by Greg Larson

Created on: September 27, 2008

There are times as Christians that we become enamored with certain terms and phrases, throwing them about like candy at a parade, but we forget that they can be confusing to the uninitiated, like Nicodemus in his meeting with Jesus in the third chapter of the book of John. Jesus told Nicodemus that in order to enter the kingdom of Heaven a person must be born again', but what did Jesus mean by saying you must be born again'? From a Christian perspective being born again' is simply trust, not blind trust but trust in Christ Jesus.

To get a fuller understanding of the idea of being born again' we need to take a step back and look at some background for perspective. As we explore where we have come from we can more easily clear up some of the ten-dollar terms and phrases the Christian community likes to sling, such as born again'.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. He created the plants, animals, stars, sun and moon. Then, on the sixth day, He created man. In His own image, God created man: with emotions, intellect, and the ability to choose. God wanted His creations' love and without choice, love cannot exist. Along with love, the possibility existed that His beloved creation would turn its back on Him and, in our arrogance, we did turn our backs on God. Even then, God's love for us was greater than our rejection of Him and He had a plan in place that would reconcile us to Him but it would cost Him dearly.

At the appointed time, God Himself came to earth, setting aside the glory and majesty He held in Heaven, to pay the price for our sins that we so richly deserved to pay ourselves. Willingly He gave up His life, dying on the cross to make restitution for our mistakes, our sins.

Jesus died on the cross and was buried in the earth but three days later, He rose again to life, the final proof that He was indeed God and that not even death could hold Him. In this one act He purchased freedom for us from our bondage to sin, once for all. Salvation was now ours for the taking.

Salvation', another ten-dollar Christian word, means to be born again' or to be saved'. Is this some sort of circular logic? No, it is not, these terms are the same but they do require more explanation to make them clear.

God desires a relationship with us, He seeks us out, but being completely holy, without sin of any kind, God requires an unblemished sacrifice to satisfy His justice. We, His creation, broke His rules and now payment is required, a sacrifice of perfection. Jesus

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