You Must Be Born Again Series

YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 3:1-16

Key Verse: “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

Supporting Texts: Ezekiel 36:26-27, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Titus 3:5, 1 Peter 1:23, Romans 10:9-10

INTRODUCTION

One of the most important conversations recorded in the Bible is the meeting between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night seeking understanding about His teachings and miracles. Despite being a respected religious leader, Jesus immediately confronted him with a profound truth: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

This statement revealed that religious knowledge, moral living, or social status cannot grant entrance into God’s kingdom. Nicodemus had religion, influence, and knowledge of the law, yet Jesus declared that he still needed to experience spiritual rebirth. The new birth is therefore not an optional spiritual experience but an absolute requirement for salvation.

The message of being born again is central to the gospel. It describes the supernatural transformation that occurs when a person believes in Jesus Christ and receives new spiritual life. Through the new birth, the old sinful nature is replaced with a new life empowered by the Holy Spirit.

1. THE NEW BIRTH IS A DIVINE REQUIREMENT

Jesus clearly stated that being born again is necessary for anyone who desires to enter the kingdom of God.

a) Entrance into the kingdom requires new birth (John 3:3)

Jesus made it clear that without being born again, no one can even see the kingdom of God. Spiritual rebirth is the gateway to eternal life.

b) Religious background cannot replace spiritual rebirth (John 3:1-2)

Nicodemus was a religious leader, yet Jesus told him he still needed to be born again. This shows that religion alone cannot save anyone.

c) Human effort cannot produce spiritual life (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned by works or personal achievements.

d) God alone initiates the new birth (James 1:18)

The new birth occurs through the will of God and the power of His Word.

Biblical Example:

The Ethiopian eunuch believed the message of Christ and was baptised immediately after understanding the gospel, demonstrating the response of faith required for salvation (Acts 8:35-38).

2. THE NEW BIRTH IS A SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION

Being born again means receiving a new spiritual life that transforms the heart and nature of a person.

a) God gives a new heart and spirit (Ezekiel 36:26)

God promises to remove the heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh that desires to follow Him.

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

When a person receives Christ, old things pass away and a new life begins.

c) The Holy Spirit produces inner renewal (Titus 3:5)

The new birth occurs through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

d) God’s Word produces spiritual life (1 Peter 1:23)

Believers are born again through the living and abiding Word of God.

Biblical Example:

Saul of Tarsus encountered Christ on the road to Damascus and experienced a dramatic transformation that turned him into the apostle Paul (Acts 9:3-6).

3. THE NEW BIRTH COMES THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST

The new birth occurs when a person believes in Jesus Christ and receives Him as Lord and Saviour.

a) Faith in Christ brings eternal life (John 3:16)

God gave His Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

b) Receiving Christ gives authority to become God’s child (John 1:12)

Those who receive Jesus and believe in His name become children of God.

c) Confessing Christ brings salvation (Romans 10:9-10)

Salvation occurs when a person believes in the heart and confesses Jesus as Lord.

d) Faith connects the believer to God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8)

Through faith, believers receive the grace that brings salvation.

Biblical Example:

The Philippian jailer believed in the Lord Jesus Christ after hearing the gospel from Paul and Silas, and he and his household were saved (Acts 16:30-33).

4. THE NEW BIRTH PRODUCES A TRANSFORMED LIFE

A person who is truly born again will experience visible changes in lifestyle, character, and spiritual priorities.

a) The believer develops a new desire for righteousness (1 John 3:9)

Those born of God do not continue living in habitual sin because God’s nature lives in them.

b) The believer grows in love and obedience (1 John 4:7)

Spiritual rebirth produces love for God and for others.

c) The believer receives the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14)

Those led by the Spirit of God are recognised as children of God.

d) The believer lives for God’s glory (Matthew 5:16)