Born Again Believers
Jump to: TopicalLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Origin:
The term "born again" refers to a spiritual rebirth, a fundamental transformation that occurs when an individual accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This concept is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in His conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, as recorded in the Gospel of John.

Biblical Foundation:
The primary scriptural basis for the concept of being "born again" is found in John 3:3-7 , where Jesus explains to Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." Nicodemus, puzzled by this statement, questions how a person can be born when they are old. Jesus clarifies in John 3:5-6, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit."

Theological Significance:
Being "born again" signifies a profound inner change, often described as regeneration or spiritual renewal. This transformation is initiated by the Holy Spirit, who convicts individuals of their sin, leads them to repentance, and imparts new life. The Apostle Paul elaborates on this transformation in 2 Corinthians 5:17 , stating, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!"

Characteristics of Born Again Believers:
Born again believers exhibit several distinct characteristics as a result of their spiritual rebirth:

1. New Identity in Christ: They possess a new identity, having been adopted into the family of God (Romans 8:15-17). This identity is marked by a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a commitment to follow His teachings.

2. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit resides within them, guiding, teaching, and empowering them to live a life that reflects Christ's character (John 14:16-17, Galatians 5:22-23).

3. Transformation of Life: Their lives are transformed, evidenced by a departure from sinful behaviors and the pursuit of righteousness (Ephesians 4:22-24). This transformation is ongoing, as believers are continually sanctified by the Spirit.

4. Love for God and Others: Born again believers are characterized by a deep love for God and a genuine love for others, fulfilling the greatest commandments as taught by Jesus (Matthew 22:37-39).

5. Assurance of Salvation: They possess assurance of eternal life, grounded in the promises of God and the finished work of Christ on the cross (1 John 5:11-13).

Role in the Church and World:
Born again believers play a vital role in the life of the Church and the world. They are called to be witnesses of Christ's love and truth, sharing the Gospel message with others (Matthew 28:19-20). As members of the body of Christ, they contribute to the edification and growth of the Church through their spiritual gifts and service (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).

Challenges and Perseverance:
While born again believers experience the joy of new life in Christ, they also face challenges, including spiritual warfare, persecution, and the ongoing struggle against sin. However, they are encouraged to persevere, relying on God's strength and the support of the Christian community (Ephesians 6:10-18, Hebrews 10:24-25).

Conclusion:
The concept of being "born again" is central to the Christian faith, representing the transformative work of God in the life of a believer. This spiritual rebirth is not merely a change in behavior but a profound renewal of the heart and mind, leading to a life that glorifies God and impacts the world for His kingdom.
Topical Bible Verses
John 3:1-8
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
Topicalbible.org

1 Peter 1:23
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and stays for ever.
Topicalbible.org

Library

The Wicked and the Unbelieving are not Made Clean by the Giving of ...
... believers? And how could they be believers if they were not willing to have
faith in Christ, and to be born again of His grace? And ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 75 the wicked and the.htm

The Repentance of Believers
... We allow, that at the very moment of justification, we are born again: In that ... Hence
it is, that those believers who are not convinced of the deep corruption ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 14 the repentance of.htm

On Sin in Believers
... In doing this, I use indifferently the words, regenerate, justified, or believers;
since, though ... he is born again, "not of blood, nor of the flesh, nor of the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 13 on sin in.htm

Faustus Claims that the Manich??ans and not the Catholics are ...
... might die for our sins, and rise again for our ... witness to his belief that Christ
was born of the ... suffered and died along with many Christian believers of that ...
/.../faustus claims that the manichaeans.htm

Rejection of Errors
... been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable (1 Pet 1:23).". PARAGRAPH
9. Who teach: That Christ has in no place prayed that believers should ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/rejection of errors 4.htm

The Indwelling of the Spirit, the Common Privilege of all ...
... the reality of the operations of the blessed Spirit on the hearts of believers,
against those ... will say, at the last day, to all that are not born again of God ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the indwelling of the spirit.htm

Apostolic Inspiration.
... Hence both sides concede that the apostles were born again, that they had received ...
kind, without equal, given to the apostles alone; never to other believers. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxi apostolic inspiration.htm

Publisher's Epilogue
... In fact, I dare say that each of us as individual Christians may disagree on certain
theological points, and yet as born-again believers in the Lord Jesus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/publishers epilogue.htm

The Indwelling Spirit Fully and Forever Satisfying.
... if he has really been born again, the Spirit of God dwells in him. It is very evident
from the First Epistle to the Corinthians that the believers in Corinth ...
/.../the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter x the indwelling spirit.htm

The Bones and Flesh of Wisdom; the Side Out of which the Spiritual ...
... for otherwise the Church could not conceive believers, and give ... of His passion, should
die again, coming down ... grow up, even those who are born again by the ...
/.../chapter viii the bones and flesh.htm

Resources
Was Jesus actually born in September? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be born of the Spirit? | GotQuestions.org

Is born again virginity possible? | GotQuestions.org

Born: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Born

Born Again

Born Again Believers

Related Terms

Burden (111 Occurrences)

Bear (425 Occurrences)

Grievous (73 Occurrences)

Conceived (66 Occurrences)

Shoulders (38 Occurrences)

Born (228 Occurrences)

Languishes (11 Occurrences)

Languisheth (10 Occurrences)

Wrought (186 Occurrences)

Fingers (22 Occurrences)

Treasured (20 Occurrences)

Tolerable (6 Occurrences)

Ride (31 Occurrences)

Discoursed (4 Occurrences)

Pines (7 Occurrences)

Burdens (35 Occurrences)

Banner (20 Occurrences)

Ark (212 Occurrences)

Staffs (47 Occurrences)

Appeareth (31 Occurrences)

Arms (166 Occurrences)

Staves (50 Occurrences)

Miracle (15 Occurrences)

Exposed (39 Occurrences)

Shewbread (16 Occurrences)

Hordes (24 Occurrences)

Hired (49 Occurrences)

Labored (35 Occurrences)

Zebulun (46 Occurrences)

Loves (97 Occurrences)

Borrow (10 Occurrences)

Witness (295 Occurrences)

Armor (53 Occurrences)

Beareth (108 Occurrences)

Code (6 Occurrences)

Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences)

Lain (57 Occurrences)

Lewdness (68 Occurrences)

Anger (387 Occurrences)

Inspiration (4 Occurrences)

Calleth (261 Occurrences)

Abraham (2539 Occurrences)

Psychology

Laban (52 Occurrences)

Boats (11 Occurrences)

Sarah (38 Occurrences)

Belongs (127 Occurrences)

Bore (221 Occurrences)

Scorn (65 Occurrences)

Ships (46 Occurrences)

Hammurabi

Zephaniah (11 Occurrences)

Homeland (8 Occurrences)

Yea (867 Occurrences)

Victory (71 Occurrences)

Zeb'ulun (41 Occurrences)

Kenosis

Neck (97 Occurrences)

Nazaraean (14 Occurrences)

Naamah (5 Occurrences)

Neapolis (1 Occurrence)

Nephilim (2 Occurrences)

Nahor (18 Occurrences)

Ur (5 Occurrences)

Unwilling (30 Occurrences)

Unloved (6 Occurrences)

Using (88 Occurrences)

Underlies (1 Occurrence)

Unrighteous (32 Occurrences)

Offence (27 Occurrences)

Offend (24 Occurrences)

Oppressive (6 Occurrences)

Og (22 Occurrences)

Oh (164 Occurrences)

Overlaid (50 Occurrences)

Justice (212 Occurrences)

Jeroboam (96 Occurrences)

Lifting (157 Occurrences)

Litter (1 Occurrence)

Born Again
Top of Page
Top of Page