Born Again

"Born again" is the phrase Jesus used in his conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:3–7) to describe the new birth required to enter the Kingdom of God: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." In Catholic understanding, this new birth is accomplished in Baptism (CCC 526, 977).

The Catholic Understanding

The Catholic Church understands "born again" (or "born from above") as referring to the new birth of Baptism. When Jesus specifies "born of water and the Spirit" (John 3:5), the Church reads this as the sacrament of Baptism: water (the matter of the sacrament) and the Holy Spirit (its principal agent). In Baptism, a person truly becomes a new creature — a child of God, incorporated into Christ (CCC 1215, 1265).

The Evangelical Understanding

Many evangelical Protestants use "born again" to describe a distinct personal experience — a conscious, often emotional decision to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. They typically separate this experience from Baptism. The Catholic Church teaches that the new birth is sacramental — accomplished in Baptism — though a personal, conscious response of faith is essential as one matures (CCC 1253–1255).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Catholics "born again"? Yes — in the Catholic sense, every baptized Catholic has been born again in water and the Spirit through Baptism. This is not a question of a particular subjective experience but of the objective, sacramental reality of Baptism. "Born again" in John 3 is baptismal language (CCC 1215).