What does it mean to be a born again Christian?

The classic passage from the Bible that answers this question is John 3:1-21. The Lord Jesus Christ is talking to Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin (a ruler of the Jews). Nicodemus had come to Jesus at night. Nicodemus had questions to ask Jesus.

As Jesus talked with Nicodemus, He said, "'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.' ‘How can a man be born when he is old?' Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!' Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again'" (John 3:3-7).

The phrase "born again" literally means "born of God." Nicodemus had a real need. He needed a change of his heart-a spiritual transformation/renewal. New birth, being born again, is an act of God whereby eternal life is imparted to the person who believes (2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1-4, 18). John 1:12,13 indicates that when we are born again, when we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we become children of God.

The question logically comes, "Why does a person need to be born again?" The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:1 says, "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins..." (NKJV). To the Romans in Romans 3:23, the Apostle wrote, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." So, a person needs to be born again in order to have their sins forgiven and have a relationship with God.

How does that come to be?

Romans 10 vs.9 & 10 says "...If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved"

If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

" When one is "saved," he/she has been born again, spiritually renewed, and is now a child of God by right of new birth. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Today, you can receive the life of God into your spirit, and become a brand new creature in Christ, so that God's beauty and power can be seen in you. All you have to do is say this prayer and mean it with all of your heart; and God will hear you.

O Lord God, I believe in Jesus Christ, your Son who died for me and was raised from the dead for my justification.

Your Word says in Romans 10 vs. 9 & 10 "...that if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Therefore I confess Jesus Christ as Lord of my life from this day forth. I receive remission of sins for my soul and I receive eternal life into my spirit.

I am saved! I am born-again! Thank you for making me your child.

Amen

This is just the beginning of a wonderful new life with Jesus Christ. To experience this relationship you should:

1.     Read your Bible every day to get to know Christ better.

2.     Talk to God in prayer every day.

3.     Tell others about Jesus Christ.

4.     Worship, fellowship, and serve with other Christians in a church where Christ is preached.