The phrase born again is found in John 3:3: Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. A more accurate translation for born again here is “begotten from above.” It does not describe a second birth; rather, it refers to the changed relationship with God when the power and influence of His holy spirit is given to us.
Being “begotten from above” is a process of our spiritual development: God first calls us to follow Jesus. If we accept the call, the next step is to dedicate, or consecrate, our lives to doing God’s will. God then “begets” us with His holy spirit, if we are accepted.
The term “begets” is taken from the natural birth process where a life is first conceived (or “begotten”) and after growth and development is finally born. A faithful Christian’s life is similar to this natural process. Receiving the holy spirit is the begettal part. We are now considered sons of God. This is described in 1 John 3:2: Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. Our spiritual growth and maturity as Christians is compared to a gestation period.
Finally, after a life of devoted service to God and growth in the image of Christ, we are “born” as spirit beings after death and resurrection in heaven.
Spiritual growth and birth are described by the Apostle Paul in Romans 2:7: To them who by patient continuance in well doing (the growth) seek for glory, honor and immortality, eternal life (the birth).
When Jesus said we must be born again, he meant that a life of faithfulness to God would result in a heavenly reward and a spirit birth.
Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1324: “What Is the New Creation?”
The profound results of God creating something never seen before
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