Bible Truth FAQs
WHAT "BORN AGAIN" MEANS?
In John 3 the account of Nicodemus' visit with Jesus by night is revealed. Nicodemus was a prominent Pharisee, but was not at that time a disciple. In verse 3 Jesus said, "..Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." In verse 5 He explained that this new birth was being born of water and of the Spirit, and without it one cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Paul greatly simplified the meaning of "born again" in II Cor. 5:17 by stating, "If any man be IN CHRIST, he is a NEW CREATUHE: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." The question becomes, "How can I get into Christ so that I will be a new creature (born again)?"
Paul answers this in Gal. 3:27, "For as many as have been BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST have put on Christ." Being baptized into Christ is being born of water and of the Spirit. The scriptures reveal no other way of getting INTO Christ.
Paul also stated in Rom. 6:1-6 that from baptism we rise to walk in NEWNESS OF LIFE. Again, here is the new birth and it could not have been made any plainer. As important as the new birth is toward obtaining eternal salvation, no person should postpone obedience to the Lord's requirement!
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