"I have been born again many times."
Like Nicodemus, many
people have no concept of what it means to be born again.
He thought Jesus was speaking of a physical rebirth.
Others see the experience as being a spiritual "tingle"
when they think of God or a warm fuzzy feeling when
they enter a building they erroneously call a "Church."
Or maybe they are of the impression that one is born
again when one is "christened" or "confirmed."
However, the new birth
spoken of by Jesus is absolutely essential for sinners
to enter heaven. If they are not born again, they will
not enter the kingdom of God. Therefore it is necessary
to establish the fact that one becomes a Christian by
being born again, pointing out that Jesus Himself said
that the experience was crucial. The difference between
believing in Jesus and being born again is like believing
in a parachute, and putting one on. The difference will
be seen when you jump. (See Romans 13:14.)
How is one born again?
Simply through repentance toward God and faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ. Confess and forsake your sins, and
trust in Jesus alone for your eternal salvation. When
you do, you receive spiritual life through the Holy
Spirit who comes to live within you. See Ephesians 4:18
and 1 Peter 1:23 footnotes.
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