Why Being Born Again is a Must

by Michael Edwards 
07/21/25
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"Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'" John 3:3-7

In John 3, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus, a religious leader, about a truth that lies at the heart of salvation: to enter God’s kingdom, one must be born again. This isn’t a suggestion—it’s a necessity. But why is being born again essential for a Christian’s salvation?

Our natural state, inherited from Adam, is one of spiritual death due to sin (Romans 5:12). We’re born with a nature that rebels against God, incapable of producing the righteousness He requires. No amount of good deeds, religious observance, or moral effort can change this. As Jesus explains, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:6). Our physical birth gives us life in the world, but only a spiritual rebirth can give us life in God’s kingdom.

Being born again is a supernatural act of God’s Spirit. When we place our faith in Jesus, trusting His death and resurrection for our salvation, the Holy Spirit regenerates us (Titus 3:5). This isn’t a mere change of behavior but a transformation of our very nature. We become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), alive to God, with hearts inclined to love and obey Him. This rebirth enables us to “see” and enter God’s kingdom, something impossible in our fallen state.

Without this spiritual rebirth, we remain separated from God, unable to grasp His truth or live for His glory. It’s not about reforming our old selves but receiving a new life through Christ. As Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, salvation is by grace through faith, not works. Being born again is God’s gift, initiated by His Spirit, not our effort.

Have you experienced the new birth through faith in Christ? Reflect on John 3:3. How does knowing salvation requires God’s transforming work shape your trust in Him?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of new life through Your Spirit. Help me live as Your new creation, trusting in Christ alone for salvation. Amen.

John 3:16 tells a person how to be born of the Spirit, born again. 

Read many more New Covenat Bible studies HERE.