Born Again: The Necessity Of Regeneration

BORN AGAIN: THE NECESSITY OF REGENERATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 3:3-7

Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ezekiel 36:26, Titus 3:5, 1 Peter 1:23, Romans 8:9

INTRODUCTION

The term "born again" is one of the most fundamental concepts in Christianity. In John 3:3-7, Jesus told Nicodemus, a respected religious leader, that unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. This statement was shocking to Nicodemus because he thought his religious status was enough to guarantee his place in God's kingdom. However, Jesus made it clear that regeneration is not optional—it is a necessity.

To be born again means to experience a spiritual transformation, where the old sinful nature is replaced with a new nature in Christ. It is not a physical rebirth but a work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a person who repents and believes in Jesus. Without this transformation, no one can have a relationship with God or enter His kingdom.

In this sermon, we will examine why regeneration is necessary, what happens when a person is born again, and how one can experience this new birth.

1. WHY MUST A PERSON BE BORN AGAIN?

a) Man is born in sin (Psalm 51:5)

Every human being is born with a sinful nature inherited from Adam.

b) Sin separates man from God (Isaiah 59:2)

Without spiritual regeneration, man remains alienated from God.

c) Good works cannot save a person (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Salvation is not earned by moral deeds but by grace through faith.

d) The kingdom of God is only for the regenerated (John 3:5)

Jesus said, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

e) Biblical Example: Nicodemus’ Encounter with Jesus (John 3:1-7)

Despite his religious background, Nicodemus needed to be born again.

2. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PERSON IS BORN AGAIN?

a) The person becomes a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Old things pass away, and a new life begins in Christ.

b) The Holy Spirit dwells in them (Romans 8:9)

The Spirit of God now lives within to guide and empower.

c) The heart is transformed (Ezekiel 36:26)

God gives a new heart and a new spirit to the believer.

d) There is a change in desires and lifestyle (Galatians 5:22-23)

The fruit of the Spirit begins to manifest in their life.

e) Biblical Example: Saul’s Transformation to Paul (Acts 9:1-18)

A former persecutor of Christians became a preacher of the Gospel.

3. HOW CAN A PERSON BE BORN AGAIN?

a) Acknowledge your sinful state (Romans 3:23)

Recognising that you are a sinner in need of salvation.

b) Repent and turn to Christ (Acts 3:19)

True repentance involves turning away from sin and surrendering to Jesus.

c) Believe in Jesus Christ (John 1:12)

Faith in Christ as the Son of God and Saviour brings new life.

d) Receive the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5)

Regeneration happens by the washing of the Holy Spirit.

e) Biblical Example: The Philippian Jailer’s Salvation (Acts 16:25-34)

He believed in Jesus and was immediately transformed.

4. EVIDENCES OF A BORN-AGAIN LIFE

a) Love for God and His Word (Psalm 119:97)

A regenerated person delights in the things of God.

b) Victory over sin (1 John 3:9)

The new birth empowers believers to overcome sin.

c) A transformed character (Galatians 5:22-23)

The fruit of the Spirit begins to manifest in their life.

d) Passion for soul-winning (Matthew 28:19-20)

A true believer desires to share the Gospel.

e) Biblical Example: Zacchaeus’ Changed Life (Luke 19:1-10)

After encountering Jesus, he repented and made restitution.

CONCLUSION

Being born again is not an option—it is a necessity for eternal life. No one can enter the kingdom of God without experiencing the new birth through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not about religion or good works, but about having a transformed heart and a renewed spirit by the power of the Holy Spirit.

If you have not yet been born again, today is the day of salvation. Surrender your life to Jesus, repent of your sins, and receive the new life that only He can give. If you are already born again, continue to walk in the Spirit and grow in your relationship with God.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, open my heart to fully understand the need for regeneration.

2. Father, let every power resisting my new birth be destroyed.

3. Holy Spirit, transform my heart and renew my spirit.

4. Lord, help me to walk in the reality of my new life in Christ.

5. Let my life reflect the character of a truly born-again believer.