by Son Light

Created on: July 04, 2007

What do Christians mean, "Born again"?

Jesus told Nicodemus, "unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3, ESV). This can also be translated "born from above". Jesus' conversation makes clear that he was referring to a spiritual rebirth, and that it was not something that could be readily seen, but something to be experienced and understood.

Most Christians agree that a distinct change must take place in a person's life in order to enter God's kingdom. According to Christ, the change takes place not by any effort the person makes, but because of God's action. Consider this: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Eph 2:8-9, ESV).

Of course we are meant to be an example of God's grace operating in the world. The issue is that we should express His life and His grace, not ours. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Eph 2:10, ESV).

Jesus calls us to be salt (flavoring and preservative) and light (understanding). "You are the salt of the earth, ... . You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Mat 5:13-16, ESV).

Our part is to choose to allow God to work in us. He may use our natural abilities, and Christians should be encouraged to develop their talents. Often God will deliberately put us in a position where we have no ability to accomplish a task, to demonstrate our total dependence on Him.

Some view being born again as a process, or as occurring at baptism. But according to Christ, it occurs when we recognize His authority and put our trust in Him.

"For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.' Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness" (Rom 4:3-5, ESV).

No specific set of beliefs or actions is always associated with being born again. There is always a response of some sort to God's leading, but it can take many forms. No one can be certain if another person has been

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