The True Meaning of Being Born Again (John 3:3-7) – A Life Transformed, Not a Religion Many people believe that being "born again" means switching religions, changing churches, or following a new set of rules. But when Jesus spoke about being born again, He wasn't talking about religion-He was talking about spiritual transformation. Luke 18:11-12 – "The Pharisee stood and prayed: 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess." This is NOT what being born again means. Nicodemus was confused. He thought Jesus was talking about a physical rebirth: "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter his mother's womb a second time and be born?" (John 3:4) Jesus clarified that this rebirth is not physical but spiritual: "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:5-6) Let's break it down: 1. The Context of John 3:3-7 Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus, a Pharisee and religious leader. Nicodemus was already a devout Jew, knowledgeable in the Scriptures, and outwardly righteous. Yet, Jesus told him: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) 2. What Does It Mean to Be Born Again? Being born again is not about joining a new religion, attending church services, or memorizing Bible verses. It is about a radical spiritual transformation through the Holy Spirit. • Born of Water and the Spirit - This refers to the cleansing and renewal that happens when we surrender to Christ. Water symbolizes purification (Ezekiel 36:25-27), and the Spirit brings new life. • A New Creation - When we are born again, we receive a new heart, new desires, and a new identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Not by Human Effort – Just as we had no control over our physical birth, we cannot cause ourselves to be spiritually reborn. It is the work of God when we put our faith in Jesus (John 1:12-13). 3. False Born Again: Religion Without Transformation Sadly, many people misunderstand what it truly means to be born again. They believe that changing their religion or joining a new church is what makes them born again. However, their hearts remain the same-full of pride, self-righteousness, and hypocrisy. Just like the Pharisees, they: ❌Think highly of themselves, believing they are better than others. ❌Are proud of their religious status, but lack love, humility, and true faith. ❌ Follow rules and traditions, yet their hearts are far from God (Matthew 15:8). ❌Judge others harshly, instead of showing grace and mercy. 4. The Consequence: Religious Hypocrisy That Pushes People Away Many people get discouraged or turn away from faith because they see so-called "religious" people who claim to be born again, but: ❌Are hypocritical - Saying one thing, but doing another (Matthew 23:27). ❌Lack the fruit of the Holy Spirit – No love, joy, peace, patience, or kindness (Galatians 5:22-23). ❌Are self-righteous – Instead of pointing people to Jesus, they push them away with their arrogance. Instead of drawing people to God, they become stumbling blocks (Matthew 18:6). 5. The True Evidence of Being Born Again: A Transformed Life A. A New Heart and Changed Desires The proof of being born again is not in words or religious labels but in a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. • 2 Corinthians 5:17 – "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." • Ezekiel 36:26-27 – "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you." A truly born-again person: Desires to please God, not just follow religious traditions. ✔ Feels convicted of sin and seeks repentance (1 John 3:9). ✔ Develops a hunger for God's Word and a deep love for truth (1 Peter 2:2). B. Bearing the Fruit of the Holy Spirit A person who is born again will bear spiritual fruit: Galatians 5:22-23 – "But the fruit of the -Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." A truly reborn person will reflect: ✔ Love - Not just for God but for others (1 John 4:7-8). ✔ Humility – Knowing that salvation is by grace, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). ✔ Genuine faith – Trusting in Christ alone, not in religious achievements. C. A Desire to Share the Gospel A truly born-again person does not keep the truth to themselves. They: Want others to experience salvation (Matthew 28:19-20). ✔ Share their testimony of how Jesus changed them. ✔ Reflect Christ's love, drawing people closer to God, not pushing them away. D. Perseverance in Faith A true child of God may stumble, but they will never completely turn away from Christ. Their faith will endure. Philippians 1:6 - "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion." 6. Why Must We Be Born Again? Sin has separated us from God, and no amount of religion, good works, or effort can restore that relationship (Romans 3:23). Jesus didn't come to start a new religion-He came to restore what was lost. To be truly born again means to: Receive forgiveness through Christ. Be reconciled to God. Be transformed by the Holy Spirit. 7.How Does One Become Truly Born Again? Being born again is not about following rituals-it is about faith in Jesus Christ: 1 Recognize your need for salvation "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) - 2 Believe in Jesus Christ - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) 3 Receive the Holy Spirit – "Not by works, but by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit." (Titus 3:5) *Conclusion* : Born Again = A New Life, Not a New Religion Being born again is not a religious label-it is a life transformed by Jesus Christ. A person who has truly been reborn WILL show evidence of it: A changed heart and renewed desires. A life that bears the fruit of the Spirit. Humility, love, and a genuine desire to follow Christ. So when people ask, "Are you born again?" -they're not asking if you changed religions. They're asking if you've experienced the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. True rebirth is not in words-it's in a transformed life.