Question:
Okay, I’ve heard people say you have to be ‘born again’ to follow Jesus. Sounds weird to me—how can a grown adult be born again? Is this just religious lingo, or does it actually mean something real?
—Nilima P, Mumbai
Answer:
Hello Nilima,
Thank you for this honest and thoughtful question.
To be born again, or born from above, is not about going back into your mother’s womb. It’s not a physical second birth. It is spiritual. It means receiving new life from God Himself—life that is from above, from the heavenly realm. The Greek word used in John 3 is anōthen (ἄνωθεν), which means “from above.” So, when Jesus said we must be born again, He was speaking about receiving a birth that originates from God, not man.
Let’s look at what Jesus said to Nicodemus, a religious teacher who came to Him at night:
John 3:3 — “Jesus answered him, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God.’”
This new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is not something we achieve by effort, morality, or religion. It is what happens when a man encounters the living Christ and receives Him by faith. A divine seed is planted within—sperma theou in Greek (σπέρμα θεοῦ), the incorruptible seed of God—and from that moment, a new nature begins to grow within the person.
1 Peter 1:23 — “For you have been born again [that is, reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] not of seed which is perishable but [from that which is] imperishable and immortal, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.”
So, to be born again is not just a change of lifestyle or morals. It is the very entrance into the kingdom of God. It’s how one becomes a true son, a true daughter of God. Without it, one cannot know or even perceive the things of the Spirit. That’s why Jesus said it is necessary.
John 3:5-6 — “Jesus answered, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh [the physical is merely physical], and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’”
This new birth begins when any person turns to Christ, recognising their need for salvation. It happens when you see your inability to save yourself and receive the Saviour, Jesus Christ, who died for your sins and rose again to give you His life.
Titus 3:5 — “He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth [spiritual transformation, regeneration] and renewing by the Holy Spirit.”
Sis, this is not religious talk. It is life. Eternal life is not just a ticket to heaven. It is the life of Christ birthed in you now. That life makes you a new creation. It brings you into union with the Father. It breaks the power of sin. It opens your eyes to reality. It is a mystery—but it is real.
2 Corinthians 5:17 — “Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Saviour], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].”
Let Christ call you out of the old life. Say yes to Him, and the Spirit of God will birth something new in you—something heavenly, something eternal.
Blessings and peace to you. May your heart remain open to the One who makes all things new.
In Christ,
Shaliach.
