To be Born Again

John 3:7…… You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'

The phrase ‘born again’ has become so acceptable that it has made its way into the secular world. It is a phrase that is often used and frequently abused. It is maligned by non-Christians and not properly understood by far too many Christians.

Let’s settle the matter right now; what does it mean to born again?

To initiate the process, those who want to be born again must first want to die to their old way of life. Repenting of a sin-filled and self-centred lifestyle, we must ask for forgiveness and believe that we are cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, whom we believe is the Son of God, who died, was buried and rose again for anyone who chooses to follow Him as the Lord of their life.

This decision will activate our soul to interact with the Holy Spirit and we will be born again. We will be regenerated in our mind, will and emotions. We will be completely recreated anew and become born again Christians. We have taken a step into the kingdom of God; the first step on our journey of salvation.

To complete this initial process we must also be baptised in the Holy Spirit. If we ask, we will receive power from Jesus that will complete our conversion and enable us to follow Him all the days of our life.

The speed of this process and the power that is manifest in our life is determined by each individual. The Holy Spirit will not take over to control our lives but will operate in accordance to how much control we give Him. Even if we surrender completely to the lordship of Jesus, we still set the parameters. The Holy Spirit will not cause us to loose control. He will not override our decisions, our choices or our will. We have self-control. Therefore, we choose how we behave.

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to reveal Jesus and to make Him known. As He works in us and through us it is to do just that. As He leads us on the path prepared for us to walk in and, if we choose to walk in that way, He will conform us into the likeness of Christ. In doing so, He will draw all men to Jesus and to the Cross-roads of their own destiny.

Lord Jesus, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to help us to be born again and become more like you. Amen.