Welcome!

QUESTION 62
What does it mean in the Bible when it says "Ye must be born again." John 3:7

ANSWER:
The word "must" carries with it the thought of it being absolutely necessary, so whatever it means it is very important. The word "born comes from the word "genesis," which means beginning. The other word "again," means from above.

Literally being born again, is a birth from above. It is not a natural birth all over again, but a spiritual birth from above. The first birth is natural and from below, but this is spiritual and from above. It is not "baptism," there is no life in water baptism. Every birth must bring forth life; and this is not true of baptism, good works, or religion. To every birth there must be a seed. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:23. This verse tells us exactly what that seed is, the word of God. As this Word is conceived in our hearts, and if we really believe (trust) in Christ, we are then born-again. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13. Being born again here, is receiving and believing in Christ. Putting this together, the Spirit of God sows the seed (Word of God) in our hearts and we believe the message of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, that is how we become born again.

Dear reader, have you been born again? Do you have eternal life? He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 1 John 5:12.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

Return to Salvation Questions Main Page

Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen