Question: Being away at school, I have had lot's of friends who aren't Catholic say that unless you are "born again", you can't be saved. What do they mean?

Looking for Answers - University of Southern Indiana Student

Answer: This question comes from an exchange between Jesus and his secret follower, the Pharisee Nicodemus. Jesus said to Nicodemus: " No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (Good News Bible)

Nicodemus did not understand this teaching. He asked Jesus," Is it possible to go back into the womb again and be born again?" Jesus replied, "In truth I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born through water and spirit." (Jn 3:3-5)

Catholic interpret this being "born again" as a spiritual rebirth. We believe this takes place at baptism. Baptism gives us the new life of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live Christ-like lives.

Various Christian denominations, however, interpret "born again" to be a personal experience that guarantees someone his or her salvation. They often explain this as a specific emotional or spiritual event or an individual private revelation. This experience convinces the person to accept Jesus Christ as a "personal savior." This pivotal event also marks the day on which the person commits his or her life to the Lord. According to this interpretation, if you have this experience, you are saved; if you have not had it, salvation is not yours.

Certainly, some Christians, like St. Paul, do experience the Lord in a way that turns their lives completely around. But having this single experience is not a necessary condition for salvation. Rather, the church teaches that baptism begins a new life of spiritual growth. Most often, the Spirit gently leads God's people. Over time, most Christians gradually turn their lives over to Christ. Spiritual rebirth to a life in Christ is another name for Christian conversion. It begins at baptism and signals a lifelong journey of growth. We believe it is not simply a one-time event.