Am I a Christian and Truly Born again? John 3:1-21

Have you ever asked yourself this question? Iam a truly born again. Did you know you can be in the worship team, a preacher, or even a teacher of the Word—and still not be born again. You can perform religious duties faithfully and yet not truly be a Christian.

In John 3, we meet Nicodemus, a respected teacher of the law in Israel. He knew the Scriptures and taught them faithfully. Yet, Jesus told him something shocking: “You must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus thought eternal life was gained through good works, obeying the law, or performing religious duties. But Jesus revealed the truth: salvation is not earned—it is a gift from God.

Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Even the faith to believe in Christ does not come from us. It is a gift from God, and Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

To be born again is the supernatural work of God through the Holy Spirit, made possible by the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus explained in John 3:8: “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

This means salvation is not something we can control, manipulate, or achieve by human effort. It is entirely the work of God’s Spirit, transforming a person’s heart and leading them to place their faith in Jesus Christ. No one can be born again without believing in Christ and His finished work on the cross. Religion may change your habits, but only Christ can change your heart.

So the question remains—not “Am I religious?” but “Have I truly been born again?”

Conclusion

My friend, being born again is not about religion, good works, or church attendance. It is about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Salvation is the gift of God, given by grace through faith, and made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

The question we must each ask ourselves is this: “Have I truly been born again?” If not, today is the day of salvation. Open your heart to Jesus, repent of your sins, and place your trust in Him alone. Let the Spirit of God transform your life and give you new birth.

Remember—religion may make you look good before people, but only Jesus can make you right before God.