You Must Be Born Again

by Jonathan L. Master

Is the new birth still relevant? Jonathan Master answers with a resounding yes in this short primer on Christ’s teaching. Learn about the problem we all face, the heart change God repeatedly promises throughout Scripture, the Holy Spirit he sends to accomplish his work, the new life that believers possess, and the glorious transformations that follow rebirth.

Endorsements“Jonathan Master explains the foundational truth of the new birth with engaging clarity and brevity in his excellent primer. I cannot think there is a better, briefer exposition and thoughtful application of this truth in print. This is a book that should be read by every Christian and be on every church book table.”

—Ian Hamilton, President and Professor of Historical Theology, Westminster Seminary UK

“Here is crystal clarity about the depths of our sin and our spiritual need and God’s promise in Jesus Christ to give to all who seek him not simply a better moral compass but a whole new self. This timely little volume sums up the most urgent need of the you must be born again!”

—David Strain, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Sem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear layout of what is essential in the Christian faith. That we are sinners doesn’t mean we just make mistakes, or faults, but our sin has rotten our hearts, which is the heart of our disease. Sin has made us alienated from God. God alone can remove this heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh, because of His son Jesus Christ. This renewal of the heart is repeated all throughout Scripture as the circumcision of the heart (like in Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezechiel, and even in Deuteronomy), which shows that Nicodemus shouldn’t have been so surprised by Jesus’ words. The Holy Spirit brought us to life by using a precise instrument, namely God’s Word. After He circumcised our hearts, we are new creatures in Christ. The lives we now live are united to Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. Everything is new, our mind, heart, views, principles, tastes, affections, likings, dislikings, fears, joys, sorrows, thoughts of God and ourselves and the world and the life to come, and the means whereby that life is attained (J.C. Ryle). That new life will come with suffering, but we may rejoice in them, because (1) it shows the reality of our faith, (2) suffering displays God’s power in us, (3) the testing of our faith produces steadfastness, (4) we realize Christ’s undeserved suffering on behalf of us, sinners, and we may now share in it. This whole process makes us grow in holiness, for it makes us more sensible towards the things of God and makes us feel more and more hostile against sin. “Christ’s death on behalf of sinners establishes both their standing before God (justification) and their growth in holiness (sanctification).” Come to Jesus, He says: “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In just 72 pages, Jonathan Master discusses all aspects of Christian rebirth with a primary focus on why, who, and how.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does regeneration happen? In You Must Be Born Again, Jonathan Master how the Christian experiences new life in Christ.

The book begins with the problem of sin, and Master makes his readers come to terms with the need for a Savior. He goes on to explain how God offers transformation by the Holy Spirit. In a memorable way, he states that Scripture is what the Holy Spirit, our soul surgeon, uses to accomplish his work on our hearts.


Our Glorious Gospel

And the good news for Christians is that we have the kingdom, eternity, and an end to suffering. We are transformed from slaves to sons and able to bear spiritual fruit, as well as the holiness and comfort that only Christ can offer. Master offers the Gospel as rightly glorious and magnificent.

This short yet sharp book is filled with Scripture. It is clear and compelling, a perfect primer for those new to or interested in the faith. Keep a copy on hand to give out, and one to keep close to refresh and warm your soul.


I received a media copy of You Must Be Born Again and this is my honest review.

[Bbqchips]

In a short read, Jonathan Master presents the regeneration of Christians by the Holy Spirit as a necessary, promised, and fulfilled aspect of those who receive Christ in the gospel. Without regeneration, the gospel is heard only as information rather than new life; with regeneration, the holiness of God is manifested in the world more clearly through the work of the Holy Spirit in His church, and the church is made holy to God.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief Yet Concise

The new birth’s essentiality is expressed under the same terms Jesus declared from the beginning in this book. Whether you’re a babe in Christ or not a Christian at all, you’ll discover a great discourse and exhortation here that reiterates God’s true call to holiness and our hopelessness without Christ’s finished work.

[Brett Rudder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much needed, brief treatise on a primary christian doctrine. Recommended for Christians and seekers alike.

[Michael Schmid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short booklet covering various aspects of the wonderful work of God known as regeneration.

[Josiah C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good clear and concise treatment of the doctrine of regeneration.

[Robert Cathcart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent primer on the gospel!