By a man born again in February 1979 aboard a U.S. Navy warship in the Persian Gulf
The new birth is not a religious feeling, a moral improvement, or a human decision. It is a work of God in the soul, produced by the Word of God and the Spirit of God. It is the beginning of spiritual life. Without it, no one can see or enter the kingdom of God.
The Lord Jesus said plainly:
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3
And again:
“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5
To be born again is to receive a new life from God, a life that did not exist before, a life that is holy, incorruptible, and eternal.
Here is what Scripture teaches.
No one is born again by emotion, tradition, or ceremony. God uses His Word as the seed of the new life.
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23
The Word of God is the incorruptible seed. When it is received in the heart, believed, and embraced, God brings forth a new creation within.
The new birth is not self produced. It is not the result of human effort. It is the Spirit who gives life.
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:6
Flesh can only produce flesh. Religion can only produce religion. But the Spirit produces spirit. He creates a new man within, a new nature that is from God.
The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. When a sinner hears the truth of Christ crucified and risen, and believes on Him, God gives life.
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12
This receiving is not a ritual. It is believing who He is and what He has done.
The next verse makes it clear that the new birth is entirely of God:
“Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:13
Not of blood: not inherited. Not of the will of the flesh: not self produced. Not of the will of man: not conferred by another. But of God: entirely His work.
Repentance is not self reformation. It is turning to God, acknowledging the truth about our sin, and believing His testimony about His Son.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” Acts 3:19
Faith is not a feeling. It is believing God’s record.
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” John 3:36
Everlasting life is not a reward. It is the life of the new birth.
When God gives life, He creates something entirely new within the believer.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
This new creature is not the old man improved. It is the new man created by God.
“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:24
This new man is born of God’s seed and cannot sin.
“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” 1 John 3:9
This is the life God gives. It is holy because its source is holy.
God has made the way simple. The sinner who believes the gospel and calls upon Christ is saved.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13
This calling is the cry of faith, the turning of the heart to Christ.
What God creates cannot be destroyed. The life He gives is everlasting.
“And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:28
The new birth is not temporary. It is not fragile. It is the eternal life of God placed within the believer.
Hear the Word of God.
Believe the gospel of Christ.
Turn to God in repentance.
Call upon the Lord Jesus Christ.
Receive the new life that God gives.
This is not a formula. It is the work of God in the soul. But He has promised that all who come to Christ will be received.
“Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37