Born Again

There are many terms used in the church that might be labeled “Christianese”, if that were a word. What I mean is that so many use it generally without a clear definition. In some circles, that tend to be more charismatic or Holy Spirit focused, being born again often carries the idea of a specific moment in time when the individual has a “moment” with God. People often refer back to such an event as the moment I became a true Christian. I struggle with the concept of a feeling because, I have had half a dozen such moments when I was so filled with God’s presence that I desired to stay in His presence. These are good moments... powerful moments... Holy Spirit moments, but I didn’t become a Christian each time I felt God’s presence so powerfully. I know of many faithful believers that have had no such moment, but rather a gradual growth over the years. I don’t believe one is better than the other if the faith is genuine and the submission is from our hearts. I believe that there are many who see being born again as dying to ourselves and surrendering fully to God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe that the heart of faith is obedience, just as Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will obey my commandments”. It is wonderful when the overwhelming sense of God’s presence rests on us, but feelings can be very fickle. Does that mean if I don’t feel God, I am not walking in faith. That would be silly. A passage that is often quoted on being born again is John chapter 3. Nicodemus went to Jesus to seek His direction. Jesus says, “...no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Jesus goes on to say, “...no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit”. I believe this refers to baptism, a covenant in which God ties physical elements (water) to His word and the outcome has spiritual benefits. The phrase “born again” can also be translated “born from above”. Since Nicodemus didn’t know what being born again meant, versus 5-8 are not sufficient and Nicodemus asks, “How can this be?” There is no more mention of the Holy Spirit but there is a continued focus on believing what Jesus did on the cross. Believing, aided by the Holy Spirit, seems to be the bases of rebirth. Father, fill us with the Holy Spirit... with faith, wisdom, and understanding, that we might die to the world and live for You. Amen