Why Must A Person Be Born Again? Series

WHY MUST A PERSON BE BORN AGAIN?

Pastor Joel Bernardino – October 16, 2025

Every person in this world has experienced the first birth — our physical birth.

But according to the Bible, that first birth isn’t enough for us to enter the kingdom of God.

Because through our first birth — being descendants of Adam — we inherited sin, and sin leads to death.

That’s why we all need a second birth, which Jesus called being “born again.”

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE “BORN AGAIN”?

Being born again describes a spiritual rebirth — a renewal of our heart and spirit so that we can truly know God and have a personal relationship with Him.

It’s not about joining a religion or changing your label.

It’s about experiencing a transformation inside, when the Spirit of God gives you new life.

As Jesus said:

John 3:3 (NIV)

“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

To be born again means:

• You have turned away from sin and turned toward God.

• You have received Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.

• The Holy Spirit begins to dwell in you, changing your heart and giving you a new nature.

WHY MUST A PERSON BE BORN AGAIN?

Because without being born again, no one can enter God’s kingdom.

Jesus Himself said it — it’s not optional, it’s a requirement.

A person may be religious, kind, or generous, but unless they are born again, they still don’t have a restored relationship with God.

Through the new birth:

• You begin a real relationship with the Lord.

• You receive forgiveness for all your sins.

• You are given a new life led and guided by God Himself.

THE BLESSINGS OF BEING BORN AGAIN

1. Your relationship with God is restored.

Before, sin separated us from God.

But through Jesus, we are reconciled and brought back into fellowship with Him.

2. You begin a new life in Christ.

Your old life is gone; a new life begins — one that is directed, blessed, and strengthened by God.

2 Corinthians 5:17 — “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

3. God’s Spirit helps you overcome life’s challenges.

A born-again believer is never alone.

God’s presence is with you to guide, comfort, and empower you through every season of life.

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

• What does it mean to be “born again”?

? It’s the picture of our spiritual rebirth and our return to a personal relationship with God.

• Why must we be born again?

? Because only through being born again can our relationship with God be restored, and only then can we enter His kingdom.

CONCLUSION

To be born again is to begin again — a fresh start, not in your own strength, but in the power of God’s Spirit.

It is God’s way of giving us new life, new hope, and a new heart.

Jesus didn’t say “you may be born again if you like.”

He said, “You must be born again.”

So today, if you haven’t yet experienced that spiritual rebirth, open your heart to Jesus.

Let Him forgive you, renew you, and make you part of His kingdom.