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The term "Born Again" is a foundational concept in Christian theology, referring to a spiritual rebirth and transformation that occurs when an individual accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This concept is primarily derived from the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John.

Biblical Foundation

The most explicit reference to being "born again" is found inJohn 3:3-7, where Jesus converses with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council. Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (John 3:3). Nicodemus, puzzled by this statement, questions how a person can be born again when they are old. Jesus explains, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit" (John 3:5). This passage highlights the necessity of spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit, distinct from physical birth.

Theological Significance

Being born again signifies a profound transformation and renewal of the individual. It involves repentance from sin, acceptance of Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This spiritual rebirth is seen as essential for salvation and entry into the kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul echoes this transformation in2 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" .

Regeneration and Justification

The concept of being born again is closely linked to the doctrines of regeneration and justification. Regeneration refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in imparting new life to the believer, enabling them to live in accordance with God's will. Justification, on the other hand, is the act of God declaring a sinner righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ.Titus 3:5-6 emphasizes this work of the Spirit: "He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior" .

Evidence of New Birth

The evidence of being born again is manifested in a transformed life. This includes a growing love for God and others, a desire for holiness, and the fruit of the Spirit as described inGalatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" . The Apostle John also emphasizes that those who are born of God will not continue in habitual sin (1John 3:9).

Role of Faith

Faith plays a crucial role in the experience of being born again.Ephesians 2:8-9 underscores that salvation is by grace through faith: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" . This faith involves trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross and His resurrection, leading to a personal relationship with Him.

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. It is a spiritual rebirth that marks the beginning of a new life in Christ, characterized by a renewed mind, heart, and spirit.John 3:1-8
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
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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.
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Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
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Born Again

BORN AGAIN

SeeREGENERATION.

313. anagennao -- to begetagain
... 313 ("born again, from above") is used twice in the NT (1 Pet 1:3,23) -- both
times referring to God a believer (giving a supernatural, )....

3962. pater -- a father
... 3962 ("father") is used of our heavenly . He imparts life, from physical birth to
the gift of eternal life through the birth (regeneration, beingborn again)....

935. bo -- to come in, come, go in, go
... associate (4), attacks (1), attain (4), befalls (1), border (1),born (1), bring...
against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, X doubtlessagain, + eat, + employ...

SM Bulfinch.Born Again.
... VI. THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 246. SM Bulfinch.Born Again. 1 O Lord! through
Thee we own A new and heavenly birth, Kindred to spirits...

SM Johns. Thou must beBorn Again.
... VI. THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 200. SM Johns. Thou Must BeBorn Again. 1 Thou
must beborn again! Such... 2 Thou must beborn again! But...

The Wicked and the Unbelieving are not Made Clean by the Giving of...
... Chapter 75."The Wicked and the Unbelieving are Not Made Clean by the Giving
of Alms, Except They BeBorn Again. Assuredly, then...

That Unless a Man have Been Baptized andBorn Again, He Cannot...
... Third Book. 25. That unless a man have been baptized andborn again, he cannot
attain unto the kingdom of God. In the Gospel according...

Our Lord Has Said this Absolute Truth, that Unless we beBorn...
... Address 229: Our Lord has said this absolute truth, that unless we beborn
again from above? Our Lord has said this absolute truth...

This, Academicus, is Angelic Goodness; and is the Goodness of...
... [Way-1-42] This, Academicus, is angelic goodness; and is the goodness
of those who areborn again? This, Academicus, is angelic...

Bunyan's Last Sermon --Preached July 1688.
... salvation. "Except a man beborn again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Now unless he beborn of God, he cannot see it. Suppose...

Rejection of Errors
... For these deny by this doctrine the incorruptibleness of the seed of God, whereby
we areborn again; contrary to the testimony of the apostle Peter: "For you...

Introduction
... years of life may be added to thee." [4687] And in the Gospel our Lord Jesus Christ
spoke with His divine voice, saying, "Except a man beborn again of water...

The Word as a Means of Grace
... any two-edged sword." 1 Peter 1:23: "Born again not of corruptible seed, but of
incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever." James 1:21...

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Born: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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