What Does It Mean To Be Born Again?

If you ask anyone the question, “Why should God let you into heaven?”, the answer you most often hear is, “I’ve tried to be a good person.” Or, “I’ve never hurt anyone intentionally", and "I’ve lived a good life.” Even many who attend evangelical churches believe this. Surveys have shown that a majority of American Protestants agree that the way to be accepted by God is to try sincerely to live a good life. To bear witness to people who think like that, you need to be clear on what it means to be saved (born again).

God saves us apart from any human works by grace through faith, resulting in a life of good works.

We are prepared, I hope, to die for the doctrine of justification by faith, and to assert before all adversaries that salvation is not of works; but we also confess that we are justified by a faith which produces works, and if any man has a faith which does not produce good works, it is the faith of devils.  We are saved by faith without works, but not by a faith that is without works, for the real faith that saves the soul works by love and purifies the character.

Does The Bible Say Anything About Being "Born Again"?

Yes, it does!  The most referenced example of this is the scripture found in John:3 where Nicodemus asks Jesus how a man can be born again.  He's confused, asking how it's possible since a man cannot reenter the womb.  Jesus replies by explaining that unless man is "born again" of the spirit, he will not enter the Kingdom of God.  Here is an excerpt from that chapter:

John:3  King James Version (KJV)

 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

The "Steps of Salvation" chart above is an excellent guide to help you along your way!  Additionally, I have included here a prayer card (often referred to as the "Born Again Prayer"), in fact this is THE prayer card that I first used to pray this prayer myself.  At the bottom of the card, in small print, is the promise of a spiritual miracle to those who pray this prayer and truly mean what they are praying (with a pure heart).  I promise anyone reading this that if you do this you WILL receive a "spiritual" miracle.