Born Again: The Marks of A True Believer

John 3:1–21 – The Story of Nicodemus

This week has been incredible. We began with a Coaches’ Bible Study in John 3, focusing on the story of Nicodemus, a respected member of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jews.

Jesus often opposed the Sanhedrin because of their legalism. They created 613 laws to maintain religious performance, turning faith into a display of self-righteousness rather than genuine devotion to God. Jesus confronted this mindset, exposing their obsession with appearances instead of cultivating a true relationship with God.

Living up to such a system wasn’t just difficult, it was impossible.

Yet Jesus’ teachings captured the hearts of those who truly listened. One night, Nicodemus came to Jesus and said,

“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” – John 3:2

Like many people today, he was curious about Jesus. He saw the miracles, heard the teachings, and wanted to know more. Some of us can relate; we’ve heard about Jesus and His works, yet we’re still trying to figure it all out. Jesus got right to the heart of what Nicodemus wanted to know, telling him that in order to see God's kingdom one must be "born again".

During our study, we explored what it means to be "born again" and how we can know we have been "born again," that is going from spiritual death to spiritual life by the power of God's Spirit.

Here are five birthmarks of being "born again" drawn from Scripture.

1. The Birthmark of Confession

“Whoever believes Jesus is the Christ is born of God.” – 1 John 5:1

If you want to know you’ve been born again, start by confessing that Jesus is the Son of God—the Savior of the world—and your personal Savior. Confess that you are a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness (Romans 10:9).

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life; for God’s wrath remains on them.” – John 3:36

2. The Birthmark of Change

When you confess Jesus as Savior and invite Him into your life, transformation begins. The Holy Spirit takes residence in your heart and begins to change you from the inside out.

“If you know He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.” – 1 John 2:29“

You will know them by their fruit.” – Matthew 7:16

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

A changed heart leads to changed habits.

3. The Birthmark of Compassion

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7

A born-again believer is marked by love—genuine, selfless compassion for others. Love is not a feeling; it’s a choice to reflect the heart of God toward people.

4. The Birthmark of Conflict

“If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also.” – John 15:20

When you are born again, you’ll experience conflict with the world because your values change. The world’s desires no longer attract you.

“Whoever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” – 1 John 5:4

Faith doesn’t exempt us from conflict, it equips us to overcome it.

5. The Birthmark of Assurance

You didn’t earn salvation, so you can’t lose it. True believers have confidence in their eternal destiny.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” – John 5:24

Your salvation is secure because it rests on Christ’s finished work, not your own effort.

Nicodemus and the Woman at the Well

At the end of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, he struggled to accept the truth. He couldn’t look past tradition and status. Believing seemed too simple.

In contrast, the woman at the well in John 4 had nothing; no status, no wealth, no education. However, she recognized that Jesus was all she needed. That’s the beauty of the gospel: it reaches the humble and broken, not the self-proclaimed wise.

Later in John’s Gospel, we see Nicodemus’ faith growing. He defends Jesus before the Sanhedrin and helps prepare His body for burial. Many scholars believe Nicodemus eventually became a believer in Jesus as the Messiah.

Today, the number of Jewish believers continues to grow. In 2000, there were an estimated 150,000 believing Jews; by 2021, over 1.7 million. God continues to reveal Himself through dreams, visions, and the preaching of the gospel.

A Message for all Believers

I reminded the coaches that as believers, we are covered by the shed blood of Jesus.

That sin you think God can’t forgive—He can.That lifestyle you feel trapped in—He can free you. All you must do is believe.

Once you do, your salvation is secure.

“Nothing can snatch you from My hand.” – John 10:28

As believers, our lives should reflect the character of Jesus—love, compassion, forgiveness, humility, courage, truth, patience, and faithfulness. These aren’t just traits of a Christ-follower, they’re qualities of a strong team. As James 2:17 reminds us, “Faith without works is dead.” Our faith and our actions must align, not perfectly, but sincerely.

Closing Reflection

How do you know you’re a follower of Jesus? Many people answer, “Because I…”—but that’s the wrong answer.

It’s not because of anything you did. It’s because of what He did.

He died. He paid the penalty. He rose from the dead.

God said it. I believe it. That settles it.

I know what God promised, and I know He fulfilled it.I know I’m forgiven.I know my salvation is secure.And I know none of it depends on me. It’s all Him.

Thank You, Jesus. Amen.