“Are You Born Again?” “You Betcha!”
By Steve Ray
Grilled salmon sizzled on his plate as Andy and his family sat down for dinner. No sooner had they crossed themselves to bless the food, than the doorbell rang. Andrew dragged himself to answer the door while his family began eating.
Two smiling faces peered in the door. “Good evening, we hope we’re not interrupting your dinner.” Rolling his eyes, Andy responded, “Can I help you?” The first smiling face said, “We are from the local Baptist church and stopped by to see if you are born again.”
Andy had been a Catholic all his life and remembered hearing that phrase somewhere in his past, but at this moment he hesitated. “Well, ahh, I’m a Catholic.” The second smiling face displayed a hint of glee, “Can we come in and share the Gospel with you?” Andy blurted out, “Actually, we are in the middle of dinner-maybe another time.” “OK”, said the delighted Baptists, “how about next Tuesday evening?” Andy sighed and agreed.
Sitting down to cold salmon, he realized he had his work cut out for him. After dinner, he retreated to his den, grabbed his Bible and Catechismdid and got to work. Take a few minutes and study along with Andy as he prepares for the Tuesday visit and the inevitable debate on the much-abused phrase “born again”. Andy started by reading the third chapter of St. John’s gospel. Open your Bible and read along with Andy.
Andy began his mission with a barrage of questions. Is the phrase “born again” in the Bible (Jn 3:3)? Does the Catechism mention this “new birth” (CCC 720, 591)? To understand, Andy thought about Nicodemus. What did Nicodemus and his legalistic system represent (Ro 7:5-6; CCC 1963)? Can the Jewish Law bring new birth and salvation? Is being born of the seed of Abraham sufficient for salvation (Mt 3:8-9; Jn 8:33-47)? What is Jesus bringing to Mankind (Heb 9:15; 12:24; Lk 22:20; CCC 292)?
After thinking about Abraham, Andy concluded that Jesus’ teaching was obviously based on Old Testament passages which Nicodemus must have known well. How did the Old Testament explain the approaching new covenant (Ez 36:25-27; Jer 31:31-34)? How might Ez 37:1-10 have pictured the new covenant (CCC 715)?
Next, Andy sought the source of this new birth and what it means. Who brings about this birth from above (Jn 1:12-13; CCC 505, 526)? The Greek word for “born again” is “anothen” which can also be defined as “born from above”. How does Nicodemus misunderstand Jesus’ use of the word “anothen” in verse 4?
What two elements are necessary to “enter the kingdom of God” (Jn 3:5)? Is faith necessary (CCC 505)? Does Jesus proclaim “faith alone” as the means of achieving new birth? What does Jesus mean by “born of water and the Spirit”? (Titus 3:5; 1 Pet 3:20-21; CCC 720, 1215, 1225, 1257; see also Acts 2:38; 22:16). What was the result of this birth from above (2 Cor 5:17; CCC 1214)?