Understanding What It Means to Be Born Again

In John chapter 3, we read about a powerful encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council. This conversation has always struck me as a reminder of how God works in our lives to bring us into a deeper relationship with Him. Just like Nicodemus, we can sometimes find ourselves seeking answers, unsure of what true spiritual transformation looks like.

As I reflect on this passage, I realize that Nicodemus, a man who was respected and knowledgeable, still found himself wanting something more. This resonates with me and many in our church family because, at some point in our faith journey, we all come to that place where we realize there's more to God than we initially understood. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night, perhaps because he didn’t want to be seen or questioned by others. But I believe his quiet, humble approach to Jesus also shows a deep desire for truth. How often do we find ourselves quietly seeking, perhaps unsure if we’re ready to fully step out in faith?

Jesus' words to Nicodemus, "You must be born again," were life-changing. But, just like Nicodemus, I think many of us might ask, "What does that really mean?" Jesus explained that being "born again" is not about a physical rebirth, but a spiritual one, something that God alone can do in us. At Heritage Church, we talk about how our faith journey is a process of "discovering and deepening" our relationship with Jesus. Being born again isn’t something we can do on our own. It’s a work of the Spirit, and it’s something we experience through God’s grace.

There are many misconceptions about salvation, and I see them reflected in our own lives at times. Some of us view God as just a rule-keeper, someone who stands ready to judge us. But we know that He is much more than that. He is a promise-keeper, and His promises are wrapped in love and grace. We sometimes believe that our behavior will draw us closer to Jesus, but in reality, it's our belief in Him that changes us. The truth is, we can’t earn our salvation. It’s a gift from God. This is why we emphasize at Heritage that salvation is not something you can work for—it’s something you receive, something God has already done for you.

John 3:16-17 tells us God’s heart for humanity: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." Jesus didn’t come to condemn us for our mistakes; He came to rescue us, to offer us a new way of life through His sacrifice.

Being born again isn’t about trying harder to be a better person or fixing all your flaws. It’s about surrendering to Jesus and allowing Him to transform you from the inside out. It's about trusting Him with your life, believing that through Him, you become a new creation.

If you’re wrestling with what it means to be born again, take a moment to reflect on some questions that can help guide you:

• What does being born again mean to you personally?

• Are you relying on your works to earn God’s favor, or are you trusting in His grace?

• What’s holding you back from fully surrendering to Jesus?

• How can you make your faith more public and intentional?

At Heritage, we want to encourage you to take the next step in your faith journey. If you haven’t made Jesus the Lord of your life, now is the perfect time to admit your need for Him. If you’ve already made that decision but haven’t yet taken the step of baptism, I invite you to take that step and make your faith public. And if you’ve wandered from your faith, remember that Jesus is always waiting for you to return.

God’s love is so much bigger than our mistakes, and His grace covers every part of us. Jesus came not to condemn, but to save. Your salvation is not about being perfect, but about trusting in His perfect grace.

Let’s continue to walk together in faith, surrendering more of ourselves to Him as we discover and deepen our relationship with Jesus.

Blessings,

Pastor John

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