What does it mean to be born again?

The phrase "born again" has been so overused in popular culture that its actual meaning has become blurred. Jesus coined it in a private conversation with a very religious man — and it stopped him cold.

Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a member of the Sanhedrin, a man who had spent his life keeping the law. When he came to Jesus at night, Jesus cut straight to the heart of the matter: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3). Nicodemus was confused — "How can a man be born when he is old?" Jesus clarified: this is not physical rebirth. It is being "born of the Spirit."

Being born again means the Holy Spirit does a radical, transformative work in a person's innermost being — giving them spiritual life where there was only spiritual death. Paul describes the same reality in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." Not a reformation of the old self. A new creation.

This is why Nicodemus — despite all his religious credentials — needed it. Religion, morality, and effort cannot produce what only the Spirit can give. The new birth is entirely God's work. Jesus uses the wind as an illustration: "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:8). You cannot manufacture it. You cannot earn it. But you can receive it.

How? Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The instrument through which the new birth comes is the Word of God and the Spirit of God working in response to the proclamation of the gospel (1 Peter 1:23). When a person genuinely turns from sin and trusts in Christ, they are born again — and they are never the same.