What does it mean to be born again?

In the past several months the term and meaning of born again has been the subject of several discussions I’ve had. In one case, a young man I was speaking with said he was a Christian, but when I asked if he was born again, his response stunned me, because he didn’t know what I was talking about.

In a previous article when I mentioned being born again I didn’t expect some of the responses I received in the blogs and via e-mails. In short, I am surprised by the number of people who say they are Christians and at the same time have no idea what born again is. Before I go any further in this article I wish to make it clear that I make no judgments on a personal relationship with God only relay what is in the Bible.

The term “born again” was first coined by Christ himself in response to a question from Nicodemus; John 3:2-6, “The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 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. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

So now the question becomes what is born again and what did Christ mean in this statement? Being born again is not just walking forward at a church service and repeating the words of repentance. Nor is it just a matter of a water baptism. Being born again is also a life-changing experience. Things that are of the world suddenly loose there importance. Jesus Christ becomes the focus, not the world. Not just in church but every moment of your life.

In short, did your life change when you became a Christian? Would you be proud to have Christ walk into your home and be willing to let him see all that there is in your house? Would you be pleased if Christ was willing to accompany you whereever you went, including meetings at work and business arrangements? If you knew for a fact that Christ was accompanying you would you introduce him to all your friends? In other words if Christ were in your life seeing everything you do, say and think, would you live differently? Guess what, God sees all; are you ready to answer for everything you do in your life?

James 1:26, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.”

Would you be willing to face the persecutions that the apostles and the early Christians faced? Before you answer the question let me remind you of some of those persecutions— excommunication, flogging, and stoning just to name a few. I would like to believe that all Christians would proudly claim Christ, but I am just as sure that at least some would not. Being born again isn’t a once-a-week change, it is a life change. Some people call themselves born again Christians, or Christians, which frankly is just a label. Others live the life and have never heard the phrase. The time is coming in the U.S. when being a Christian won’t be the “in thing”. Many who claim Christianity now will suddenly deny Christ. When that time comes I hope you think of this verse, Matthew 10:33, “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”

Many people seem to be on the fence about Christianity, but the time will come for the marking of the beast. Here is a thought about that idea that some may want to keep in mind.

Revelation 20:4, “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”

Again I make no judgments of a person’s dedication to their belief in Christ, their faith is theirs and theirs alone. Who will make it to heaven is based on their relationship with God and the decisions they make. I am grateful that I am not a part of that decision-making process.

I close with this quote: “Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.” (author unknown).

Mike Blodgett is the chaplain at Lighthouse Chapel, which is under construction. He can be reached at 373-5866, or by e-mail at lighthouse_chapelak@yahoo.com.