Jesus is very clear when He says that we must be born again if we want to see the kingdom of God. We can read this in John 3:3-6 (GNT): “Jesus answered, “I am telling you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again … I am telling you the truth, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. A person is born physically of human parents, but is born spiritually of the Spirit.”
Jesus is not talking about being born a second time physically. He is talking about a new mind – a complete spiritual change.
Why do I need to be born again?
“At one time we all … tried to satisfy what our sinful nature wanted to do. We followed its longings and thoughts. God was angry with us and everyone else because of the kind of people we were.” Ephesians 2:3 (NIRV). Before being born again, I’m led by my own sinful desires, the things “I” want. And usually this is what controls all my thoughts and decisions. But these sinful desires do not lead to the life of Christ, to which I am called. (1 Peter 2:21.) To give in to sinful desires such as pride, laziness, greed, envy, selfishness, and many other forms of evil, leads to sin.
Jesus describes what we are like before we are born again: “You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.” Revelation 3:17 (NLT).
When I see and admit that this is how I really am, then I’m ready to be born again. Nothing that I have as a natural person is capable of serving God. When I see and admit that I’m not able to do the good, then God can take over. I need to give up everything, my own will, my own plans and ideas etc. to be born of the Spirit – it is a rebirth of my mind and heart. Then I’m not led anymore by my sinful desires, but I’m led by what the Spirit tells me. (Romans 6:11.)
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NLT).
Of course, I still have my sinful human nature that wants to do its own will, but now these desires no longer influence me. Instead, I listen to what the Spirit says. My old mindset must remain “crucified with Christ” and the new life I’ve been born to is the “life of Christ”. People should see the life of Jesus in us. (2 Corinthians 4:11.) It is precisely because I’ve been born of the Spirit and the Spirit lives in me, that I have the power to resist and say No in temptation, to remain “crucified” to the desires of my sinful human nature and to live for Christ. (Romans 15:13.)
Read more: How do I give my life to Jesus?
A new desire
Colossians 3 gives a very good description of a born-again Christian, starting with: “You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Your real life is Christ and when He appears, then you too will appear with Him and share his glory.” Colossians 3:1-4 (GNT).
I know that I’m born again if I know in my heart that my desire is not for anything of this earth, but my desire is to serve God alone and let Him have control in my life. A desire to live for eternity rather than for anything in this world. A desire like Jesus had: “Not my will but Yours be done.” Luke 22:42.
It is when I’m willing to let go of my own pride, stubbornness and human ability, and follow the Spirit’s leading, then God’s will can be done. Then I find that by the power of the Spirit, everything is possible. I can move mountains in my life. Then I am able to overcome sin, which I used to think was impossible. I’m becoming a changed person; a new creation. I let God form me into the person that He wants me to be.
Seeing the kingdom of God
In Ephesians 1:17-19 (NLT) Paul prayed that the Ephesians’ eyes would be opened: “I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.”
If my eyes are opened, I can see the kingdom of God. Then I see beyond the things of this earth; I see what has true value. With God’s kingdom comes everything that is truly good, both in this world and in eternity. Seeking God’s kingdom is therefore the best thing a person can do.