What does it mean to be born Again?

Read John 3.

Not all Jewish religious leaders were hardened against Jesus.  Nicodemus is given to us as an example of one whose heart was open.  He concluded that "no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him" (v.2).  Jesus knew of the national stature of Nicodemus, calling him "the teacher of Israel" (v.10).  Typical of Jesus, He did not respond to Nicodemus' words but seemingly changed the subject.  Making such a personal and penetrating statement is how Jesus also dealt with the woman at the well and the rich, young ruler.

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." (v.3)

The term born again was foreign to Nicodemus.  Literally, the translation is "born from above."  This speaks directly against a system of belief to a personal experience that results in a new life.  It is a transformation of the person.  Once they were not born and now they are.  This teaching is not isolated to John 3.  Being "born again," "born of God," "born of the Spirit" is taught by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 4, by the Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 2, and by John again in every chapter of 1 John except chapter one.

1. The Contrast. (v.6a)
John 1:12-13 says "....children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."  
"Blood"-Jesus made it clear that being born into one's earthly family is not enough to get to heaven. Parental decisions have no bearing.
"Will of the flesh"-Others cannot make this decision for you.
"Will of man"-All of our good works will not allow us to be a part of God family.
"But of God"-This is a spiritual birth that the Spirit of God enacts at the moment a person receives Jesus as their personal Savior.

2. The Comparison (v.8)
Since this is a spiritual birth, it has nothing to do with any external doings on our part.  Jesus compared it to a blowing wind.  We do not see the movement of air, but when it moves the results are evident.  When one experiences the new birth, their life change becomes obvious to everyone around them.  They are no longer the same.

3. The Condemnation (v.18)
There is a natural place in every one's conscience that one day there will be an eternal judgment of each life.  Just notice how often unbelievers use the word hell, the place of eternal torment.  The problem with the thinking of so many is that any condemnation by God happens later.  Jesus clearly said that "whoever does not believe is condemned already."  That statement alone should strike fear in every unbelieving heart.  First, a person must realize their peril and their need of God's forgiveness now, in this life.  Then, there must be an acknowledgement that Jesus is their only hope.  The reason Jesus came the first time to earth was "in order that the world might be saved through him" (v.17).  He is the one and only Savior (v.16).  The good news of faith in Jesus is "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)

4. The Condition. 
How can one be born again into God's family?  Jesus said regarding Himself, "...whoever believes in him may have eternal life" (v.15).  Note that this is not a religion but a relationship.  It is not faith in a philosophy but a person.  This is not a belief of content but a believing, or trusting, in Jesus that transforms a person from the inside out.  "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." (v.36)