You Must Be Born Again

Some years ago, I was talking with my Muslim neighbor, Ibrahim, when he shared something I will never forget:

“I have put my trust in Jesus as Savior, and I feel like a new man.”

Ibrahim’s experience beautifully reflects the words of the apostle Paul:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”—2 Corinthians 5:17–18

A Religious Man Who Needed Something More

In John 3, we meet Nicodemus, a deeply religious man. He knew the Scriptures, respected God, and carefully observed the practices of his faith. Yet when Nicodemus came to Jesus, Jesus told him that religion was not enough.

Nicodemus needed something only God could give him—a new birth.

Jesus told him:

“You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’”—John 3:7

Why would Jesus tell Nicodemus that he should not be surprised by the idea of becoming new?

The concept of entering a new spiritual life would not have been entirely foreign to people in the ancient world. Religious conversion and initiation were sometimes described using the language of becoming a “new man.” Yet Jesus was speaking about something far deeper than a religious ceremony, ritual, or outward change.

Nicodemus did not merely need to become more religious. He needed to be transformed from within.

Born From Above

Jesus explained:

“I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”—John 3:3

The expression translated born again can also carry the meaning “born from above.” This new life does not originate in human effort. It comes from God.

Jesus did not tell Nicodemus, “You might consider being born again.” He did not present it as one spiritual option among many. He said: “You must be born again.”

That distinction is important. Christianity is not ultimately about adopting a new set of religious practices, becoming more moral, or adding Jesus to one's existing beliefs. Jesus calls us into an entirely new life—a life that begins when we place our trust in Him.

As Paul would later write, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

Nicodemus Had a Decision to Make

John’s Gospel gives us intriguing glimpses of what happened to Nicodemus after his nighttime conversation with Jesus. When other religious leaders condemned Jesus, Nicodemus spoke up and challenged them to treat Him justly (John 7:50–51). Then, after Jesus was crucified, Nicodemus joined Joseph of Arimathea in caring for Jesus’ body. He brought a costly mixture of myrrh and aloes and helped prepare Jesus for burial (John 19:38–40).

The man who had once approached Jesus quietly in the darkness was now publicly identifying himself with Him.

Something had changed.

What About You?

Ibrahim once told me, “I have put my trust in Jesus as Savior, and I feel like a new man.”

That is the invitation of Jesus.

You may be religious. You may believe in God. You may pray, fast, give to others, or sincerely try to live a good life. Those things cannot produce the spiritual rebirth Jesus described. New life comes through Jesus Christ.

Perhaps the greatest tragedy would be to hear His words, understand His invitation, and then walk away without responding.

Jesus still says:

“You must be born again.”

The question is deeply personal:

Are you ready to put your trust in Jesus Christ and receive the new life that only He can give?