What Does It Mean, to Be Born Again ?

[Queen Esther]

What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?

The Bible’s answer

The term “born again” refers to a new beginning in the relationship between God and the person who is born again. (John 3:3, 7) God adopts those born again as his children. (Romans 8:15, 16; Galatians 4:5; 1 John 3:1) Similar to those who are legally adopted, they experience a change of status, becoming part of God’s family.—2 Corinthians 6:18.
Why is a person born again?

Jesus said: “Unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) So being born again prepares a person to rule with Christ in God’s Kingdom. This Kingdom rules from heaven, so the Bible describes the “new birth” as providing an inheritance that is “reserved in the heavens.” (1 Peter 1:3, 4) Those who are born again are given the conviction that they will “rule together as kings” with Christ.—2 Timothy 2:12; 2 Corinthians 1:21, 22.
How is a person born again?

When Jesus discussed the subject, he said that those born again would be “born from water and spirit.” (John 3:5) This expression refers to baptism in water followed by baptism with holy spirit.—Acts 1:5; 2:1-4.

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Jesus was the first person to be born again. He was baptized in the Jordan River, after which God anointed (or, baptized) him with holy spirit. Jesus was thus born again as a spiritual son of God with the hope of returning to life in heaven. (Mark 1:9-11) God fulfilled this hope by resurrecting Jesus as a spirit creature.—Acts 13:33.

Others who are born again are also baptized in water before they receive the holy spirit. * (Acts 2:38, 41) They then have the sure hope of life in heaven, which God will fulfill in the resurrection.—1 Corinthians 15:42-49.
Misconceptions about being born again

Misconception: A person must be born again to gain salvation or to be a Christian.

Fact: Christ’s sacrifice provides salvation not only for those who are born again as the ones who will rule with Christ in heaven but also for the earthly subjects of God’s Kingdom. (1 John 2:1, 2; Revelation 5:9, 10) That second group of Christians have the opportunity to live forever in Paradise on earth.—Psalm 37:29; Matthew 6:9, 10; Revelation 21:1-5.

Misconception: A person can choose to be born again.

Fact: The opportunity to have a relationship with God and gain salvation is open to all. (1 Timothy 2:3, 4; James 4:8) However, God chooses those who will be born again, or anointed with holy spirit. According to the Bible, being born again “depends, not on a person’s desire or on his effort, but on God.” (Romans 9:16) The expression “born again” can also be rendered “born from above,” confirming that the selection of those who are born again comes “from above,” or from God.—John 3:3, footnote.

 

[Menrov]

Hi, thanks for raising. A few things are not clear to me. I hope you can explain. 

1)  he term “born again” refers to a new beginning in the relationship between God and the person who is born again
based on what scriptures is this based? Jesus had already a relationship and was already a child of His Father.

2) the word translated in NWT with again can also mean From Above. I feel the latter is more correct as it would fit Jesus that He was "born" from above. Your view?

3)  When Jesus discussed the subject, he said that those born again would be “born from water and spirit.” (John 3:5) This expression refers to baptism in water followed by baptism with holy spirit.

I am not sure Jesus meant a sequence as there is only one baptism, not two. This note is also of interest:
Jesus’ somewhat enigmatic statement points to the necessity of being born “from above,” becausewater and wind/spirit/Spirit come from above. Isaiah 44:3-5 and Ezek 37:9-10 are pertinent examples ofwater and wind as life-giving symbols of the Spirit of God in his work among people. Both occur in contexts that deal with the future restoration of Israel as a nation prior to the establishment of the messianic kingdom. It is therefore particularly appropriate that Jesus should introduce them in a conversation about entering the kingdom of God. Note that the Greek word πνεύματος is anarthrous (has no article) in v. 5. This does not mean that spirit in the verse should be read as a direct reference to the Holy Spirit, but that both water and wind are figures (based on passages in the OT, which Nicodemus, the teacher of Israel should have known) that represent the regenerating work of the Spirit in the lives of men and women. . 

4)  That second group of Christians have the 

I understand that this is the official doctrine of the WBTS but was just wondering if you can support this view? I got always confused with this view as Jesus taught that there will be one flock and one shepherd. There are always two opposites: good/evil, flesh/spirit, dark/light, believer/unbeliever, goat/sheep etc.

Thanks

[Queen Esther]

Sorry....  but  this  is  crossing  my  time-limit !  I'm  here  again  on  Monday evening,  German - time !  To  that,  my  home - language  is  German.  I  need  too  long  time  for  a  perfect  answer,  I'm  sorry.  Post  your  questions  into  the  category  "Questions"  or  similar  -  I'm  sure,  you  will  get  very  fast  a  good  answer, ok ?  Tmw.  you  will  have  more  answers  here,  I  think  so  ;o)

The  Source  is  on  the  Website  jw.org  -  maybe  you  find  there  an  answer  too.  Thanks !