This Born again issue has brought much argument among people (Christians) of this generation. Some churches take it as a stepping stone before they start sharing the word of God whenever they go out for evangelism. This week, this Born again issue brought an argument between me myself and some of my friends, till I decided to go back and research on what the Bible really says about this Born again that people are confusing of, and even confused others. Imagine someone preaching on a radio or a television set, after he said, if you want to be a Born again, now say this prayer with me, "Lord Jesus, I received you today, come into my heart and be my Lord and my personal saviour". Please, there is nothing wrong with the prayer ooo, do not quote me wrong. But one thing that always wondered me is the preacher saying "if you have said that prayer you are now a Born again Christian, welcome to the kingdom of God". Just like that? Have you checked back on that person's character and behaviour? To be a BORN AGAIN is a process. Yes, it is a process, believe it or leave. Some Christians put emphasis on mode of dressing as to describe a Born again. That one's character and behaviour does not matter. Some in the other hand considered behaviour to justify one to be a Born again, that no matter how you dress, it doesn't concern God, as such, it cannot affect your born again life. Now listen, to be A BORN AGAIN, it is very very demanding, because, it requires sacrifices both in physical and spiritual life. your character, behaviour, ways of thinking, mode of dressing, things you like to eat, where you love going etc. can as well justify you to be a born again or not.
Nicodemus lived in the time of Jesus Christ but never understood what Jesus meant by " EXCEPT A MAN IS BORN AGAIN, HE CANNOT SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD". The world today we may know it as REPENTANCE, to be SAVED etc. But if am to ask, does Christ live in your heart? Many people on earth has thought about Christianity but have not yet made a commitment. (Ezekiel 136:25-25) "25, I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness", being born again is not only a statement but a process, look, when Jesus told Nicodemus except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God, he tried to tell him when you are born as a baby you have natural life. But you need some other life to go with, that's the spiritual life. (John 3:6b) "and that which is born of the spirit is spirit" so, without being born in spirit you cannot perceive the kingdom of God, because we are dead in our sins and trespass. (Isaiah 53:6) "all we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of you all", where in time past we walked according to the course of the world, but to be born again in (John 12:24) tried to explain for you to bear good fruit you must die. In you new birth is being plugged into the power source (John 1:12) "but as many as received Him to them He gave power to become Son's of God even to them that believe on His name. So many people get it wrong when it comes to this, being born again MUST Be by faith.
HOW TO GET BORNED AGAIN
We receive all spiritual things by faith. Because without faith, it is impossible to please God.
We confess our sins and ask God for forgiveness.
We change directions (I.e repentance). 1 John 1:9 "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". (Romans 8:6) "the spirit itself bear witness, testifies, confirms, assures, with our spirit that we are the children of God, what does that means? The moment we turned away from our previous life and become born again, the spirit of God touches our spirit and confirms who we really are. At the moment, changes as evident start to manifest in our lives as born again. Our reasoning changed, our behaviour changed, everything about us must change to suit to the glory of God. Hebrews 6:2 "we should go on to perfection (maturity), we cannot remain a baby Christians forever, but you MUST grow so to help others grow and encourage them.
Note: to encourage one another is one of the main work of a Born again Christian.
