Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God. – John 3:3, Amplified Bible

I’ve had many people tell me over the years that they have been a Christian “all of their lives.” Although an appealing sentiment, this notion is not biblical. In John 3 Jesus told Nicodemus that in order to join God’s family, a person must be “born again.” This second birth is a spiritual birth, and like its physical counterpart, it marks a beginning of new life.

None of us have always been alive physically. There was a time when we did not exist, but we had a birth – a beginning – into this life that occurred at a specific point in time. Likewise, none of us have always been alive spiritually. Our human spirits are dead (do not exist) in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:5, Colossians 2:13) until we are born again into God’s family. We must have a birth – a beginning – in order to become a Christian. Therefore, no one has “always been a Christian,” and to claim otherwise is to call Jesus Himself a liar.

So, what marks this second birth in the lives of believers? A decision to acknowledge that we are sinners (1 John 1:8-10), a decision to repent of and confess our sins to God (asking forgiveness of God) (1 John 1:8-10), and a decision to place all of our trust, reliance, and dependence on Jesus Christ to save us from the judgment of God (John 3:16-18). What proves that we made these decisions? A changed life, one dedicated to doing good (God’s will) and not evil (Satan’s will) (John 3:20-21).

Don’t misunderstand: good works do not enable someone to go to Heaven. Only 100% dependence on Christ can insure that (Ephesians 2:8-9). But the life of good works – the life of acting righteously – is the evidence that we did choose Christ over sin, not only with our minds but with our hearts (Ephesians 2:10, James 2:18). We acknowledge with the mind; we follow (in behavior) with the heart. The devils believe in Christ with their minds (James 2:19). Christians believe with their minds and their hearts.

Will we struggle with sin? Sure. And that is why verses like 1 John 1:9 are so dear. When we stumble and fall, we can always restore our relationship with God by simply confessing our faults. But such confessions are akin to taking daily showers to rid us of the filth of the day. The day we confessed to being a sinner, repenting of our sins, and asking Christ to save us is the day when we began our new spiritual lives in Christ.

No one has always been a Christian. The Christian life starts at the second birth. You may not remember the exact time or the date of your second birth. I don’t. But I remember the event of my second birth clearly. I remember my sister calling me into her room when we were teenagers. I remember her giving me the Gospel. I remember making the decision to repent of my sins and asking Christ to save me. I remember being born again.

I have a story to tell of my decision of faith. Do you? If not, then don’t cling to the notion that you’ve “always been a Christian.” Don’t cling to the false belief that your good works or your church membership will get you into Heaven. Believe the words of Christ Himself and choose to be born again!

For further help, please see our How to Hear page by clicking on the How to Hear tab at the top of this Web page.