How can I know if I have been reborn?

from the old testament

• Being “born again” is a New Testament concept.

from the new testament

• Jesus introduced the reality of new birth in His conversation with Nicodemus, explaining that being born again means being “born of the Spirit” (John 3:8c). That is, a spiritual birth. Just like the wind can’t be seen, the Spirit can’t be seen. Yet, like the wind, the effects of the Spirit are visible (John 3:8a–b). So, there are specific signs that indicate someone has been born again.
• Assurance of salvation begins with God’s promises of salvation to those who trust His Son. Paul said, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, 'Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.'” (Romans 10:9–11). Belief, then, is a key part of assurance. Note that Paul was talking about ongoing belief and confession. Belief is not a one-time event. When someone has true belief, they continue to believe.
• However, salvation does not depend on us never stumbling or doubting. Another promise that provides assurance is that it is Jesus who keeps believers saved. Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:28–29). Therefore, ongoing belief is evidence that someone is reborn, but that ongoing belief exists because Jesus and the Father are actively keeping them believing.
• Another evidence that the believer has is the work of the Spirit in his or her life. Paul said that believers are characterized by qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). Ephesians 1:13 also states that believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit. He both protects believers and transforms them into the likeness of Jesus.
• Because of the Spirit’s work, love and obedience are common “family traits” of the reborn. Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Abiding in His love leads to joyful obedience (John 15:9–11), and John connected genuine knowledge of God with loving others (1 John 4:7–12).
• Finally, someone who is born again will also see evidence as he or she begins to use his or her spiritual gifts. These gifts are given by God to believers, so they can serve one another and include teaching, helping, encouraging, leading, acts of mercy, and more (Romans 12:3–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11, 27–31; 1 Peter 4:10–11). Each gift is different, but they all express love and unity among believers.
• In summary, someone who is “born again” is someone who is “in Christ.” As Paul said, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Being reborn means that the Spirit dwells inside the believer. Just as the wind moves, the Spirit quietly yet visibly reveals Himself through genuine faith, love for others, and obedience to God.

implications for today

Wondering whether you’ve been reborn? Start with Jesus Himself: have you entrusted yourself to Him as Lord and risen Savior? Assurance grows as you cling to God’s promises, rather than to your shifting feelings. Over time, if you are genuinely saved, expect the Spirit’s quiet work to be evident in you. Expect new desires to know Christ, increasing love for fellow believers, growing obedience, and a strengthening battle against sin.

One reason a true believer might feel uncertain is because of his or her sin. This is a common cause for a lack of assurance. In 1 John, John wrote to a group of believers who were apparently losing their assurance. His ongoing exhortation? Obey! When we obey Jesus, we remember that we belong to Him and grow in our assurance. This begins with reading Scripture. Doing so will help you understand what loving Jesus means. The Spirit will also use it to point out sin in your life. Also, pray regularly. Tell God about your concerns. He does not want you to wander, but He often waits for us to come to Him and admit our need. Until then, He may allow us to lose assurance to get our attention. Finally, gather with a gospel-preaching church where your gifts can be used to serve others. No one was saved only for a “me and Jesus” relationship. Jesus is building up His church one person at a time, and He expects us to gather together. As we do, we are protected from false ideas and positioned to help others grow. Our goal as a church is to work together so that every man and woman becomes more like Jesus.