To be born again means to start over…spiritually. Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3 that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they’re born again. We’re all born physically once, but to be born again means we experience a spiritual death and rebirth when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, repent of our sins, and receive His Grace. It’s not about religion…it’s a relationship that brings new life, a new heart, and a new direction.
What Does It Mean to Be Indwelled by the Holy Spirit?
When someone puts their faith in Jesus and is born again, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside them. Yes! God Himself, in Spirit form, takes residence in our hearts! He comforts, convicts, guides, and empowers us and works as our intercessor. It’s how we grow, how we understand Scripture, and how we become more like Jesus day by day. The Spirit isn’t just a feeling…it’s a person, the third part of the Trinity, living within us, to help us walk in truth and freedom.
What Is the Sin Nature?
Our sin nature(flesh) is the part of us that naturally wants to do life our own way…without God. It’s selfish, rebellious, and stubborn. We’re born with it because of the fall of man (Genesis 3), and it pulls us toward things that separate us from God. Even after we’re saved, that nature doesn’t just disappear…we still have to wrestle with it.
What Does It Mean to Die to Ourselves or Put the Flesh to Death?
To die to ourselves or put the flesh to death means we say “no” to that old sinful nature and “yes” to God. It’s not a one-time decision…it’s daily. It means letting go of our pride, our selfish desires, our lusts, and our need to be in control. Paul said in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” It’s surrender. It’s choosing His will over ours…even when it’s hard. It’ learning how to walk in the spirit rather than the flesh.
What Does It Mean to Walk in the Spirit?
To walk in the Spirit means we live moment by moment following God’s lead. We lean into His wisdom instead of our own impulses. The fruit of walking in the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). It doesn’t mean perfection…it means direction. We fall, but we keep walking with Him… by repenting and asking for His help to walk upright and according to His will. We stay in His word, keeping our eyes on Him, so that when we struggle we don’t lose heart or faith.
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25
We can’t do this on our own, we can’t fix ourselves, no matter how hard we try. Transformation doesn’t come from self-effort; it comes from surrender. When we fully yield our hearts to God, EVERYTHING changes. We are made new.
Just like a newborn baby entering the world, we begin again with a new nature and a new way of living. Babies rely completely on their parents for nourishment, protection, and guidance. In the same way, when we are born again, we must learn to depend fully on our Heavenly Father for everything we need…strength, wisdom, provision, and direction.
It’s a lifelong process of growth. But as our faith deepens, the walk becomes steadier. Like a child who matures over time, we too grow in our faith as we continue to trust Him more each day. It’s not about believing in our own strength, but choosing faith in God over faith in ourselves. Jesus didn’t come to help us “live our best life” or “be a better person” He came to save us from ourselves and transform us into who He created us to be. He came to bring us real life and real purpose when we give our life to Him.
Supporting Scriptures:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation”
– Corinthians 5:17-19
“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
– John 3:3
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”
– 1 Peter 2:2
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
– Proverbs 3:5–6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 1:6
“It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
– Philippians 2:13
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