How Can I Be Sure I Am Born Again?
Understanding the Assurance of Being Born Again
One of the most profound questions a believer can ask is, “How can I be sure I am born again?” The Bible speaks clearly about the new birth—a spiritual transformation wrought by God’s Spirit. This study will explore what it means to be born again, signs of new birth, and the assurance Scripture provides for believers.
1. What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?
Jesus introduced the concept of being “born again” during His conversation with Nicodemus:
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God. - John 3:3 ASV
To be born again means to experience a spiritual rebirth, not a physical one. This rebirth is brought about by the Holy Spirit when a person places faith in Jesus Christ:
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. - John 3:6 ASV
This transformation is a work of God and not something we can achieve through human effort. It is entirely dependent on His grace.
2. The Basis of Assurance: Faith in Christ Alone
Our assurance does not rest on feelings, works, or religious rituals, but on the promises of God’s Word. The Bible assures us that all who trust in Jesus Christ are given new life:
But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name. - John 1:12 ASV
Salvation is by grace through faith:
For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. - Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV
If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ—trusting Him alone for salvation—the Bible says you are born again.
3. Evidence of New Birth
While faith alone saves, the new birth is accompanied by transformation. Scripture points to several evidences that accompany genuine conversion:
- A Growing Love for God and Others:
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death. - 1 John 3:14 ASV
- Obedience to God’s Word:
And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. - 1 John 2:3 ASV
- Conviction of Sin and Desire for Holiness:
No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. - 1 John 3:9 ASV
(This does not mean believers never sin, but that they cannot persist in sin without conviction and repentance.)
- Inner Witness of the Holy Spirit:
The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God. - Romans 8:16 ASV
4. Overcoming Doubts
It is not uncommon for believers to struggle with doubts. The enemy seeks to unsettle us, but God’s Word offers reassurance. Assurance grows as we look to Christ and His finished work, not to our performance:
These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, even unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God. - 1 John 5:13 ASV
God’s promises are trustworthy. If you are trusting Christ, you can know you are born again, because God cannot lie (Titus 1:2 ASV).
5. What If I Don’t Feel Saved?
Assurance is grounded in God’s promises, not our fluctuating emotions. Our feelings can change, but God’s Word remains steadfast. When doubts arise, return to the gospel: Christ died and rose again for you. Trust His promise, not your feelings.
Conclusion
Assurance of being born again comes from trusting in Jesus Christ alone, seeing the evidence of a changed life, and resting in God’s unchanging Word. If you are looking to Christ, believing in His death and resurrection for your sins, and desiring to follow Him, you can be confident that you are indeed born again.