April 5, 2026

What does it mean to be born again or born from above and why would Jesus tell Nicodemus he needed to do it? Did anyone ever tell you, you needed to be born again? What did they mean? Was it something different than Nicodemus? Take a minute and read Jn 3:1-8. 

• Jn 3:3 I say to you unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God
• Jn 3:7 Do no marvel that I said to you, you must be born again

In the context Jesus says this to Nicodemus in response to his implied question about Jesus identity. It is likely that he is telling Nicodemus that he should have gone to be baptized by John. Why does he choose this phrase what would Nicodemus have understood? It is equated in verse 5 with being born of water and spirit which is also said to be a prerequisite for entering the kingdom. It is contrasted with being born of flesh rather than born of the spirit. It is also equated with being born of the spirit. 

Bart Erman who I rarely agree with comments: Why this language in this particular conversation. Context is everything. Jesus’ definitive statement about being born from above is given to this “Leader of the Jews” who believes that his relationship with God is guaranteed by his birth. He has the blood of Abraham in his veins, he must be part of the Kingdom. Jesus assures him that his fleshly birth has produced nothing but flesh and that more is required, a birth in the Spirit. https://www.frbart.com/the-joy-of-the-gospel/jesus-said-you-must-be-born-again-oh-really

I Pet 1:3 according to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In this case the same phrase is used but Peter can’t be talking about Johns baptism because that time is long past. 

I Pet 1:23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed bur of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God. Peter further points out that we are born again by the living and abiding word of God. How does the word of God do this? 

Being in relationship with God means being a part of his family or household. Our physical birth doesn’t achieve this. Rather we must be born again. There are many implications to this idea. I would challenge each person reading this to make a list of what those implications are and how they impact your life. 

~ Kevin Cleary