When I was still younger, I always hear all the time the term “born-again”. Little did I know back then what it really meant. I was born to this specific religion and grew up thinking that “we” had superior understanding and privilege compared to others. How pathetic I was back then to think that way. I grew up thinking that I must work hard to earn what I deserve, and that my salvation was based solely on how I persevere to be good and do good things. I also grew up that being part of “my religion” was the only way to salvation. Did I really know Christ? Was I really committed? No. Basically, my spiritual maturity and hunger in Christ never did grow.
What happens in the new birth?
What needed changing? Lots. My own brokenness was plain, and Christ really took the initiative to change me. I was ready to turn from the old ways and self-centeredness and become a new person. What happens in the new birth? Being born again doesn’t mean having new religion. Being born again means commitment, conversion, repentance, and most especially, being saved. Thanks to wonderful people that God sent to me, I was able to understand what really a Christian should be like. I am not saying that I am a perfect one. I am still far from it. But now, I am much more aware how salvation works and that God freely gives it to those who truly believes in Christ.
Jesus tells us to be born again
Our nature – we are rebellious and selfish. Our present condition of being so sinful is hopeless. So, what happens in the new birth? Being born again is not something that we do, rather it is something that has given to us and is caused by God alone. How wonderful it would be to finally wake up in truth, right?
“Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
John 1:13, KJV
The good things that we do are just a result of this new birth, and not the cause of this new birth. What does this mean? This only means that being born again is not in our control. It talks about our ultimate dependance on no one but God.
That is why it is a misconception to say that “Born-Again Christians” are a part of a new religion. It is really not about religion. A person can never choose to be born again. However, the opportunity to have a deeper and genuine relationship with God is open to everyone as mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:3 – This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God, whose will is that all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.
How can a man be born when he is old?
According to the bible, the term “born again” depends on God, and not on a person’s desire.
Nicodemus asked the question “How can a man be born when he is old?” because he wanted to understand it.
First, we need to hear the Word of God. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). God’s words have the power to penetrate our hearts and change our lives.
Second is the work of the Holy Spirit. He changes our objectives for living and our disposition. He gives us a new goals and purpose. “Old things pass away, and everything becomes new” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17).
Third is repentance. Jesus Christ says that we must be born again. We receive Jesus Christ as our Savior. We are willing to follow Him in a new life of obedience.
My prayer
My prayer is that you too may be born again and be part of God’s family. Through prayer, tell God that you are a sinner, and you are sorry for your sins. Then, ask God to come into your life and save you. When you do, He will come to live within you by His Spirit, and you will be born again. 🙂
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Cha of Little Misadvencha is a Filipino Civil Engineer, researcher and a fur mom. She came from General Santos City and finds that everything in life teaches her a lesson. She is inspired to write about and out of her experiences, but later found out that it was her experiences that actually inspire her.
