Jn.3:7,8 – Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.”
Have you been born again? This phrase became very popular during the 1970’s. The Jesus People movement was vey evangelism oriented and it seemed like everywhere you went someone was talking about being born again. This is one of those questions that really have a yes or no answer. It’s kind of like asking someone if they are pregnant, either they are or they are not- you are never sorta pregnant.
Jesus was being very direct with his conversation with the religious leader by the name of Nicodemus. He made it very clear, all of Nicodemus’ religious activity would not qualify him for heaven. Jesus went so far as to say that Nicodemus could never even see the kingdom of heaven if he wasn’t born again. So I ask the question again, have you been born again? Are you sure? How do you know if you are? It’s not only praying a prayer or having all the right answers to a question. Jesus was saying the Holy Spirit must come to live inside of you. You ask Him in to your life based on the death and resurrection of Christ. The proof is this, there will be a heart change focused on the things that you love. Being born again produces change, significant change in your life. Here are some comments from Brian Simmons on being born again.
“The Greek word (for born again) can be translated “born from above”. It is clear in the context that Nicodemus understood it as a rebirth. The Aramaic word is clearly “born from the origin.” The implication is that you must be born again like Adam was born by the direct breath of God. Nicodemus came seeking knowledge; Jesus offered him life.”
That last statement is quite important. We need more than answered questions, we must have life. This life is an unseen person, the Holy Spirit. When He moves into your soul true life begins. This is what you were born for, to know God and enjoy Him forever. The new birth is the beginning of that, it is the beginning of brand new life.