What does it mean to be born again according to the Bible?

To understand what it means to be "born again" according to the Bible, we must delve into both the Old and New Testaments, as well as explore the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term "born again" is most prominently featured in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of John, but its implications and roots can be traced throughout the entire biblical narrative.

The concept of being "born again" is introduced in John 3:1-21 during a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council. Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night, intrigued by His teachings and miracles. Jesus tells him, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again" (John 3:3, NIV). This statement perplexes Nicodemus, prompting him to ask, "How can someone be born when they are old? Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!" (John 3:4, NIV).

Jesus clarifies His statement, explaining, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'" (John 3:5-7, NIV). Here, Jesus introduces the idea that being born again is a spiritual rebirth, distinct from physical birth. This rebirth is essential for entering the kingdom of God and is characterized by the work of the Holy Spirit.

To further understand this concept, we should consider the broader biblical context. The idea of spiritual renewal is not new to the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the prophets spoke of a time when God would transform the hearts of His people. For example, Ezekiel 36:25-27 (NIV) says, "I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws." This passage foreshadows the spiritual transformation that Jesus describes in John 3.

Being born again, therefore, involves a profound internal change facilitated by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is not something that can be achieved through human effort or religious rituals; it is a divine act of grace. The Apostle Paul elaborates on this in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV), he writes, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This new creation is the result of being born again, where the believer's old sinful nature is replaced with a new, Spirit-led nature.

Paul further explains the process of this transformation in his letter to the Romans. In Romans 6:3-4 (NIV), he states, "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Baptism symbolizes the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It signifies the death of the old self and the birth of the new self, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life pleasing to God.

The practical implications of being born again are manifold. It marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of sanctification, where the believer grows in holiness and conformity to the image of Christ. This journey is characterized by a continual reliance on the Holy Spirit, who empowers the believer to overcome sin and produce the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Moreover, being born again brings about a change in identity and status. The believer is adopted into the family of God and becomes a child of God. John 1:12-13 (NIV) affirms this, saying, "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." This new identity as children of God comes with the assurance of eternal life and the promise of an inheritance in God's kingdom (Romans 8:16-17, NIV).

The experience of being born again also brings about a change in relationships. The believer is now part of the body of Christ, the Church, and is called to live in community with other believers. This communal aspect is vital for spiritual growth and accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) encourages believers to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Additionally, being born again involves a commitment to discipleship and obedience to Christ's teachings. Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) underscores this: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Discipleship entails learning from Jesus, imitating His life, and teaching others to do the same.

In summary, to be born again according to the Bible is to undergo a spiritual rebirth through the work of the Holy Spirit. This rebirth is essential for entering the kingdom of God and involves a profound transformation of the heart and mind. It is marked by a new identity as children of God, a commitment to living a holy life, and a dedication to discipleship and community. This process of being born again is a divine act of grace, made possible through faith in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work on the cross.