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Crucial Questions #6
What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?
When Jesus said to the Jewish leader Nicodemus, “You must be born again,” Nicodemus asked in astonishment, “How can these things be?” Some two thousand years later, people are still confused about the term “born again,” though more people than ever claim to have had the experience.
In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul cuts through the confusion and carefully explains what it means to be born again. Dr. Sproul affirms that the new birth is essential for salvation and goes on to show that this regeneration is a sovereign work of God in our hearts.
The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2019
682 people are currently reading
1358 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Sproul
673 books1,941 followersDr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.
Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.
He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.
Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 25, 2013
Like all the booklets in this series, this one packs a lot of theological information into a small package while not compromising on the message. The framework Sproul sets out in this book provides a clear understanding of regeneration (being born again) and what it means for every Christian.
The lesson is based primarily on Jesus's teaching in John 3. Sproul also draws on the epistles. The table of contents clearly shows Sproul's excellent framework. This is the clearest teaching I have seen on this subject. Highly recommended. I used it in on Sunday school class, and I'm sure I will use it again.
The lesson is based primarily on Jesus's teaching in John 3. Sproul also draws on the epistles. The table of contents clearly shows Sproul's excellent framework. This is the clearest teaching I have seen on this subject. Highly recommended. I used it in on Sunday school class, and I'm sure I will use it again.
December 20, 2014
I am slowly making my way through all of these short booklets that Sproul has written in order to educate the body of Christ. This one was nourishing to the soul. Sproul tackles what being born again means. He talks about regeneration proceeding faith and that salvation is monergistic. This will benefit any believer in their pursuit in the knowledge of God.
November 13, 2015
Regeneration precedes faith-that's all you need to know.
May 17, 2023
As usual with many of Sproul's writing, this will be worth a second read.
April 29, 2014
BEING BORN AGAIN - THE “LAUNCH” OF A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST
In this, the 6th of his 17-book series about the fundamentals of Christianity, Sproul talks about the Christian’s need to be born again - or “regenerated”, as he likes to put it. He breaks his discussion into 6 segments. The first is the foundational question, “Must I Be Born Again?” to which the answer is an emphatic “YES”!
The remaining segments complete the phrase, “Regeneration Is . . .” as follows:
“. . . A Mystery” where he explains that although it’s a mystery to us, it’s an unfathomable mystery to those still lost in the world.
“. . . The Beginning” this is just the 1st step - you cannot enter the Kingdom of God without being born again (John 3:3-5).
“. . . A Sovereign Work Of God” where he explains that God does the work of rebirthing us & we have nothing to do with it.
“. . . Immediate” where he explains that it’s not a process. It happens in an instant - one moment you’re a sinner, the next you’re saved.
“. . . Permanent” where Sproul supports the once-saved-always-saved view.
Once again, I think Sproul “nails” this topic covering each aspect with his thorough style & meticulous attention to detail. For the first couple of segments, he analyzes the encounter between Nicodemus & Jesus in the 3rd chapter of John’s Gospel. He captures the sincerity of Nicodemus’s question (and the intrigue surrounding his approach), the simplicity of Jesus’s answer, & yet the profundity of what it means (and how essential it is) to be born again. I also enjoyed his humorous highlighting of the fact that the term, “born-again Christian” is technically a redundancy since being “born again”, in New Testament theology, is synonymous with being “a Christian”.
I also loved the way Sproul stresses that the act of regeneration is entirely a work of The Lord. That is, we may search & ask questions, but God must first open the eyes & ears of our understanding before we can get it at all and then, once we bow our sin-stiffened neck, it is God’s touch that changes our hearts & makes us a new creation. Our part in the process is minuscule. He underscores that it is God who hunts us down - He seeks us, He pursues, not the other way around. I thought this was clever, especially with today’s overly “seeker-sensitive” emergent church.
Sproul explains the story of his own conversion - or should I say, “regeneration” - and that of his girlfriend/fiancé/wife. (Not that she was all those at once - as is all to common today - but that she became his wife.) It was personal & powerful. He bravely chose to call off the wedding if she “didn't get it”.
Finally, as for the once-saved-always-saved conclusion - I agree that scripture gives us security in our salvation. We can’t fall out of the Hand of God. At the same time, we see those who show every sign of regeneration who eventually turn from God. I don’t mean those who backslide - I’m talking about those who repent of their regeneration & give themselves over entirely to other gods. Sproul proposes that these were never “born again” in the first place. I suspect he’s correct - but we would never know because we can’t look upon their hearts to see what is truly going on inside. Or maybe this is the unforgivable “blaspheming the Holy Spirit” Jesus talked about. Either way, I think we should be secure in our salvation, but pay careful attention to our growth in The Lord, as Sproul encourages in his final chapter where he covers the life-long process of working out our salvation.
Again, it was a tremendous book & key addition to the series. And, yes, I can hardly wait to read the next in the series - “Can I Be Sure I’m Saved?”! =^D
In this, the 6th of his 17-book series about the fundamentals of Christianity, Sproul talks about the Christian’s need to be born again - or “regenerated”, as he likes to put it. He breaks his discussion into 6 segments. The first is the foundational question, “Must I Be Born Again?” to which the answer is an emphatic “YES”!
The remaining segments complete the phrase, “Regeneration Is . . .” as follows:
“. . . A Mystery” where he explains that although it’s a mystery to us, it’s an unfathomable mystery to those still lost in the world.
“. . . The Beginning” this is just the 1st step - you cannot enter the Kingdom of God without being born again (John 3:3-5).
“. . . A Sovereign Work Of God” where he explains that God does the work of rebirthing us & we have nothing to do with it.
“. . . Immediate” where he explains that it’s not a process. It happens in an instant - one moment you’re a sinner, the next you’re saved.
“. . . Permanent” where Sproul supports the once-saved-always-saved view.
Once again, I think Sproul “nails” this topic covering each aspect with his thorough style & meticulous attention to detail. For the first couple of segments, he analyzes the encounter between Nicodemus & Jesus in the 3rd chapter of John’s Gospel. He captures the sincerity of Nicodemus’s question (and the intrigue surrounding his approach), the simplicity of Jesus’s answer, & yet the profundity of what it means (and how essential it is) to be born again. I also enjoyed his humorous highlighting of the fact that the term, “born-again Christian” is technically a redundancy since being “born again”, in New Testament theology, is synonymous with being “a Christian”.
I also loved the way Sproul stresses that the act of regeneration is entirely a work of The Lord. That is, we may search & ask questions, but God must first open the eyes & ears of our understanding before we can get it at all and then, once we bow our sin-stiffened neck, it is God’s touch that changes our hearts & makes us a new creation. Our part in the process is minuscule. He underscores that it is God who hunts us down - He seeks us, He pursues, not the other way around. I thought this was clever, especially with today’s overly “seeker-sensitive” emergent church.
Sproul explains the story of his own conversion - or should I say, “regeneration” - and that of his girlfriend/fiancé/wife. (Not that she was all those at once - as is all to common today - but that she became his wife.) It was personal & powerful. He bravely chose to call off the wedding if she “didn't get it”.
Finally, as for the once-saved-always-saved conclusion - I agree that scripture gives us security in our salvation. We can’t fall out of the Hand of God. At the same time, we see those who show every sign of regeneration who eventually turn from God. I don’t mean those who backslide - I’m talking about those who repent of their regeneration & give themselves over entirely to other gods. Sproul proposes that these were never “born again” in the first place. I suspect he’s correct - but we would never know because we can’t look upon their hearts to see what is truly going on inside. Or maybe this is the unforgivable “blaspheming the Holy Spirit” Jesus talked about. Either way, I think we should be secure in our salvation, but pay careful attention to our growth in The Lord, as Sproul encourages in his final chapter where he covers the life-long process of working out our salvation.
Again, it was a tremendous book & key addition to the series. And, yes, I can hardly wait to read the next in the series - “Can I Be Sure I’m Saved?”! =^D
March 25, 2016
The bottom line: Enlightening answers to a pressing question in an age of confusion and misunderstandings.
Being “born again” (regeneration) is a crucial starting point of the Christian’s life. As Jesus explained to Nicomedus, it is a conversion that must happen in order to have eternal life. However, interpretation of what this actually means in everyday terms has led to many misperceptions.
In What does it mean to be born again? R.C. Sproul meticulously explains what being “born again” really means.
He draws on core ideas of Reformist theology to clarify that ... http://www.chesadaphal.com/what-does-...
Being “born again” (regeneration) is a crucial starting point of the Christian’s life. As Jesus explained to Nicomedus, it is a conversion that must happen in order to have eternal life. However, interpretation of what this actually means in everyday terms has led to many misperceptions.
In What does it mean to be born again? R.C. Sproul meticulously explains what being “born again” really means.
He draws on core ideas of Reformist theology to clarify that ... http://www.chesadaphal.com/what-does-...
May 5, 2024
una buena introducción a la doctrina de la regeneración
Lo bueno, es una introducción breve y sencilla al tema de la regeneración.
El libro explica de manera introductor Isis algunos conceptos de la regeneración de manera digerible empezando con una discusión con respecto a Nicodemo y otros pasajes relacionados.
No es muy profundo y me parece muy similar a lo que esperarías en un sermón breve.
Lo bueno, es una introducción breve y sencilla al tema de la regeneración.
El libro explica de manera introductor Isis algunos conceptos de la regeneración de manera digerible empezando con una discusión con respecto a Nicodemo y otros pasajes relacionados.
No es muy profundo y me parece muy similar a lo que esperarías en un sermón breve.
January 1, 2016
Excelente
En menos de una hora con estas pocas páginas, el Dr. R.C Sproul , nos pone al día con una de las doctrinas básicas que todo cristiano promedio debe entender y manejar, para aumentar su conocimiento de nuestro redentor Jesucristo, y cual es su obra en cada uno de nosotros, recomiendo estas lecturas rápidas por lo concreto y practico que resulta que Dios los bendiga
En menos de una hora con estas pocas páginas, el Dr. R.C Sproul , nos pone al día con una de las doctrinas básicas que todo cristiano promedio debe entender y manejar, para aumentar su conocimiento de nuestro redentor Jesucristo, y cual es su obra en cada uno de nosotros, recomiendo estas lecturas rápidas por lo concreto y practico que resulta que Dios los bendiga
February 11, 2017
“The new birth is necessary because that which is born of the flesh is flesh—and you can’t get spirit out of flesh. If you want to grow an oak tree, you’ve got to plant an acorn, not a strawberry. The flesh yields only flesh. But that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
Excerpt From: R. C. Sproul. “What Does It Mean to be Born Again?.”
Excerpt From: R. C. Sproul. “What Does It Mean to be Born Again?.”
May 21, 2017
A modern distorted truth clarified
In the modern church, man has been exalted above God lot of times. Man has been said to have the power to exercise faith in God. This is simply not true on the basis of the scripture. God does the regenerating work. To be regenerate is to be born again.
In the modern church, man has been exalted above God lot of times. Man has been said to have the power to exercise faith in God. This is simply not true on the basis of the scripture. God does the regenerating work. To be regenerate is to be born again.
January 18, 2018
R.C. Sproul hits the nail on the head when he points out that most people have absolutely no idea what the term "born again" actually means. After diving into the passage in the Gospel of John and seeing the redundancy of the term "born again Christian", the reader will come away more knowledgeable in the Christian faith.
February 10, 2015
Has some good explanation of what the term "born again" means in the way that the Bible uses it (which can be a bit different from the way it's bandied around in some circles).
However, I felt it glossed over the question of assurance of salvation (always a big question) far too lightly.
However, I felt it glossed over the question of assurance of salvation (always a big question) far too lightly.
April 8, 2016
Not bad. The first chapter, which sets the stage for the rest of the book, is very good. In the remaining chapters Sproul does not so much argue his points as simply explain the Reformed view of regeneration.
July 30, 2016
This is an excellent introduction to the topic of regeneration. The author touches on the key issues, but the length of this booklet prevents him from going into much depth. He uses down-to-earth illustrations to help the reader visualize the concepts presented.
January 21, 2018
Who, how and
Great book, with excellent insight into the nature of being born again. Very short book, but it may be a good book to begin thinking about the Ordo Salutis, (e.i. order of salvation) if you haven’t in the past.
Great book, with excellent insight into the nature of being born again. Very short book, but it may be a good book to begin thinking about the Ordo Salutis, (e.i. order of salvation) if you haven’t in the past.
March 2, 2018
¿Qué significa nacer de nuevo?
Excelente libro sencillo en su explicación de lo que es el nuevo nacimiento. Interesante la diferencia marcada entre alguien que ha nacido de nuevo y uno que no.
Excelente libro sencillo en su explicación de lo que es el nuevo nacimiento. Interesante la diferencia marcada entre alguien que ha nacido de nuevo y uno que no.
May 27, 2013
Good intro.
December 24, 2013
Good short read on the work of regeneration. For those not familiar with this necessary doctrine this should be a primary book.
April 17, 2014
Awesome
very informative and enlightening explanation. highly commendable for new and old Christians like me who wants to deepen their knowledge of God.
very informative and enlightening explanation. highly commendable for new and old Christians like me who wants to deepen their knowledge of God.
November 24, 2019
Clear and concise
Like always Dr. Sproul brings down the hay where the cows can eat it. He makes doctrine easy to understand.
Like always Dr. Sproul brings down the hay where the cows can eat it. He makes doctrine easy to understand.
August 30, 2015
Very good!
February 14, 2016
Great short book about regeneration. Very basic.
March 25, 2016
Ciertamente el maestro Sproul tiene una mente iluminada por el Espíritu Santo, porque de una manera fácil de leer podemos entender la regeneración.
September 20, 2016
Great read
Very simple and practical explanation of the phrase born again.....revealing. Thanks RC for helping us understand the necessity of this all important teachings
Very simple and practical explanation of the phrase born again.....revealing. Thanks RC for helping us understand the necessity of this all important teachings
December 18, 2024
Born Again
Dr. Sproul takes us on a short journey regarding God's regeneration of His Christian children. He begins with definitions of several important words to a description of Israel at the time of Jesus including some Jewish idioms and religious practices. The main is God brings one to Christ! The Holy Spirit regenerates the believer and guides them from infancy to maturity.
Dr. Sproul takes us on a short journey regarding God's regeneration of His Christian children. He begins with definitions of several important words to a description of Israel at the time of Jesus including some Jewish idioms and religious practices. The main is God brings one to Christ! The Holy Spirit regenerates the believer and guides them from infancy to maturity.
November 6, 2020
In this installment of the Crucial Questions series, R.C. Sproul talks about what it means to be born again. This term has been used for a long time, and yet there is a misuse of the phrase. It has become a worldly term applied to things like a brand, and it has become so misused that some people say they want to be a Christian, but not a ‘born-again’ Christian.
In the first chapter, Sproul talks about if you have to be born-again. Then he takes to the mysterious part of the Christian journey, the part that is all God’s doing, regeneration. Following that, he discusses how regeneration is just the beginning of the Christian experience, not the whole experience himself.
After covering the fact that regeneration isn’t a process, but an instantaneous happening, Sproul then takes a chapter to discuss that regeneration is permanent. Regeneration is such an important aspect of Christianity, but as Sproul points out, it’s just the beginning. It is a great mystery, but we know that it is immediate and permanent, which should comfort Christians everywhere.
This booklet takes a great look at the commonly misunderstood, and sometimes worldly, phrase born-again. Sproul uses simple language and his grasp of difficult subject matter to clear things up for those with questions. I would recommend this to any Christian who needs to or would like to learn more about what it truly means to be born-again.
In the first chapter, Sproul talks about if you have to be born-again. Then he takes to the mysterious part of the Christian journey, the part that is all God’s doing, regeneration. Following that, he discusses how regeneration is just the beginning of the Christian experience, not the whole experience himself.
After covering the fact that regeneration isn’t a process, but an instantaneous happening, Sproul then takes a chapter to discuss that regeneration is permanent. Regeneration is such an important aspect of Christianity, but as Sproul points out, it’s just the beginning. It is a great mystery, but we know that it is immediate and permanent, which should comfort Christians everywhere.
This booklet takes a great look at the commonly misunderstood, and sometimes worldly, phrase born-again. Sproul uses simple language and his grasp of difficult subject matter to clear things up for those with questions. I would recommend this to any Christian who needs to or would like to learn more about what it truly means to be born-again.
June 12, 2023
Most recent updated review: I reread this for a third time and my rating has dropped to 3 stars from 5 since my views on the Calvinistic view of being born again have since changed. I always enjoy reading Sproul and I appreciate his insight, but I can't say I agree with everything he teaches in regards to TULIP these days. It's hard to explain, but trying to explain being born again to someone who isn't yet born again in the way he describes is difficult - either God picks you or He doesn't and that's that.
Updated review: I reread this and I liked it a lot more the second time around. It's a solid overview of what it means to be born again from a biblical perspective. I like the all the different places where Sproul pulls from Scripture and how he explains each connection. It would be interesting to see what a new believer would think of the presentation; it all made sense to me, but I've also been a growing believer for a while. I think this was especially a good read for me because it definitely helped strengthen my assurance in the work that God has started in me. I'd definitely recommend this short book for that reason.
Updated review: I reread this and I liked it a lot more the second time around. It's a solid overview of what it means to be born again from a biblical perspective. I like the all the different places where Sproul pulls from Scripture and how he explains each connection. It would be interesting to see what a new believer would think of the presentation; it all made sense to me, but I've also been a growing believer for a while. I think this was especially a good read for me because it definitely helped strengthen my assurance in the work that God has started in me. I'd definitely recommend this short book for that reason.
September 11, 2020
Nacer de nuevo significa que la obra del omnipotente Dios ha ocurrido en el ser humano dándole vida espiritual, este evento es un acto soberano de Dios, es inmediato, irresistible y permanente
En palabras sencillas el Dr. Sproul nos enseña acerca del nuevo nacimiento y nos deja claro que Dios Espíritu Santo es el único que interviene, es decir un monergismo, nos indica además que esta salvación (nuevo nacimiento) es tan solo el primer paso el comienzo de nuestra vida cristiana y de ninguna manera es temporal sino que es permanente. Para efecto de nuestra santificación Dios nos ha dejado lo que llama los medios de gracia para crecer espiritualmente y llegar a ser maduros en la fe. Debemos regocijarnos y gozarnos ya que el nacer de nuevo es el mayor regalo que un ser humano puede recibir.
En palabras sencillas el Dr. Sproul nos enseña acerca del nuevo nacimiento y nos deja claro que Dios Espíritu Santo es el único que interviene, es decir un monergismo, nos indica además que esta salvación (nuevo nacimiento) es tan solo el primer paso el comienzo de nuestra vida cristiana y de ninguna manera es temporal sino que es permanente. Para efecto de nuestra santificación Dios nos ha dejado lo que llama los medios de gracia para crecer espiritualmente y llegar a ser maduros en la fe. Debemos regocijarnos y gozarnos ya que el nacer de nuevo es el mayor regalo que un ser humano puede recibir.
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August 15, 2020En este libro, R.C. Sproul examina qué significa, tanto bíblica como teológicamente, nacer de nuevo. Cuando entendemos correctamente esta verdad, nos damos cuenta de la lucha que tenemos cuando evaluamos nuestra vida cristiana. Así, "podemos ver cambios para bien en nuestra vida, pero también vemos las cosas que no queremos ver; las que no queremos que nadie vea. Así que, al analizar el estado de nuestra alma, no necesitamos preguntar dónde estábamos cuando nacimos de nuevo, ni siquiera cómo sucedió. Más bien debemos preguntarnos si hay alguna evidencia de un cambio en la orientación interior de nuestra actitud hacia las cosas de Dios. Las personas no regeneradas son, en el mejor de los casos, indiferentes a las cosas de Dios". 👀👀
June 24, 2021
The Gospel of John tells an account of how a Pharisee called Nicodemus went to Jesus at night, and asked when he had to do to be saved. When Jesus replied that he must be "born again", Nicodemus was somewhat dumbstruck, and took it literally. This led him to ask what R.C. Sproul calls the most crass question anyone ever asked Jesus.
This book sets out precisely what being "born again" means, and the importance of it, with the usual Biblical examples, primarily the conversion of Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. It felt less dense and philosophical than some of the other books in this series, making it an easier read, so I was able to get through it quickly.
This is definitely a good book for people not yet familiar with the Christian message.
This book sets out precisely what being "born again" means, and the importance of it, with the usual Biblical examples, primarily the conversion of Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. It felt less dense and philosophical than some of the other books in this series, making it an easier read, so I was able to get through it quickly.
This is definitely a good book for people not yet familiar with the Christian message.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews