Born Again – Spiritual Birth | A Christian website by Christopher W. W. Ind

Born Again = Spiritual birth = Spiritual awakening = Born from Above

(Including Paul’s ‘Born Again’ experience on the road to Damascus, which can be found about halfway through this subject.)

Please also see:
‘Eternal life.’

‘Making Jesus Lord of your life.’
‘Salvation.’

‘Sin and (eternal) Death.’

Seek the Truth with all your heart.

Born again means to be born spiritually from above = a fresh – new – person inside the same body.

Why does a person need to be born again?

Our first birth was obviously a physical birth, but to be ‘born again’ is a spiritual birth. We are born with a human spirit; so when we are old enough to understand, we need to be ‘born again’ with GOD’s Spirit = The Holy Spirit.

We are a soul born into a physical body, in a physical dimension, and we take on an existence = life - as earthly flesh - and because we are born into this existence in a fallen world, we have inherited Adam and Eve’s state – a fallen, sinful condition.

To get back to a relationship with GOD requires us to be spiritually ‘Born Again’ in which case we take on a spiritual dimension.

We need to become spiritually changed -- renewed, for which we need to be spiritually filled with GOD’s Holy Spirit, which opens up a whole new dimension, in which we become aware of the perspective of this life being merely a temporary existence, during which we are travelling through on our way to eternity in our Creator’s kingdom. We become children of GOD, not born of the usual natural descent, but born of GOD, which transforms us into taking on new understanding and new awareness, leading to new behaviour in keeping with being children of GOD. Our heavenly Father is the greatest influence available to us in this world, so we inherit a desire for righteousness which is stronger than any other worldly influence. We (you) become a spiritually new person with new awareness, perspectives, dimensions, and values.

Dying to yourself and worldly ways = separating from the ways of your old - previous self, which is an essential process which can take place almost immediately or over a while. However it is an essential process and change for transformation to take place, and to reach and become what GOD wants us to be. WE then continue to learn, develop, and grow in GOD’s ways.

You cannot become a new person if you continue to drag your old person and previous behaviour and way of life along with you. Do not allow others to drag you back or put you off from your new direction. You know where you are going so keep your eyes and mind on the road ahead.

As a born again person we are far more than just a nominal Christian and church goer, we grow into close relationship (union) with GOD and Jesus. The more we surrender to GOD and allow Jesus to live His resurrected life in and through us, the greater the power of GOD which manifests in and through us. Your life in this world is simply to prepare you for your eternal life in the next one. The choice is yours: The broad road to eternal destruction and non-existence OR the narrow road to eternal life in GOD’s kingdom of blissful perfection, and amazing added dimensions.

When you are Born Again, you are no longer a child of this world, restricted by its natural limitations, you are a child of GOD of the supernatural, and you can expect to receive things which are above and beyond your present natural ability.

Becoming ‘Born Again’ is the best experience one can have.

The best decision you can ever make is to give your heart to GOD. When you ask Jesus into your heart; Jesus moves in with all His fullness and all His love, bringing with Him the Holy Spirit, to fill us with all His qualities. The Holy Spirit will reveal and express Jesus and His love, to us, for us, and through us.

‘Born Again’ is to be born of GOD. Our first birth was of human parents, into humanity in a fallen world. When we are ‘Born Again’ it is a spiritual birth in which we become filled with GOD’s Holy Spirit, and our GOD-ly Spirit comes alive (born) within us, and we are therefore spiritually born into GOD’s kingdom. It is in this way that we are ‘born again.’ The eventual true, eternal, spiritual, and physical fulfilment of it, is after Jesus resurrects us.

Born again means we become part of the mystery of ‘Christ in us and we in Christ.’ The Holy Spirit dwells in us, and we share that same relationship with Jesus, and GOD the FATHER.

Psalm 51:10 ‘Create in me a pure heart, O GOD, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.’

John 3:3-7 ‘Jesus said “I tell you the truth, no one can see the Kingdom of GOD unless they are born again. “How can a person be born when they are old.?” Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born.!” Jesus answered “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the Kingdom of GOD unless they are born of the water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to Spirit. You should not be surprised at My saying, You must be born again.”

Jesus did not tell Nicodemus that theological - theoretical knowledge was the key to HIS kingdom. He said that spiritual regeneration – a new birth – becoming renewed in spirit, heart, and mind was required. This is the key to a Christian fulfilling their destiny. Following this, one becomes a new person spiritually and mentally, which leads to thinking and living differently, with new values, perspectives, and relativities.

How are people born again spiritually.? The main step is revealed in what Jesus said:

John 3:16-18 "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For GOD did not send HIS Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the Name of GOD’s one and only Son.”

Belief in Jesus removes us from the White Throne Judgment, because Jesus took the penalty (death) for our sin, on the cross. Those who accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour are justified (declared righteous on the basis of faith) before GOD, and can come boldly before HIM through the grace that HE has offered to everyone. By accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour, we give HIM permission to change us into perfect beings; ‘the spirits of the righteous made perfect,’ and we become a new creation = ‘Born again.’

The believer who is now chosen, called, forgiven, accepted, and begotten with the Holy Spirit, becomes a child of GOD, begins a new life under grace, and becomes an heir of eternal life.

New birth:

1 Peter 1:3-5 ‘Praise be to the GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade, kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by GOD’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.’ See ‘Last Days’ and ‘Jesus return.’

This means being spiritually ‘born from above,’ a spiritual transformation into a ‘new creation, a new you.’ New birth is an act of GOD through His Holy Spirit transforming your values and ways of living. When you believe and receive this gift from GOD, your old worldly ways die and are replaced with new values; and eternal life is imparted to you. It is a spiritual birth. (It is not suggesting a repeat of your physical birth, which of course, is impossible.)

Our first birth was of human parents, into humanity in a fallen world. When we are ‘Born Again’ it is a spiritual birth in which we become filled with GOD’s Holy Spirit, and are therefore spiritually born into GOD’s kingdom. The eventual spiritual and physical fulfilment of it is after our resurrection.

When you are ‘born again’ you are born into the spiritual reality of being a family member of GOD’s family; which is what HE originally created us to be. To be ‘born again’ is a NEW you in the same body, having NEW values, wisdom, thinking, priorities, principles, morals, perspectives, beliefs, realizations, understanding, appreciation, conscience, consciousness, awareness, freedom, outlook, hope, expectation, vision, and reality. This all replaces worldly (secular) ways, values, and thinking. Although this is a progressive process, the beginning of it has a precise starting point, which for some people can be dramatic and ‘revelationary;’ while for others it can be a gentle change; however, either way we continue to learn and grow in our magnificent new relationship with GOD.

When you are ‘Born Again’ and have the reality of eternal life in your heart; your own pride, selfishness and self-worship cannot exist any longer. When you have the full appreciation of Jesus love and how He expressed it for us, your thoughts will be elevated, your heart purified, and character and values transformed.

The whole relativity, perspective, meaning, and value of life take on unlimited proportions. Transitory worldly pleasures, which fill us up without satisfying us, are replaced by a new abundant life which includes one’s whole being -- heart, mind, and soul.

Romans 12:2 ‘Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what GOD’S will is; HIS good, pleasing and perfect will.’ When we become ‘born again’, we can experience the possession of the qualities which are known as the ‘Fruit of the Spirit.’ However it is only through Jesus and our future ‘Eternal Life’ that we will become fully restored, and regain spiritual purity with GOD.

Fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-25 ‘The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience (long suffering), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness (meekness,) and self-control (temperance). Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.’

The Greek word for ‘self control’ comes from a root word meaning ‘to grip,’ so it means to get a grip on whatever you need to get in control of. Temptation is always there, however a person with ‘self control’ will not fall for, or give in, to what they know is wrong.

Hebrews 12:23-24 ‘You have come to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to GOD, the judge of all people, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect.’

When you are ‘Born Again’ and have the reality of eternal life in your heart; any of your own pride, selfishness and self-worship cannot exist any longer. When you have the full appreciation of Jesus love and how He expressed it for us, your thoughts will be elevated, your heart purified and character and values transformed.

True (Born Again) Christians know and feel that they do not belong to this world. They know that this is not their true and final home. They are literally strangers passing through on their way to their eternal home where the conditions are perfect in every way, beyond present comprehension. GOD wants as many as possible to be rescued by choosing to be returned to HIS true, eternal family. GOD sent Jesus to make this possible, and the choice is yours.

GOD loves every human being on Earth, and HE has provided HIS wonderful plan to save every person possible.

Titus 3:5 ‘GOD saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.’

John 1:12-14 ‘To all who received Him (Jesus), to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of GOD, children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of GOD. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the FATHER, full of grace and truth.’ Plus John 3:1-21 & 1John 3:1-3. These scriptures speak of the background, process, and condition of being ‘Born Again.’ Born of GOD (born from above) = becoming ‘Children of GOD’:

Ephesians 2:1-2 ‘You were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.’

Romans 3:23 ‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD.’

Sinners are spiritually ‘dead’. When they receive spiritual life through faith in Christ, the Bible likens it to a rebirth. Only those who are ‘Born Again,’ have their spiritual eyes opened, their sins forgiven, and have a relationship with GOD.

Jeremiah 29:13 ‘And you will seek ME and find ME when you search for ME with all your heart.’

Hebrews 12:14 ‘Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.’

Luke 13:24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and will not be able to.”

Ephesians 2:8-10 ‘For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith, not of your own efforts; it is the gift of GOD, not by your own works, so no one can boast. For we are GOD’s workmanship, created in Christ to do good works, which GOD prepared in advance for us to do.’

1 Corinthians 6:17 ‘But whoever unites themselves with the Lord is one with Him in spirit.’

2 Corinthians 5:13-21 ‘If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for GOD; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died (to their old life.) And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him Who died for them and was raised again.

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, ewe do so no longer.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come. All this s from GOD, WHO reconciled us to HIMSELF through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, that GOD was reconciling the world to HIMSELF in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And HE has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though GOD were making HIS appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to GOD. GOD made Him (Jesus) Who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of GOD.’

1 John 2:15-17 ‘Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the FATHER is not in them. For everything in the world; the cravings of sinful people, the lust of their eyes and the boasting of they have and do, does not come from the FATHER but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the person who does the will of GOD lives forever.’

We who love GOD, want to be pleasing to HIM, so we want to be separated from this world and its ways. We are living here, but we are on our way to an infinitely better place.

1 John 2:29 ‘If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of Him.’

1John 3:1-3 ‘How great is the love the FATHER has for us, that we should be called children of GOD. And that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know HIM. Dear friends, now we are children of GOD, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope in them purifies themselves, just as He is pure.’

1 John 3:9 ‘No one who is born of GOD will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them, they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of GOD.’

1 John 4:7b-8 ‘Everyone who loves has been born of GOD and knows GOD. Whoever does not love, does not know GOD, because GOD is love.’

1 John 4: 13 ‘We know that we live in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.’

1 John 5:1-4 ‘Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ, is born of GOD, and everyone who loves the Father, loves GOD’s children as well. This is how we know that we love GOD’s children: by loving GOD and carrying out HIS commands. This is love for GOD: to obey HIS commands. And HIS commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of GOD overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world.? Only the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of GOD.’

First recorded ‘Born Again’ experience.

Paul – Saul – Shaul in Hebrew. First mention of Saul – Paul is in Acts 7:48-60 to 8:1-3. The story of his conversion is in Acts 9:1-22.

It can be said that one of the first ‘Born Again’ experiences recorded, was Paul’s dramatic experience on the road to Damascus as told in: Acts 9:1-22. And Paul’s repeating the story in: Acts 22:6-10; & 26:12-18.

Paul, who was a Pharisee, was a driven, radical, passionate, aggressive opposer of Christ and His faithful, believing followers, – disciples and others. He was persecuting and killing believers and followers. Jesus recognized Paul’s driven energy and passion and He chose to convert Paul into becoming an assertive supporter with new direction and purpose, for ministry for Christ and GOD, by giving him this dramatic, transformative conversion which completely turned him around and re-channelled his whole attitude and passionate energy. Paul was completely changed in this experience, and became a devoted disciple of Jesus.

Paul’s writings account for 13 of the 27 books of the Bible’s New Testament which represents approximately 31% of the total New Testament.

Paul did not live by his own faith; it was the mind of Jesus dwelling in him through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of GOD implanted the same faith in Paul’s heart and mind that we can have. This faith which is the very faith of Jesus Christ, will enable us to live a life of overcoming, just as Paul did. Our experience of being ‘Born Again’ is not likely to be quite as dramatic as Paul’s experience was, however it can be dramatic, and lead to a dramatic change in life.

Paul stated, as recorded in Galatians:

Galatians 2:20-21 ‘I have been crucified (spiritually) with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of GOD, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of GOD, for if righteousness could be gained through the law (= doing one’s own ‘good’ works/deeds,) then Christ died for nothing.’

Philippians 3:14-15 ‘I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which GOD has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too GOD will make clear to you.’

Philippians 4:13 ‘I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.’

Colossians 3:1-5 ‘Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of GOD. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died (to your former nature,) and your life is now hidden with Christ in GOD. When Christ, Who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your Earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.’

Being born again should separate us from wilful sin, including sin which we did not realize was sin.

There are only two families on earth – GOD’s and Satan’s – and everyone on earth is under the lordship of one or the other. By saying YES to Jesus as Lord and Saviour and choosing Him as Lord of our life, we can become a member of GOD’s family; delivered from the power of darkness. We are born again.

Ephesians 6:12 ‘For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.’

Ephesians 4:22-24 ‘You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like GOD in true righteousness and holiness.’

2 Timothy 2:19 ‘Nevertheless, GOD’s solid foundation (truth) stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord (and belongs to Him) must turn away from wickedness.”

Satan is ruler (GOD is owner) of this world, and Satan’s (the devil’s) ways are the ways of this world. That is why Jesus pointed out that we are in the world, but not to be of the world. Avoid Satan’s influence. Being born again (spiritually) should separate us from being involved in worldly (sinful) ways.

Conversion can be a major transformation in coming to understand the unspeakable love of Christ, and the magnificent grace, mercy and excellency of GOD, so that the soul becomes saturated with divine love, heavenly mysteries and higher understanding. One’s former life appears very sadly lacking and limited, and there is a loathing of sin as one now embraces Christ as the life and meaningfully rich joy of one’s soul. One renounces former pleasures, which are replaced with a new mind, new desires, new will, new thinking, new values, new interests, and loving a new life which now includes an eternal future following the future resurrection. The values of holiness, which appeared wearisome; the Word of GOD, which seemed dull and uninteresting; become a delight and a passion. Association with Godly people takes on new values; selfishness and priorities of earthly material wealth, are replaced with a meaningful life, living for GOD. GOD requires all this and cannot accept anything less.

John 6:37 Jesus said “All that the FATHER gives me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away.”

John 6:44 “No one can come to Me unless the FATHER who sent Me first draws them.”

John 14:6 ‘Jesus answered “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through Me.”

John 14:20 ‘Jesus said “On that day you will realize that I am in My FATHER, and you are in Me, and I am in you.”

John 14:23 Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, they will obey My teaching. My FATHER will love them, and We will come to them and make our home with them.”

Romans 8:9-11 ‘You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of GOD lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.’

Romans 8:18-19 ‘I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons (children) of GOD to be revealed.’

Romans 8:14 & 16-17 ‘All who are led by the Spirit of GOD are sons (children) of GOD.’

‘The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are GOD’s children. “Therefore we are heirs of GOD and joint heirs with Christ, that we may also share in His glory.’

1 Corinthians 6:17 ‘Whoever unites themselves with the Lord (Jesus) is one with Him in spirit.’

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ‘Jesus said: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from GOD.? You are no longer your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour GOD with your body.’

1 Corinthians 2:11-14 ‘For who among people knows the thoughts of a person except the person’s spirit within them.? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of GOD except the Spirit of GOD. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from GOD, that we may understand what GOD has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of GOD, for they are foolishness to them, and they cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.’

1 Corinthians 15:42-50 ‘So it will be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable. It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being, the last Adam (Jesus), a life living spirit. The spirit did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second Man from heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the Man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly Man. from heaven. I declare to you brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of GOD, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.’

This is saying that in our earthly physical form we cannot inherit the kingdom.

We need to be filled with and led by the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 & 5:1-8 ‘Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

For we know that if the Earthly tent (our body) we live in is destroyed, we have a building (a new eternal body) from GOD, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and we are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the ONE WHO has fashioned us for this very purpose is GOD, WHO has given us HIS Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.’

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.’

2 Corinthians 5:15 &17 ‘Jesus died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.’ ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.’ Please realize the magnificence of this, we are washed right through by the pure, cleansing water from heaven, meaning The Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13-14 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are GOD’s possession, to the praise of HIS Glory.

Ephesians 2:13, 19 & 22 ‘But now in Christ Jesus you who were once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with GOD’s people and members of GOD’S household. And in Jesus you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which GOD lives by His Spirit.’

Colossians 1:13-14 ‘He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.’

Colossians 3:1-4 ‘Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of GOD. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in GOD. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.’

Colossians 3:10 ‘You have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its CREATOR.’

2 Timothy 1:7 ‘GOD did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.’

Hebrews 11:12-16 ‘And so from this one man (Abraham), and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore GOD is not ashamed to be called their GOD, for HE has prepared a city for them.’

James 4:8 ‘Come near to GOD and HE will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.’

1 Peter 1:18-19 ‘For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.’

1 Peter 1:23-25 ‘For you have been born again, not of perishable seed (human,) but of imperishable (spiritual,) through the living and enduring word of GOD. For all people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the LORD endures forever. And this is the word that was preached to you.’

1 Peter 2:9 ‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to GOD, that you may declare the praises of GOD WHO called you out of darkness into HIS wonderful light.’

1 Peter 2:11-12 ‘Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify GOD on the day HE visits us.’

2 Peter 3:18 ‘Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.’

1 John 2:3-6 ‘We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands. The person who says, “I know Him,’ but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in them. But if anyone obeys His word, GOD’S love is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in HIM. Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.’

1 John 3:9 ‘No one who is born of GOD will continue to sin, because GOD’S seed remains in them, he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of GOD.’

1 John 4:15-21 ‘If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of GOD, GOD lives in them and they in GOD. And so we know and rely on the love GOD has for us. GOD is love. Whoever lives in love lives in GOD, and GOD in them. In this way, love is made complete among us so that will have confidence on the day of judgement, because in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.’ (This fear is meaning the frightened kind of ‘fear,’ not the ‘fear’ meaning awesome respect.)

1 John 5:18-20 ‘We know that anyone born of GOD does not continue to sin; the one who has been born of GOD keeps themselves safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of GOD, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of GOD has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know HIM WHO is true. And we are n HIMWHO is true by being in HIS Son Jesus Christ. He is the true GOD and eternal life.’

From the time of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, true believers have had no kingdom in this world, like Abraham, they live as pilgrims (wanderers) in search of their heavenly home.

GOD did not create human beings to be spiritually sovereign; only GOD is sovereign, and HE will always be The FATHER and LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.

We are not inclined to come to Jesus unless GOD creates influences and impressions of HIS Spirit on our mind. When we choose Jesus as Lord of our life, we become His, and our thoughts are of Him and with Him; and in all our ways we will show evidence of our relationship with Christ. When Christ lives in our heart, our whole nature is transformed, His Spirit and love soften our heart and raise our thoughts and desires towards GOD and heaven. As we abide daily in Jesus, we become progressively transferred into His image and become more like Him. We become more heavenly minded as The Holy Spirit renews our life. It does not matter whether the change is dramatic, gradual, or over a period.

The Ten Commandments are our guide, and when one is spiritually born again, the commandments take on expanded meaning and value.

Notable ‘born again’ experiences:

Abraham Lincoln, in his famous address at Gettysburg, said that he was born again of GOD’s spirit.

Martin Luther experienced the ‘new birth,’ after discovering these words: Romans 1:17 ‘For in the gospel a righteousness from GOD is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Russian writers Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy described the work of GOD’S Spirit as having utterly transformed their lives.

Chuck Colson, aide to President Richard Nixon, and author of best seller book ‘Born Again,’ said he was radically changed by the new birth.