What does it mean to be “born again” and why does it matter?

Since the late 1960s, the use of the term “born again” has been popularized by the Protestant evangelical movement, first in American and then later around the world. For those old enough to remember the 1976 U.S. Presidential campaign, Jimmy Carter described himself as born again. Today most people in America probably have heard the term “born again” used in the media or elsewhere to describe someone or some group. However, the term “born again” is not well understood, even among some of those professing to be born again. While some people may use the term “born again” to identify particularly devout believers, others may use the term to identify individuals who have undergone a conversion experience, while still others may use the term as a prerequisite for going to heaven.

The Biblical foundation for the term “born again” is John 3. In John 3:3, for example, Jesus replied to Nicodemus: “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (NIV) The Greek word for “again” also means “from above.” Thus, some English translations read “...born from above.” It is clear from John 3:3 that being born again is essential if one is to see the kingdom of God. 

In the next post, we will examine what Jesus meant by the term “born again” or “born from above.” In following posts we will then examine how one is born again, what it means to "see the kingdom of God, and why it matters to us.