again is also referred to the act of
reconciliation or restoration. It is each individual’s choice to remain lost
(unsaved) or born again (saved). The Holy Spirit will gradually change a person
from the heart out.
So, What must you do to be born again?
~ Get personal with and
agree with God about your sins by admitting to Him you are a sinner and guilty
of it:
Romans 3:10 “As it is
written, There is none righteous, no, not one.”
Romans 3:23 “For all have
sinned, and come short of the glory of God:”
You must be sorrowful and truly repent!
~ Grasp the reality that
punishment is eternal separation from God in Hell and the Lake of Fire:
Romans 6:23a “For the
wages of sin is death;”
Revelation 21:8 “But the
fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers,
and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake
which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
“Second death” ~
banishment by God into Hell, eternally separated from Him and Heaven with no
way of escape. It is everlasting and unending torture.
~ Realize God’s Son Jesus
Christ paid your sin debt in full:
Romans 5:8 “But God
commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died
for us.”
~ Know that it is only
through Jesus Christ that the free gift of salvation can be yours:
Romans 6:23b “…but the
gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
~ You must believe in
Christ and ask Him to be your Saviour:
Romans 10:9 “That if thou
shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart
that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Romans 10:10 “For with
the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is
made unto salvation.”
~ You must truly repent
and believe:
Romans 10:13 “For whosoever
shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
It is vital to repent.
God, Who is omniscient, knows your heart and your motives. He cannot be fooled.
If you choose to be “born
again” you can say a simple “sinner’s prayer” to ask Jesus Christ for your free
gift of salvation:
Dear God,
I admit I am a sinner,
sincerely repent of my sins, and ask for Your forgiveness please. I believe
that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died for me and ask You, Jesus, to be my Savior.
In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Amen.
If you indeed have been "born again" you now have a "spiritual birthday" - it is the date and time you sincerely repented and believed.
