Grace Thompson
The concept of being born again is a core doctrine in evangelical Christianity, referring to a spiritual rebirth or regeneration of the human spirit. While Catholics do believe in the necessity of being born again, they interpret the phrase differently from Protestants. In Catholic theology, born again refers to the transformative power of baptism, which unites individuals with Christ's death and resurrection, forgiving their sins and granting them new life in the Holy Spirit. This belief is supported by passages in the Bible, such as Colossians 2:11-13 and Acts 2:38, emphasizing that baptism is more than just a symbol. Catholics view faith as a continuing action, where good works are considered works of faith, demonstrating their commitment to a life of grace after being born again.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Catholic belief in being born again | Catholics believe in the necessity of being born again, although they do not use this term. |
| Biblical reference | In St. John's Gospel: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) |
| Biblical interpretation | The Greek word "anothen" in the above passage is translated differently in various Bible versions, including "from above," "anew," and "again." |
| Catholic agreement | Catholics agree on the need for being born again, regardless of the translation of "anothen." |
| Catholic teaching | Catholics believe that being born again is achieved through baptism, which is God's action toward them, not a good work or merit on their part. |
| Distinction from Evangelicals | Catholics differentiate themselves from Evangelicals by emphasizing baptism as the "born again" experience rather than the "sinner's prayer." |
| Faith as a commitment | Catholics view faith as a continuing action and commitment to a new way of life, rather than a one-time decision for salvation. |
| Infant baptism | Catholics believe that infant baptism confers the new birth, freeing children from original sin and bringing them into God's freedom. |
| Confirmation | Confirmation is when Catholics are asked to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit imparted at baptism. |
| Spiritual rebirth | Being "born again" refers to a spiritual rebirth or regeneration caused by the Holy Spirit, distinct from physical birth. |
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What You'll Learn
Catholics believe in the necessity of being born again
The Catholic teaching on what it means to be "born again" is simple. It is through baptism that Catholics become adopted children of God, hence the notion of being "born again". In the water-and-Spirit rebirth that takes place at baptism, the repentant sinner is transformed from a state of sin to the state of grace. This is described in the Bible as receiving new life (Rom. 6:4), receiving the circumcision of the heart (Rom. 2:29; Col. 2:11–12), and becoming a “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15).
Baptism is God’s action toward us, and it is a completely unmerited outflowing of God’s grace. This is why Catholics emphasize baptism as the “born again” experience rather than the “sinner’s prayer”. Catholics have repented and accepted Jesus, but in a different context and with different basic assumptions from Evangelicals. For Catholics, the action of faith is a continuing action, and all their ‘good works’ are ‘works of faith’. Instead of a once-and-done decision of ‘getting saved’, Catholics know that faith is a commitment and continuance in a newly graced way of life.
The Catholic Men's Fellowship co-founder Declan O'Sullivan wrote that the "born-again experience is not just an emotional, mystical high; the really important matter is what happened in the convert's life after the moment or period of radical change."
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The new birth is considered the first work of grace
The concept of being "born again" is a familiar one in Christianity, and Catholics do believe in the necessity of being born again, although they may not use that exact term. The phrase "born again" is often associated with evangelical Christianity, referring to a spiritual rebirth or a regeneration of the human spirit, caused by the Holy Spirit.
Catholics believe that being born again is achieved through baptism, which is considered a "work of grace". In Catholic teaching, baptism is not a symbol but rather a sacrament, an action of God towards us, and an unmerited outflowing of God's grace. It is through baptism that we are spiritually born or "born again", and it is also through baptism that we become adopted children of God. This rebirth is described in the Bible as receiving new life (Rom. 6:4), receiving the circumcision of the heart (Rom. 2:29; Col. 2:11–12), and becoming a “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15).
The idea of being born again is further reinforced by Jesus's discourse with Nicodemus, which established the belief that all human beings must be born of the spiritual seed of Christ, in addition to their physical birth. This is reflected in the Catholic belief that one must be "born again" or "born from above" to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).
While Catholics and Protestants may have different understandings of the term "born again", both agree on the importance of repentance and accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
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Baptism is a sign of regeneration or the new birth
The concept of being "born again" is a phrase used particularly in evangelical Christianity, referring to a "spiritual rebirth" or a regeneration of the human spirit. This rebirth is caused by the Holy Spirit and occurs when one is baptised with water.
Catholics believe in the necessity of being born again, although they do not ordinarily use that term. They believe that being born again is linked to the act of baptism, which is seen as a "sign of regeneration or the new birth". This belief is supported by the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of St. John, which states: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3).
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in Section 1215, describes baptism as "the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit," signifying and bringing about the birth of water and the Spirit, without which no one "can enter the kingdom of God" (Titus 3:5). This idea of baptismal regeneration is also found in the early Church Fathers, such as Cyprian, who considered the "water of new birth" to be instrumental in making a person "born again," receiving a new life in the Spirit.
Baptism is seen as a symbolic death and resurrection with Christ, where the repentant sinner is transformed from a state of sin to the state of grace (Romans 6:3-4). This is further reinforced by Paul's theology, which states that in baptism, we put off the sinful nature and are raised with Christ through faith in God (Colossians 2:11-13).
In summary, for Catholics, baptism is a sign and means of regeneration or the new birth, where individuals are spiritually reborn and receive new life in Christ.
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Catholics are born again in water and the Holy Spirit
Catholics are indeed "born again" in water and the Holy Spirit. This is a reference to the Catholic belief in the necessity of baptism, which is seen as a rebirth through the grace of God. The phrase "born again" is used in evangelical Christianity to refer to a "spiritual rebirth" or regeneration of the human spirit, caused by the Holy Spirit. This is distinct from physical birth and occurs when one is baptised in water.
Catholics believe that baptism is a key part of their faith and that it is necessary for salvation. In the Bible, Jesus tells his followers to "preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:15-16). This is echoed in Acts 2:38, where Peter says, "Repent, and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
The Catholic teaching on being "born again" is that it is not a once-off decision or event, but rather a continuing action of faith. This is reflected in the Catholic belief that good works are works of faith, and that faith is a commitment to a new way of life.
Through baptism, Catholics are adopted as children of God, receiving the gift of sanctifying grace and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This is often referred to as "being born again" and is considered a spiritual rebirth, or regeneration.
The term "born again" is not commonly used by Catholics, but the concept is present in Catholic theology and is referred to in the Bible, particularly in the Gospel of John. Catholics believe that one does not need to be aware of being "born again" for it to occur, as in the case of infant baptism.
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Evangelicals believe they are saved in the blood of Christ
The concept of being "born again" is a core doctrine of evangelical Christian denominations, referring to a “spiritual rebirth” or regeneration of the human spirit. Evangelicals believe that salvation is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross. They hold that individuals are saved by grace through faith in Christ's blood, which provides redemption and remission of sins. This belief is supported by passages such as Romans 3:24-26, where it states, "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood..."
To be born again, according to evangelical theology, is to undergo a spiritual transformation where one dies to sin and receives new life in Christ. This idea is reflected in Colossians 2:11-13, where Paul writes, "In [Christ] you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision [of] Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God." The act of baptism is significant in this process, symbolizing the believer's death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ.
Evangelicals emphasize that salvation is a free gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice. By submitting to Christ's authority and believing in his resurrection, individuals are saved and born again spiritually. This belief is evident in Scripture, such as in Romans 6:1-22, where it speaks of being "washed clean of our sins" and no longer being slaves to sin.
While Evangelicals believe that salvation is a one-time event, they also recognize the importance of daily repentance and following Christ. Being born again is not just an emotional experience but a radical change that should be evident in one's life. This is supported by Jesus' words in John 14:23, "If a man loves Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him."
In summary, Evangelicals hold that salvation is found in the blood of Christ, and this belief is central to their understanding of being born again. Through faith in Christ's sacrifice and by following his teachings, individuals are spiritually transformed and born again, receiving the gift of eternal life.
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Frequently asked questions
To be born again is to experience a "'spiritual rebirth', or a regeneration of the human spirit. It is caused by the operation of the Holy Spirit and occurs when one is baptised in water.
Yes, Catholics believe in the necessity of being born again, although they do not ordinarily use that term. Catholics believe that they are saved through the blood of Christ and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of Baptism.
Catholics are born again through water and the Holy Spirit. In the water-and-Spirit rebirth that takes place at baptism, the repentant sinner is transformed from a state of sin to the state of grace.
Catholics believe that faith is a commitment and continuance in a newly graced way of life, rather than a once-and-done decision of 'getting saved'. Infant baptism is also a common practice in Catholicism, whereas Protestants believe that only a mature person who is able to reason and make adult decisions is able to be effectively baptised.
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