The concept of being “born again” is found in John 3:3-7 (KJV), where Jesus speaks to Nicodemus. Here’s the passage:
John 3:3-7 (KJV):
v3 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.
v4 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?
v5 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.
v6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
v7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
This scripture highlights that being “born again” involves a spiritual rebirth through the work of the Holy Spirit. It signifies repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and receiving the new life that comes from God.
Other places where being Born Again was discussed or preached in the bible:
The Bible that discuss or align with the concept of being “born again” or emphasis spiritual rebirth and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ in the following scriptures:
1. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
This verse emphasises the transformative nature of being in Christ, which is akin to the spiritual rebirth described in John 3.
2. 1 Peter 1:23 (KJV)
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”
Peter directly mentions being born again, attributing it to the incorruptible Word of God, which brings eternal life.
3.Titus 3:5 (KJV)
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
This verse highlights the process of regeneration (spiritual rebirth) and renewal through the
Holy Spirit, similar to being “born of the Spirit” as Jesus said in John 3.
4. Romans 6:3–4 (KJV)
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptised into Jesus Christ were baptised into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
This passage draws a parallel between spiritual rebirth and the act of baptism, symbolising dying to sin and rising to a new life in Christ.
5. Ezekiel 36:25–27 (KJV) (Prophetic of the New Covenant)
“Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”
This Old Testament prophecy foreshadows the spiritual renewal and rebirth that comes through the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant.
6. Galatians 2:20 (KJV)
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Paul reflects on the transformation that occurs when one is spiritually renewed, living a new life in Christ.
These passages collectively underline the necessity of spiritual rebirth and transformation, emphasising faith in Jesus Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and living a new life in obedience to God.
This confession aligns with the steps described in Romans 10:9-10 and is a declaration of faith that leads to salvation.
Supporting Scriptures:
John 1:12 (KJV):
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
Acts 2:21 (KJV):
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
1 John 1:9 (KJV):
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
These passages emphasises the importance of faith, confession, and receiving Christ to experience spiritual rebirth.
Becoming Born Again in ChristJesus
Understanding What It Means to Be Born Again
1. What does it mean to be “born again”?
Being born again means experiencing a spiritual transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not a physical rebirth but a renewal of the human spirit by the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17). This happens when a person repents of their sins and receives Jesus as their Lord and Saviour
2. Is being “born again” the same as being baptised?
No, they are not the same. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change, symbolising a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. However, being born again is an internal transformation that occurs when a person places their faith in Christ (John 3:5-6, Romans 6:3-4).
3. I was baptised as a baby; do I still need to be born again?
Yes, because baptism as a baby is not a personal decision. Being born again requires an individual choice to accept Jesus Christ, as seen in John 1:12: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”Babies are unable to make such a decision, so those baptised as infants still need to consciously repent and believe in Christ to be born again.
4. Why do I need to be born again if I already believe in Jesus?
Simply believing in Jesus’ existence is not enough. Even demons believe in God and tremble (James 2:19). To be born again, one must not only acknowledge Jesus but personally receive Him, repent of sin, and surrender to Him as Lord (John 1:12, Matthew 7:21-23).
5. Is being born again a requirement for salvation?
Yes. Jesus clearly stated in John 3:7, “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”Without being born again, one cannot enter the Kingdom of God. It is the only way to receive eternal life (John 3:16, Titus 3:5).
6. Does being born again mean joining a Pentecostal Church?
No, being born again is not about church denomination but about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A person can be born again in any church where the true gospel is preached and where they genuinely give their life to Christ (Romans
10:13). However, it is important to grow spiritually in a Bible-believing church.
7. What happens when someone is born again?
When a person is born again, their sins are forgiven (Acts 3:19), they receive the
Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14), and they become a new creation in Christ (2
Corinthians 5:17). This transformation brings a changed heart, new desires, and the assurance of eternal life (John 5:24).
8. How will my life change if I become born again?
Being born again brings inner peace, joy, and a transformed heart (Romans 5:1, Galatians 5:22-23). You will develop a hunger for God’s Word, a desire to pray, and a willingness to live according to His will. You will also have the assurance of eternal life and a personal relationship with God (1 John 5:11-13).
9. Does being born again mean I will stop sinning completely?
No, but it means you will have the Holy Spirit to help you overcome sin. While believers may still struggle with sin, they are no longer under its power (Romans
6:14). The process of spiritual growth, called sanctification, helps believers become more like Christ over time (Philippians 2:13, 1 John 1:9).
10. Is there a special Prayer to become born again?
Yes a simple salvation prayer or confession.
The confession to be made in order to become born again
The confession to be made in order to become born again is based on the principle of faith in Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him as Lord and Saviour. This is clearly outlined in Romans 10:9-10 (KJV):
Romans 10:9-10 (KJV):
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Key Steps to becoming Born Again Based on Romans 10:9–10
1. Believe in Your Heart:
Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins, that God raised Him from the dead, and that He offers you eternal life.
2. Confess with Your Mouth:
Openly declare Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, acknowledging His authority over your life.
Salvation Confession
If have read through these salvation teaching and which become born again then make the following simple Confession for your Salvation:
Lord Jesus,I believe that You are the Son of God. I believe that You died for my sins and that God raised You from the dead. I confess You as my Lord and Saviour. Lord Jesus Come into my heart, forgive my sins, and make me a new person.Thank You for saving me.Amen.
If have done above confession you are Born Again.
What do you do next? – Join a bible-believing Church or Online Church to keep your salvation
Pastor Dr Freedom Akurunwa Christ Kingdom Ministries