Born Again

The phrase, "born again," became very famous years ago in a presidential election in which one candidate, Jimmy Carter managed to solidify a large portion of the evangelical vote behind him by openly declaring that he had been "born again." But what does it mean to be "born again?" Is this a phrase that is open to any interpretation the user chooses to put on it, or is there a precise technical definition for this term?

The phrase "born again," was first used by the Lord Jesus Himself here in John 3 to describe an experience that is imperative for everyone who wishes to enter the kingdom of God. If we are really going to understand what being "born again" means we need to learn from Jesus, Himself. So, then let us return to that upper room shrouded in night so long ago as Jesus explains to a man named Nicodemus what it means to be "born again."
I. What the New Birth Is Not (v. 4)
II. What the New Birth Is (v. 5-8)