What does it mean to be born again?

The following is a free excerpt from the Christian book The Discerning of Spirits, the Unknown Gift by Odette Ouellette
The views expressed in this book are those of the author.

What Does it Mean to be Born Again?

In the gospel of John, chapter 3:3-5, Nicodemus came to Jesus late one night looking for answers. Jesus answered him saying,

"...³Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. ⁴Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? ⁵Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

He misunderstood Jesus because he was thinking from a human stand point. The first birth is a physical one. The second birth, the one Jesus was referring to, is a spiritual one. With our physical birth we inherit a carnal and sinful nature. Because of the disobedience of one man, Adam, sin entered into the entire human race.

"²³For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."

We can see this in a child when he starts to grow up. Automatically he will have tantrums, get angry and disobey. These characteristics are transferred into him through the womb. He or she was born with a sinful nature (see Psalm 51:5 and Ephesians 2:1-3). This explains the necessity of being born again not of a corruptible seed, but of an incorruptible seed. To be born again, to experience the second birth, you must believe that Jesus died for your sins. You do this by verbally asking Jesus to come and live in your heart and repenting of your sins and old sinful nature. It means to want to be different, to admit that you are on the wrong path and sincerely want to get right with God. It is a willingness to turn around and never do the same things again. In other words, it is saying "Lord Jesus I am sorry. I ask forgiveness. I want to change and turn against sin. I want to make things right."

Repentance is radical. It can include leaving old friends who want to tempt you, stop using profane language, and/or stop going to places that would influence or bring you into temptation.

First John 1:9 tells us that God promises to forgive us all our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness. If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour, pray the following:

"Lord Jesus, forgive me of all my sins. I believe you died on the cross for me. I repent of my sins and I accept you as my personal Lord and Savior.  I open the door of my heart and invite you to come in. Wash and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. I turn my back on sin, and I want to follow you for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."

Read more from Odette's books:

•   What does God say about abnormal sex? 

•   What does it mean to be born again? 

•   What is salvation? 

•   Getting delivered from incest

•   Is psychic healing from God?

•   What is witch craft?

•   Spiritual warfare and deliverance

•   Deliverance and judgment 

Order Odette's books:

The Discerning of Spirits, The Unknown Gift

Deliverance for Yourself and Others