The world often views those who take their faith seriously as fanatics. Speak boldly of Jesus Christ, and you may be labeled extreme. Live in obedience to God’s Word, and some will call you rigid. But is this how Jesus sees those who are born again?
What Does Jesus Say?
In John 3, Jesus speaks with Nicodemus, a Pharisee who comes to Him under the cover of night. Nicodemus is intrigued but hesitant. He recognizes that Jesus is sent from God, yet he does not fully understand who Jesus is or what He has come to do. Jesus, with no pretense, tells him:
“Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3, BSB)
These words must have stunned Nicodemus. He was a religious man, well-versed in the Scriptures, yet Jesus tells him that his knowledge and status are not enough. He needs a spiritual transformation—a new birth that only God can give. This is not about fanaticism; it is about necessity. Without this new birth, one cannot enter God’s kingdom.
The world assumes that being “born again” means adopting extreme behavior, but Jesus defines it as the very essence of life with God. This is not about emotionalism or reckless enthusiasm. It is about being made new, cleansed from sin, and given the Holy Spirit. Jesus clarifies:
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’” (John 3:6-7, BSB)
Far from being fanatical, the new birth is a work of God. It does not make a person irrational but rather spiritually alive. It is not an escape from reality but a step into true reality—seeing life as God sees it.
Yet, we must acknowledge a sobering truth: many who claim to be born again are just the opposite. There are those who profess faith, who use Jesus’ name, who appear religious—and yet have never been transformed by the Spirit of God. Jesus warned of this with striking words:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23, BSB)
These are not atheists or open rejecters of Christ. These are people who claimed to do everything in His name, yet they were deceiving themselves. Their so-called faith was built on outward works rather than an inward transformation. They had religion, but they did not have Christ.
This is why Jesus emphasized being born again. A true child of God is not simply one who uses Christian language or participates in religious activity. A true believer has been changed from the inside out. The Spirit of God dwells in them, producing real obedience, love, and holiness—not a performance to be seen by others, but a life yielded to Christ.
Consider Jesus
Jesus was no fanatic. He spoke with wisdom, acted with perfect love, and demonstrated unmatched authority. And yet, the religious leaders of His day considered Him dangerous. Why? Because He was wholly devoted to the will of His Father. The world, then and now, cannot comprehend such devotion.
Jesus also warned that those who follow Him will be misunderstood:
“If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.” (John 15:18, BSB)
Being born again means living under a new allegiance. The things of the world no longer define us; we belong to Christ. And when our values shift, when we love righteousness and reject sin, we will stand out. To some, this will appear strange, even fanatical. But in reality, it is the world that lives in darkness. It is those outside of Christ who are bound by what is passing away.
What about you?
Have you been born again? Have you experienced the transforming work of the Spirit? To be born again is not to be a fanatic but to be made alive. And those who have been made alive cannot help but follow the One who saved them.
Cross References:
“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23, BSB)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, BSB)
“They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.” (Titus 1:16, BSB)
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