How are we born again?

Student bible question: How are we born again? Answer:

 We are born again by GRACE through FAITH in Jesus Christ. (Heb 11:1). When we place our trust in JESUS as our Savior and Lord, we experience a s-p-i-r-i-tual rebirth. This new birth is not a physical or literal birth, but a transformation that takes place in our inner being by water from HEAVEN. In Ephesians 1:13 we read, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise…” 

In John 3:3, Jesus tells Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." This rebirth is a SPIRITUAL (John 1:12, 1 Cor 12:13, 2 Cor 5:17) awakening, where the Holy Spirit works in our hearts to bring us to new life IN CHRIST. Col 1:13-14. And, Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Our new birth is a result of God's grace and JESUS’ perfect work ON THE CROSS, AT CALVARY, not something we can achieve through our own fallen flesh efforts.

When we BELIEVE (John 6:29) in Jesus Christ, that he died for our sins, we buried and rose on the third day (1 Cor 15:1-4), we are united with GOD IN SPIRIT in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:4-5). Our old self, with its sin and separation from God, is crucified with Christ, and we are raised to newness of life in Him. This new SPIRITUAL birth (from water from above) involves the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. JOHN 14:23. (Ezek 36:26, Heb 10:16, Rom 7:16). In Titus 3:5, it says, "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit works in us to cleanse and renew our hearts, enabling us to live in a new way that is pleasing to God. (1 Cor 6:11, Rom 4:4-6, Rom 3:20-26, Rom 4:5, Rom 8:1-2)

So, being born again is a s-p-i-r-i-t-u-a-l transformation, by the water of the Spirit that occurs BY THE HAND OF GOD, not the fallen hands, nor will of mortal men, John 1:12) when we place our faith in Jesus Christ. It is a divine work of God's grace and the sole function of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT, bringing us into a everlasting NEW LIFE and FOREVER FELLOWSHIP with the Lord of Hosts. In God's economy, a butterfly never turns back into a worm. Amen! 2 Cor 5:17. 

1 John 1:9, EPH 1:13, Eph 4:30, John 3:3, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 6:4-5, Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:15, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 1:13-14, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Romans 8:1, Ephesians 6:11-18, John 16:13, John 13:34, Romans 8:2, Romans 11:6, Romans 6:11, Hebrews 10:16, 1 John 3:23, Romans 8:2, James 1:25, James 8:2, Ezekiel 36:26, Isaiah 64:6, Galatians 3:24, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5-7, John 1:17, Matt 26:28, Hebrews 9:16, John 6:29, Ezekiel 36:26, Galatians 2:16-19, Hebrews 7:19, John 1:17.