To Be Born Again - Isak Burger (2 minute read)

Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, struggled to understand Jesus’ words regarding spiritual rebirth: “‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God’” (John 3:3-5 NKJV).

When we are born, we become part of an earthly, biological family. Jesus calls it “born of water” because that is literally what happens during a physical birth. To become part of God’s family, another birth is required—a spiritual one. Jesus calls it “to be born again” or “born of the Spirit”. Due to the fall of man, all people are by nature spiritually dead (Col. 2:13). Being born again is a requirement for entering the kingdom of God. Therefore, this spiritual rebirth is truly the wonder of all wonders.

Through spiritual rebirth, my spirit is made alive by the Holy Spirit; I am born again, made new. This work of the Holy Spirit starts within me once I have responded (through repentance) to God’s invitation to become His child through the death and resurrection of Jesus. That is why Paul says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17).

When you are born again, you become part of God’s family. From that moment, Christ lives in you through His Spirit. While spiritual rebirth is preceded by faith in God, new life in Christ is an unwavering certainty.