What Does it Mean to Be Born Again?

By Ashton McGraw & Chris Jaeger In The Light of Truth – A Podcast by Illuminate the Truth.

Welcome to In The Light of Truth, a podcast where biblical truth meets real life. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have studied it for years, this is a space for honest conversations about the struggles, joys, and peace we experience as followers of Christ. Walking with God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Let’s grow together in the light of truth.

What does it mean to be born again?

To begin, here is John 3:3–6, where Jesus speaks to Nicodemus:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God… unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

GotQuestions.org explains it this way:We are all born once as children of Adam, sharing in his sinful nature and spiritual corruption. But every person needs a second birth — a spiritual birth — in order to become a child of God.

WHAT DOES “BORN AGAIN” ACTUALLY MEAN?

This is one of those terms Christians use often, but not everyone understands. Many people believe in God or have a general faith background, but being “born again” is something deeper — it describes an inner transformation the Holy Spirit does in us.

Before salvation, many people resist the idea of sin. It feels uncomfortable. It feels exposing. But the Holy Spirit is often convicting long before we recognize His voice.The natural, fleshly part of us wants independence, pride, and control. Scripture calls this being “born of the flesh.”

Being born again means the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see our sin for what it is, moves our heart toward repentance, and brings us into new life in Christ.

THE SHIFT THAT HAPPENS

When someone is born again:

• The heart is softened.

• Conviction becomes clear.

• Sin starts to feel heavy rather than “normal.”

• Desires change — even if slowly.

• The things once enjoyed without guilt now produce discomfort.

• God’s Word comes alive in a new way.

• The Holy Spirit begins guiding decisions, thoughts, and direction.

This is not behavior modification — it is a spiritual transformation.

THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit does three major things in the new birth:

1. Convicts — reveals our sin and need for a Savior.

2. Regenerates — gives new life, a new heart, new desires.

3. Indwells — lives inside the believer, producing fruit and guiding daily life.

This is why Scripture says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”The old passes away — and even though it doesn’t disappear overnight, the direction of the heart changes immediately.

LIVING AS A NEW CREATION

Being born again doesn’t mean perfection.It means transformation.It means walking by the Spirit instead of the flesh.It means God doesn’t just tell us what to do — He empowers us to do it.

The new birth is the beginning of a lifelong process of sanctification, where the Holy Spirit molds us to be more like Jesus.

🎧 Listen to Episode 22: "What Does it Mean to be Born Again?" https://open.spotify.com/episode/3oDzzuqa02vZfyYlEJ3x1v?si=UXqmlpg8QR2yX0T1yj-86Q

📍 Visit us in downtown Fargo: 21 8th St S Fargo, ND 58103

📩 Need prayer? Reach out—your burden doesn't have to be carried alone.