Introduction What Does the “Born Again” Language Come From? A Biblical Perspective
The phrase “born again” holds significant weight in Christian theology, often representing the transformation that takes place in an individual when they come to faith in Jesus Christ. Rooted deeply in the Bible, this concept has been a central theme in Christian conversations for centuries. But what does it mean to be “born again”? Where does this language come from, and how does it align with the teachings of the Bible? In this article, we will dive into the origins, meaning, and implications of the “born again” language from a biblical perspective, exploring both its historical context and its spiritual significance.
The Origin of the Term “Born Again”
Biblical Roots
The phrase “born again” comes primarily from the Gospel of John, where Jesus has a conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council. In John 3:3, Jesus tells Nicodemus:
“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
Nicodemus, confused by Jesus’ statement, asks in verse 4,
“How can someone be born when they are old? Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
This reaction sets the stage for Jesus to clarify that He was not talking about a physical rebirth but a spiritual one. Jesus explains in John 3:5-6:
“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.”
This passage lays the foundation for the theological concept of being “born again,” which involves a spiritual rebirth—a transformation that takes place within the believer when they accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Historical and Linguistic Context
The term “born again” in the original Greek of the New Testament is “γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν” (gennēthē anōthen). The word “anōthen” can be translated as “again” or “from above,” indicating that this rebirth is a divine act, something initiated by God rather than by human effort.
Throughout history, the “born again” language has been used to describe a radical change in one’s relationship with God. In the Old Testament, we see similar imagery in Ezekiel 36:25-27, where God promises to cleanse His people and give them a new heart and a new spirit:
“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 prophetic passage speaks to the idea of spiritual renewal, a theme that resonates with the “born again” language of the New Testament.
What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?
A Spiritual Transformation
At its core, being “born again” refers to a spiritual transformation that takes place when an individual comes to faith in Christ. This transformation involves several key elements:
- Repentance: Turning away from sin and seeking forgiveness from God.
- Faith in Jesus Christ: Believing in Jesus as the Son of God who died for our sins and was raised from the dead.
- Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: When a person is born again, the Holy Spirit comes to live within them, empowering them to live a life that pleases God.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the Apostle Paul writes about the transformation that takes place when someone is born again:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
This verse emphasizes that being born again results in a complete change in one’s identity. The old life, marked by sin and separation from God, is replaced by a new life characterized by righteousness and a relationship with God through Christ.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
A crucial aspect of being born again is the work of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus mentioned to Nicodemus, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:6). This means that just as physical birth brings a person into the world, spiritual birth brings a person into the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit plays an active role in this process by convicting individuals of their sins, drawing them to repentance, and regenerating their hearts.
Titus 3:5 underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in salvation:
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
This “washing of rebirth” refers to the cleansing from sin that occurs when a person is born again. The Holy Spirit not only renews the believer but also empowers them to live according to God’s will.
The New Birth in the New Testament
The concept of being “born again” appears in various forms throughout the New Testament. Each instance sheds light on different aspects of this spiritual transformation.
1. Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3:1-21)
The encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus is the most well-known biblical account of the “born again” language. As mentioned earlier, Jesus explained to Nicodemus that one must be born of “water and the Spirit” to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5). This passage highlights the necessity of spiritual rebirth for salvation.
Jesus also connects this new birth with eternal life in John 3:16, one of the most famous verses in the Bible:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Here, the promise of eternal life is linked to the spiritual rebirth that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
2. The Epistles of Peter (1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 1:23)
The Apostle Peter also uses “born again” language in his letters. In 1 Peter 1:3, he writes:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
This verse emphasizes that being born again is an act of God’s mercy, and it brings believers into a “living hope” that is rooted in Christ’s resurrection.
Later in the same chapter, Peter adds in 1 Peter 1:23:
“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”
Peter here highlights the eternal nature of the new birth, contrasting it with the impermanence of physical birth.
3. The Apostle Paul (Romans 6:4, 2 Corinthians 5:17)
While Paul does not use the exact phrase “born again,” he frequently discusses the idea of new life in Christ. In Romans 6:4, Paul writes:
“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.”
Paul’s emphasis here is on the believer’s identification with Christ’s death and resurrection. Through baptism, the believer symbolically dies to their old life and is raised to a new life in Christ—a concept closely related to being born again.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul reinforces this idea by stating that anyone in Christ is a “new creation.” The old has passed away, and the new has come, marking the transformation that occurs when a person is born again.
The Necessity of Being Born Again
Entrance into the Kingdom of God
Jesus makes it clear in His conversation with Nicodemus that being born again is essential for entering the kingdom of God (John 3:3, 5). This necessity is reiterated throughout the New Testament, where the new birth is consistently associated with salvation, eternal life, and becoming a member of God’s family.
Separation from the Old Life
Being born again is also necessary because of humanity’s sinful nature. According to the Bible, all people are born into sin and are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1). Without the new birth, individuals remain separated from God, unable to please Him or live according to His will. Romans 3:23 says:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Through the new birth, however, believers are made alive in Christ and are empowered to live a life that reflects God’s character and purposes.
Adoption into God’s Family
Another reason why the new birth is necessary is that it signifies adoption into God’s family. In John 1:12-13, we read:
“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 passage highlights that being born again is not merely a change in status but a transformation that brings individuals into a personal relationship with God as His children.
The Impact of Being Born Again
A New Identity
When someone is born again, they receive a new identity. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, the old life has passed away, and a new life has begun. This new identity involves a complete change in how the believer views themselves and the world around them. They are no longer defined by their past sins but by their relationship with Christ.
A Changed Heart and Mind
Ezekiel’s prophecy of a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:25-27) finds fulfillment in the born-again experience. God removes the “heart of stone” and gives the believer a “heart of flesh,” meaning that their desires and motivations are transformed. This change is often accompanied by a new understanding of God’s Word, as the Holy Spirit helps the believer to grasp spiritual truths (1 Corinthians 2:12-14).
A New Way of Living
Being born again also leads to a new way of living. The indwelling Holy Spirit empowers believers to live according to God’s will, producing the “fruit of the Spirit” in their lives (Galatians 5:22-23). This new way of living is characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Conclusion
The language of being “born again” is rich with biblical meaning and significance. Rooted in Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, this concept speaks to the profound spiritual transformation that takes place when an individual places their faith in Christ. Through the new birth, believers are given a new identity, a new heart, and a new way of living, all of which are made possible by the work of the Holy Spirit.
Being born again is not just a metaphor but a reality that every Christian experiences. It is a divine act of grace that brings sinners from death to life, enabling them to enter the kingdom of God and live in fellowship with Him for eternity. The language of “born again” reminds us that salvation is more than just a change of status—it is a complete renewal of the heart, mind, and soul, accomplished through the power of God’s Spirit.
Whether you are a new believer or have been walking with Christ for many years, the truth of being born again should fill your heart with gratitude and awe for the incredible gift of salvation that God has given us in Jesus Christ.