Messengers: Dr Moshood Fayemiwo /Evangelist Solomon OKPO
John 3:3 – “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.”
Beloved in Christ, today we confront a fundamental question that every man, woman, and child must answer: “Are you born again?”
This is not a church membership question. It is not about your parents’ faith, your religious activities, or your moral uprightness. It is a life-and-death question, an eternal question. Jesus Himself, not a prophet, not a disciple, but the Son of God, declared with absolute finality that unless a person is born again, he cannot see or enter the Kingdom of God.
Therefore, the issue is not optional. It is the very foundation of Christian salvation.
2. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BORN AGAIN?
The term “born again” comes from the Greek word anōthen, meaning born from above or born anew.
Physical birth gives us entry into the natural world.
Spiritual birth gives us entry into the Kingdom of God.
Jesus explained this truth to Nicodemus in John 3:5-6:
“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
Being born again is therefore:
1. A spiritual transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. A new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
3. A change of heart from sin to righteousness (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
WHY MUST YOU BE BORN AGAIN?
(i) Because of man’s sinful nature
Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Sin separates man from God (Isaiah 59:2).
Our natural birth carries the corruption of Adam’s sin (Psalm 51:5).
(ii) Because religion cannot save
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a religious leader, yet Jesus told him he must be born again. Church attendance, tithing, fasting, or holding positions in the church will not save a soul. Salvation comes only through the new birth.
(iii) Because heaven is holy
Revelation 21:27: “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth…”
To enter heaven, your heart must be washed and purified by the blood of Jesus.
HOW CAN ONE BE BORN AGAIN?
Step 1: Hear the Word
Romans 10:17 – “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Step 2: Acknowledge your sin
Romans 3:10 – “There is none righteous, no, not one.”
Step 3: Repent genuinely
Acts 3:19 – “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”
Step 4: Believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
Romans 10:9-10 – “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Step 5: Receive the Holy Spirit
The Spirit regenerates, seals, and empowers the new believer (Titus 3:5; Ephesians 1:13).
EVIDENCE OF BEING BORN AGAIN
How do you know you are born again?
1. A new heart and new desires (2 Corinthians 5:17).
2. Victory over sin – not sinless perfection, but a changed relationship with sin (1 John 3:9).
3. Love for God and fellow men (1 John 4:7).
4. Obedience to the Word of God (John 14:15).
5. Inner witness of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16).
6. WARNING TO THE UNBORN AGAIN
To reject Christ is to remain under condemnation.
John 3:18, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already…”
Religion, morality, or wealth cannot replace the new birth. Without Christ, there is eternal separation in hell.
7. CALL TO ACTION
Beloved, the question returns to you personally: “Are you born again?”
Have you encountered Jesus Christ personally?
Have you repented and confessed Him as Lord?
Is your life evidence of the Spirit’s transforming power?
If your answer is uncertain, today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Lastly, Jesus’ words remain unshaken: “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). Not “you may,” not “you should,” but “you must.”
Do not gamble with eternity. Church attendance will not save you. Religious works will not save you. Only Jesus saves.
ALTAR CALL
If you are reading this today and you know you are not born again, or you are not sure, I invite you to surrender to Christ. Open your heart, confess your sins, and receive Him as Lord and Savior.
Let us pray:
“Lord Jesus, I come to You as a sinner. I believe You died and rose again for my salvation. I repent of my sins today. Forgive me, cleanse me, and make me a new creation. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
