Nicodemus was a Jewish leader, a Pharisee, who came to Jesus at night to learn more about him and his teachings. Jesus told him, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) When it was clear Nicodemus did not know what he meant, Jesus continued, “I assure you that no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can only produce human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say you must be born again. The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” (John 3:5-8) Like Nicodemus, most people have a problem understanding how a person can experience new birth.
I have been a “born again Christian” for almost 64 years and I still don’t fully understand how it happens, but I know it is real and that it took place the moment I repented of my sins and accepted the fact that Jesus paid the price for my sins by taking my place on the cross. (John 3:16) At that moment the Holy Spirit came into my life and assured my spirit that I was a newly born child of God – born of His Spirit.
Unbelievers deride “born again Christians” as some kind of religious zealots or brainwashed members of some cult. No one can begin to understand until they experience it for themselves. So how can we show them it is real and has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with a personal relationship with God? There is one outward sign that marks every new born Christian. It is a spiritual birthmark for all to see. John describes it in his Gospel and especially in his letters. It is love! Love of God! Love of other believers! Love of neighbors (non-believers)! Even love of our enemies! John makes it clear that if we lack that kind of love, God’s Spirit does not dwell in us for God is love.
The New Testament lists seven indications that we are born of the Spirit. They are referred to as “fruit” of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness. (Galatians 5:22) But the first and most prominent mark of our new birth is love. I pray that people who observe our words and actions will witness the supernatural love of God and desire that birth mark on their own lives even though none of us fully understands it. I am so thankful that it is child-like faith and not superior intellect that God looks for in his children.