What does it mean to be Born Again?

Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God. (John 3:3 AMP)

The term born-again basically means to have been recreated from above. When someone hears, the Gospel message about Jesus, and believes that Jesus died on the cross for their sins, their faith (belief) opens the door of their heart to receive Jesus. An amazing transformation takes place in the spirit of that person; their spirit is recreated with the DNA of God. You have been regenerated (born again), not from a mortal origin (seed, sperm), but from one that is immortal by the ever living and lasting Word of God. (1 Peter 1:23 AMP)

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One of names of Jesus is the Word of God. When we receive His Word we receive Him. The Spirit of Jesus Christ becomes one with the believer’s spirit. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. (Romans 8:9 NASB)

Jesus taught that you cannot see this change with your physical eyes because it is spiritual. However, you can see and feel the results of being born again. Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and 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. “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:5-8 NASB)

Being born-again is the beginning of a new life of Christ in you and you in Christ. Your soul, which is your heart and mind, needs to be brought into obedience to the Spirit. In addition, your physical body needs to be brought under the control of the Spirit. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NKJV)

Sanctification is a process that the Holy Spirit does in a person as the person co-operates with Jesus. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a Spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. (Romans 8:13-16 NIV) As a person chooses to do the will of God instead of the will of their soul and the will of their body, they are being sanctified, made into a holy son or daughter of God.

Being born-again in your spirit is the first step in becoming a child of God. But as many as received Him [Jesus], 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. (John 1:12-13 NKJV) The word right means power and authority.When you receive Jesus you receive the power and authority to become a child of God. You are now a disciple (student) of Jesus and He will guide you on the path of life to the Father. Listen to and follow Him.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:27-28 NIV)