Are You Born Again? The Evidences of a Renewed Life

The concept of being “born again” is a significant aspect of Christian theology, referring to a spiritual rebirth or transformation that occurs when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Saviour and begins a new life of faith. It’s a profound experience that marks a turning point in a person’s relationship with God.

It is my firm belief that the majority of churchgoers are not born again in the truest sense of the term. While attendance at religious services and participation in church activities are important aspects of a person’s faith journey, being born again entails a profound spiritual transformation that goes beyond outward appearances. The process of being born again involves a genuine encounter with the saving grace of Jesus Christ, leading to a heart-level conversion and a radical change in one’s desires, values, and behaviour. Unfortunately, many individuals confuse religious rituals and traditions with the inner renewal that comes from an encounter with God. It is essential for believers and church leaders to emphasize the significance of a heartfelt commitment to Christ, authentic repentance, and the cultivation of the fruits of the Spirit as definitive indicators of being born again.

If you’re wondering how you can know if you are born again, here are some signs and indicators:

1. Change in Desires

One of the first signs of being born again is a noticeable change in your desires and priorities. Your interests, ambitions, and goals shift to align with God’s will and values as revealed in Scripture. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV). One cannot authentically proclaim to have experienced a spiritual rebirth while simultaneously endorsing or engaging in behaviours that are contrary to Scripture, such as fornication, adultery, or being rude, insulting, and mean-spirited.

2. Remorse and Repentance

Being born again involves a deep sense of remorse for past sins and a sincere desire to turn away from them. You’ll experience a strong need for God’s forgiveness and restoration. “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death” – 2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV). We are all familiar with instances where individuals in positions of leadership within a church community, as well as regular congregants, exhibit behaviours that are deeply troubling. It’s disheartening to witness cases of deceitfulness, cheating, and even emotional or physical abuse occurring among those who are expected to uphold higher moral and ethical standards.

3. New Perspective

Your outlook on life changes. You start viewing the world, people, and situations from a more compassionate and God-centred perspective. “But we have the mind of Christ” -1 Corinthians 2:16 (ESV). However, the prevailing trend among individuals who identify as believers is a shift of focus towards seeking earthly and temporal comforts, often at the cost of embracing and prioritizing eternal truths. The prevalent prosperity gospel prioritizes the attainment of financial success, physical well-being, and other temporal blessings as indicators of one’s spiritual standing and divine favour. The widespread popularity of this heretical gospel serves as a notable indicator that a significant portion of individuals attending churches and those ministering behind the pulpit have not undergone a spiritual rebirth.

4. Desire for God’s Word

If you’re born again, you will have a hunger to read and study the Bible. The Scriptures will hold new meaning and relevance for your life. “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” – Acts 17:11 (ESV). A born-again individual will be discerning when it comes to claims of receiving messages from God through self-proclaimed prophets. Instead of accepting such declarations, they will prioritize seeking and recognizing God’s voice as it is revealed through the teachings and principles outlined in the Bible.

5. Relationship with God

A personal and intimate relationship with God becomes central to your life. Prayer and communion with God become regular practices. “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” – John 14:21 (ESV). What is evident in the present times is a noticeable trend among individuals who label themselves as believers, wherein their primary focus seems to be centered on attaining material wealth and social recognition rather than actively pursuing a deeper understanding of God and striving to embody the characteristics exemplified by Jesus Christ.

6. Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 lists the “fruit of the Spirit” as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As you’re born again, you’ll see these qualities gradually manifest in your life. “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” – Philippians 1:9-10 (ESV). The ninefold character traits that Scripture calls the “fruit of the Spirit” reflect a transformed character that arises from a deep connection with God. In churches today, pastors and congregants who do not genuinely embody the new rebirth have substituted the true “fruits of the Spirit” with the pursuit of material success as a distorted interpretation of spiritual growth.

7. Changed Behaviour

Your behavior and lifestyle choices change. Old habits and sinful patterns start to lose their grip on you. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,  training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” – Titus 2:11-12 (ESV). It is a concerning observation that, in many instances, there is a blurring of lines between the behaviour of those who identify as believers and those who do not profess any religious faith.

8. Love for Others

Your love for others, even those who were once difficult to love, will increase. You’ll feel a desire to serve and help those in need. “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” – James 1:27 (ESV).

9. Experience of Grace

You’ll have a deep awareness of God’s grace in your life and an understanding that your salvation is a gift, not something earned. “Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began” – 2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV). Churches today push the idea that salvation and favour with God are earned through specific actions like tithing, sowing financial “seeds,” or actively participating in church activities, among others.

10. Inner Peace

A sense of inner peace, even in the midst of life’s challenges, is a common experience for those who are born again. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” – Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV). The presence of conflicts within Christian marriages, relationships, and ministries is indicative of a lack of inner peace among the individuals and groups involved.

11. Witness to Others

You’ll feel a natural inclination to share your faith and the story of your transformation with others. “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” – Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV). An individual who has experienced a profound spiritual transformation will actively endeavour to share the message of Christ with others through engagement in or endorsement of missionary activities. Contrary to this, Chrisian missionaries in far-flung areas struggle to obtain adequate financial support from professing believers and sometimes resort to seeking assistance in alternate ways.

12. Endurance and Perseverance

Being born again doesn’t mean life becomes easy, but you’ll find strength and endurance to face difficulties with hope and trust in God. “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” – 2 Timothy 2:3 (ESV). The tenacity and perseverance of a truly born-again Christian shine through in their unwavering commitment to their faith, even when faced with challenges and adversity. The transformative experience of being “born again” creates a resolve to live in accordance with Biblical beliefs and principles, regardless of the difficulties encountered along the way.

Conclusion

If you find yourself experiencing these signs and changes in your life, it’s an indication that you are growing in your relationship with God. However, if you have doubts or questions, contact us. We will be glad to assist and provide guidance on your spiritual journey.