What It Really Means to Be Born Again | Are You Born Again?

baptism born again discipleship foundations following jesus holy spirit Jun 12, 2025

The Full Gospel Response: What It Really Means to Be Born Again

INTRODUCTION

Are you feeling the nudge that there’s more to following Jesus than what you’ve experienced so far? Maybe you’ve believed in Him for years, even prayed a prayer—but deep down, you’re wondering if you’ve truly been born again. Not just in name or ritual, but in the way Jesus described: born from above. Born of water and the Spirit. Born into a new life with a new King.

If that resonates, you’re not alone. And this moment could be divine. Because being born again is not a side topic—it is the very doorway into the Kingdom of God, the clear and urgent command of Jesus Himself.

Jesus made it clear: unless we are born again, we cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That’s not just a future reality—it’s a present call to transformation. Being born again is the starting line, not the finish line. It is where real life with God begins—new heart, new Spirit, new identity.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Being born again isn’t optional—it’s essential. Jesus didn’t present it as a suggestion or spiritual upgrade. He said: “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) And again, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)

This is serious. Without this rebirth, we remain spiritually dead. Religion can’t fix it. Good intentions can’t substitute for it. Only by being born again can we become true citizens of God's Kingdom.

HOW WE ARE BORN AGAIN: THE FOUR ESSENTIAL RESPONSES

The Bible does not leave us guessing. Jesus, Peter, Paul, and the early church consistently laid out the response to the Gospel. It’s not a formula—it’s a supernatural transformation. But this transformation requires a response—the response. And it always includes these four steps:

1. BELIEVE – Trust in Jesus as the Son of God, crucified and risen.

We begin by believing that Jesus is who He said He is: the Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away our sins. This belief is not passive—it’s an active entrusting of your life to Him. “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

2. REPENT – Turn away from sin and the old man of death.

This is not just saying “sorry.” It’s dying to your old self. It’s recognizing your sin, your rebellion, your self-rule—and surrendering all of it to Jesus. Repentance means you crucify the old man, saying, “I don’t want to live this way anymore. I want Your life, Lord.” (Acts 2:38, Luke 24:47)

3. BE BAPTIZED – Bury the old man in the waters of baptism.

After the old man dies, he must be buried. Baptism is that burial. It's not a symbolic ritual—it’s a spiritual reality. “We were buried with Him through baptism into death… that we may walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4) When you come out of those waters, it marks a resurrection: your new birth as a citizen of the Kingdom.

4. RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT – Be filled with God's power and presence.

This is the promise of the Father. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in you—to lead, guide, convict, comfort, and empower. This is not optional—it’s part of being born again. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses...” (Acts 1:8)

This is the biblical pathway into the Kingdom. This is how we are born again.

THIS IS THE GOSPEL RESPONSE JESUS AND THE APOSTLES PREACHED

Jesus told Nicodemus: You must be born again—of water and Spirit (John 3).
Peter, on Pentecost, preached: “Repent and be baptized… and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
Paul consistently taught dying to self, being baptized into Christ’s death, and walking in the power of the Spirit (Romans 6, Galatians 2:20, Titus 3:5).

This message is not new. It is not extreme. It is the only Gospel. Anything less may leave people informed, but not transformed. Saved by tradition, but not by truth.

HAVE YOU BEEN BORN AGAIN—ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURE?

This isn’t about doubt—it’s about clarity.

Have you truly trusted Jesus with your whole life?
Have you repented—deeply, specifically, and surrendered fully?
Have you been baptized—after belief and repentance—as a burial and resurrection?
Have you received the Holy Spirit—welcomed His presence, power, and leadership in your life?

If any of these are missing, don’t wait. Let today be your day of transformation.

KEY SCRIPTURES

John 3:3–5 – “Unless one is born again...”
Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized… and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 6:3–4 – “Buried with Him through baptism… raised to walk in newness of life.”
Titus 3:5 – “He saved us… through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.”
Luke 24:47 – “Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name.”
Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”

TODAY IS YOUR DAY

This isn’t about religion—it’s about rebirth. The Spirit of God is calling. Don’t ignore Him. Don’t settle for half-truths. Don’t carry the weight of sin another day.

Go somewhere quiet. Get honest. Repent. Be baptized in water if you haven’t been. Ask to receive the Holy Spirit. Let Him fill you.

This is how new life begins. This is the moment heaven rejoices over you. This is how you enter the Kingdom.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Being born again is not optional—it is essential to enter the Kingdom of God.
The biblical response includes four inseparable steps: Believe, Repent, Be Baptized, and Receive the Holy Spirit.
Belief is more than mental agreement—it’s trusting Jesus with your whole life.
Repentance is turning away from your old self and crucifying the life of sin.
Baptism is not a symbol—it is the burial of the old man and the moment of resurrection into new life.
The Holy Spirit is the gift of God for every believer—empowering us to live, love, and witness with boldness.
This fourfold response was consistently preached by Jesus, Peter, Paul, and the early church.
If any part is missing, today is the day to respond fully.

FINAL WORD

Being born again is the beginning of everything. New identity. New family. New Spirit. New mission.

So what are you waiting for?

Believe. Repent. Be baptized. Receive the Holy Spirit.