Because of the Bible’s numerous translations and interpretations, there have been misconceptions and incorrect ideas. One example of this is the term “born again,” which is widely used by Christians today to refer to repentance. This expression first appeared in a dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Jewish ruling council member who was trying to ascertain whether Jesus was actually the Son of God.
There is only one story about Nicodemus in the Gospel of John. He was a Pharisee and a well-known Jewish leader. Nicodemus was an important figure in the Jewish community as a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. As the “lower courts,” the Sanhedrin were set up in every city. The Jerusalem Sanhedrin was the highest court for issues related to Jewish law and religion.
As a member of Jerusalem’s Great Sanhedrin, Nicodemus was part of the group that decided Jesus should be killed. Nicodemus’ interaction with Jesus, as recounted in John 3, however, demonstrates a more delicate character. His visit to Jesus at night has been interpreted as an expression of shame or fear, but the text doesn’t explain why.
As a member of the Jewish ruling council, Nicodemus may have been fulfilling his duty to investigate Jesus, a potential threat to the established order. Their conversation, however, took an unexpected turn when Jesus declared, “Unless a person is born again, he cannot see and experience the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, AMP). Nicodemus’ surprise and Jesus’ subsequent explanation of the “born again” teaching have become one of the most well-known and beloved passages in the Bible.
What did Christ mean when he talked about being born again?
The Bible emphasizes the importance of approaching life with a childlike mindset, free from the corrupting influences of sin. Jesus stated, “Unless you repent [change your inner self] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3, AMP).
The story of Adam and Eve illustrates the consequences of disobedience and the introduction of sin into the world. Prior to their transgression, they were created as pure beings, without flesh. It was only after they succumbed to Satan’s temptation that they became aware of their nakedness and donned flesh.
The serpent’s deception, which led Adam and Eve to eat from the forbidden tree, promised them divine knowledge, making them like the sons of God. This desire for knowledge and autonomy led to their downfall. In contrast, newborn children are innocent and unaware of the distinction between good and evil.
Their minds are uncorrupted, and they approach life with a sense of wonder and trust. To be “born again” is to return to this state of innocence, unlearning the evil influences of the world and embracing the ways of Christ. It requires a transformation of the mind and a willingness to surrender to God’s will.
The process of being “born again” can be likened to resetting a phone’s settings to its original state. By doing so, we eliminate the errors and corruption that have accumulated over time, returning to a state of purity and innocence. May we all strive to approach life with a childlike mindset, free from sin and filled with righteousness. May God grant us the grace to be born again in Him.
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