Answers
By BGEA Admin • November 2, 2023 • Topics: Salvation
Q:
In studying mid-20th-century American politics, the term “born again” became such a catchphrase, thrusting religious jargon onto the scene as defined by Jimmy Carter. Was this helpful or destructive?
A:
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
The expression “born again” is not a new term; it is more than 2,000 years old. One dark night, in the ancient city of Jerusalem, Jesus turned to one of the best-known intellectuals of his time and said, “I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again’” (John 3:3, 7, NKJV). In those words, Jesus proclaimed both the necessity and the possibility of new birth—of spiritual transformation.
Since that time, untold millions throughout the ages have attested to the reality and the power of God in their lives through being born again. A young Marine described publicly the night battle in Vietnam when he and his troops came under enemy attack. Following 16 surgical operations that helped to restore his physical powers, he began speaking of the spiritual rebirth he had received since returning home. He said, “We bear an allegiance to the flag of our country, but unless we have been born again through faith in Christ, all our religion is worth nothing.” This lieutenant had been born again.
A transformed life is the greatest of all miracles. Every time a person is “born again” by repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ, the miracle of regeneration is performed. God requires something of us to experience this new life. We must confess our spiritual poverty, renounce our sins, and turn by faith to His Son, Jesus Christ. When we are born again, we are given a new nature and God puts a little bit of Heaven down in our souls.
(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
