What does "born again" mean in the context of John 3:7 and Scripture? Nicodemus Meets Jesus at Night • v. 3 “Jesus replied, ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’” • v. 7 “Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’” What “Born Again” Literally Means • Greek gennēthēnai anōthen = “to be born from above” or “born anew.” • Not a second physical birth but a spiritual birth sourced in God Himself. Why the New Birth Is Absolutely Necessary • Human nature is fallen (Ephesians 2:1-3). • Flesh can produce only flesh; Spirit alone gives new life (John 3:6). • Without it, no one “sees” or “enters” God’s kingdom (John 3:3, 5). How the New Birth Happens 1. Word of God planted: James 1:18—“He chose to give us birth through the word of truth.” 2. Conviction by the Holy Spirit: John 16:8. 3. Personal faith in Christ: John 1:12-13—“Children born not of blood, nor of the will of flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” 4. Cleansing and renewal: Titus 3:5—“He saved us… through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Results of Being Born Again • New heart and spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27). • Assurance of eternal life (1 John 5:11-13). • Desire to obey God (1 John 2:29). • Love for fellow believers (1 John 3:14). • Victory over habitual sin (1 John 3:9). Living Out the New Life • Grow through Scripture (1 Peter 2:2). • Walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). • Publicly confess Christ (Romans 10:9-10). • Practice righteousness and love (1 John 3:10). Key Passages to Review |
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