What does the term “Born Again” really mean? What does it refer to?

"That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again" - John 3:6-7 (KJV)

As discussed in the first Lesson of Section 6, “Calling Myself a Christian,” the word “Christian” implies the condition of aspiring to be “Christ-like.” As for myself, I am most certainly not yet “Christ-like," especially in the heat of some moments; but this is a goal of mine. Sometimes I have even clarified to others that I “identify” with Christ and am a member of the Body, but I have a ways to go before my “knee-jerk responses” are “Christ-like,” as much as will ever be humanly possible.

But that is supposed to be the point of beginning a walk with Jesus; we aren’t “done” the minute we say “I Do” to The Shepherd. Making a commitment only marks the beginning of a process of transformation.

From Conception to Birth: As for the “Born Again” idea; if we ask for and receive the Seed of the Spirit at the second phase of our Baptism or at any time we discover that we have yet to do so… then this represents the “conception stage” of our relationship with the Holy Spirit. From that point on, this Seed is supposed to grow a root within us, then a blade; and eventually one should see the full flower and finally...the "Fruit."

Unfortunately, the term “Born Again” can be tossed around rather casually these days; thus I pray that more and more folks will begin to realize the responsibility that comes with saying, “I am born again.” For one thing, since “being born” in any life form, comes after the germination and gestational stage, one would hope that a person calling themselves by that title would be able to show some “blade, flower and fruit” on the “outside” prior to using the term.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)

A Point in time or a quality of consciousness?: These days however, it has become fashionable to use the term, “Born again” as a way to describe a “point in time,” usually marking the “moment” of one’s initial commitment to walk with Jesus before any growth has taken place, rather than waiting to use the term to describe “a condition of the maturing soul,” which would come later.

So, in the interest of keeping things clear, what if we were to reserve use of the term “born again” to describe what has “come forth” from us after spending time with the Spirit and growing to the point of having developed even a humble measure of “Fruit”? This would include doing so on somewhat of a consistent basis, of course. 

Giving Birth: As part of our culture, we recognize the importance of the conception stage of a baby by offering our congratulations to the expectant parents; but each year, it is the “birth-day” which we “celebrate” (not the moment of conception). The “day of our birth” is when new life “emerges,” when that which has been gestating deep inside the womb, manifests outwardly; and if you have ever been present for a birth, it is an awesome and moving experience to see a tiny new person come forth.

But even in the case of “the miracle of birth,” though much “growth” has already taken place in order to form the little body within the womb of a woman, we still do not expect “maturity” until much later in life; this would be true for all aspects of development to include physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

So, based on that analysis, again, it might make more sense to outside observers and to ourselves if we were to wait, just a bit longer, before going about boldly proclaiming that we are “born again”… at least until Godly wisdom can develop within us along with the understanding of exactly what is taking place throughout our growth process.

It can also be true, that when folks throw terms like “Born Again” around loosely (prematurely), without regard for the consciousness and behavior that needs to go with it, then this can confuse many people and give folks a bad concept of what being “born again” is really all about if we have not yet begun to deal with our flesh nature.

Jesus said that we "must be born again," but he did not say that the second we enter into a relationship with him that our spiritual growth (via the Spirit) would be complete. 

“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name.” Romans 1: 4-5 (KJV)

Besides, if “Grace” as mentioned in Romans 1:4-5 (KJV) is a term which points to the Holy Spirit, it is important to remember that the Spirit had not yet been given/revealed at the point in time indicated by this Scripture. Grace also points to the “Kingdom of God,”

“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 (KJV)

Jesus had been laying the foundation for Grace with His teachings of Mercy; but no one was Born Again until after Pentecost. So, this detail is important indeed because, without the Spirit, there is no second birth. So, without our ongoing connection to the Spirit, there is no lasting “born again,” condition.

When to use the term “Born Again” authentically: So, just to declare that we are “Born Again,” does not make it so. Being “Born again” in its authentic state, represents the “condition of soul” of one who has undergone a reasonable measure of transformation and in the very least, holds a deep commitment to learn to consistently walk in mercy, while depending on Grace (Spirit) for continued growth. What a wonderful goal to aspire to and we will achieve this Christ-like state of consciousness by the Grace of God! Amen?

"That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:7 (KJV)

"Born Again, The Meaning" is by Ann M. Wolf  © 2016, All rights reserved

Check Understanding:

Question for discussion or add your answers to your notebook:

1. What does the term “Christian” refer to?
2. What does being “Born Again” have to do with the Holy Spirit?
3. Is being “Born Again” a term which describes a “point in time” or “a state of spiritual consciousness which has evolved over time?”
4. What is the outward evidence of being “Born Again?”
5. What does “Fruit of the Spirit” have to do with being “Born Again?”

Apply Understanding: 

Discuss or notate how you would like to apply what you have learned or what the Holy Ghost has reminded you of with this Lesson; and jot your thoughts down about the following questions as well:

1. What can I do to develop “Fruit of the Spirit?”
2. When would it be true and appropriate to describe myself as “Born Again?”