This paper explores the Christian concept of rebirth, focusing on the transformation into a “new creature” as taught by Jesus and expounded upon by Paul. The process of spiritual transformation is examined, particularly the distinction between an instantaneous event and a life-long journey requiring effort, commitment, and the intervention of the Holy Spirit. The essay critiques the common expectation of miraculous, instantaneous change upon accepting Christ and emphasizes the necessity of personal responsibility, struggle, and daily commitment in the process of becoming more Christ-like. Through theological reflection and parallels to therapeutic transformation, the paper highlights the gradual and often painful process of spiritual growth, where suffering and sacrifice are integral to true rebirth.
Introduction
In Christian theology, the concept of being “born again” is central to the process of spiritual transformation. Jesus taught that one must be born again to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, and the Apostle Paul further elaborated on this by stating that those who are in Christ become “new creatures” (2 Corinthians 5:17). However, how this transformation occurs remains a subject of debate. Is it an event or a gradual process? Does accepting Christ result in immediate and complete change, or is transformation a journey that unfolds over time through personal struggle and divine intervention? These questions lie at the heart of the Christian experience of rebirth.
The Challenge of Personal Transformation
Jesus explained that entering the Kingdom of Heaven requires profound personal transformation, a message that left many of his early followers feeling discouraged. The demands of this transformation seemed impossible to them, leading some to abandon the journey. When asked how anyone could possibly meet these demands, Jesus responded, “With man alone it is not possible. But with God, anything is possible” (Matthew 19:26). This response implies that while the process is arduous, it is not beyond reach for those who rely on God’s help.
Transformation, however, is not merely a divine miracle that occurs instantaneously. Instead, it often requires great personal effort. As a therapist, I have observed that many individuals enter therapy with a genuine desire to change their lives. Yet, when faced with the reality that transformation demands hard work and suffering, many choose to remain as they are. The effort required for true change—whether spiritual or psychological—is too great for most people.
This same resistance is often seen in Christians seeking to be “born again.” There is a misconception that upon professing faith in Christ, God will immediately transform them into new creatures without personal struggle. This belief denies the necessity of human effort in the transformative process. As we will explore, spiritual rebirth is not an event but a process that unfolds over time, requiring sustained commitment, effort, and the grace of God.
The Role of Free Will and Personal Responsibility
The idea that transformation is an ongoing process rather than a singular event is reinforced by Paul’s letters to early Christian communities. These letters often address the struggles and challenges faced by believers, encouraging them to persevere in their faith. If rebirth were an instantaneous event, these letters would not be necessary. Instead, Paul’s writings indicate that growth in faith is gradual and requires effort from the believer.
Paul encourages Christians to “renew their minds” (Romans 12:2) and to grow in their capacity to receive deeper spiritual truths. This growth implies a progression over time, not a one-time transformation. The rebirth into a “new creature” is a life-long process in which believers must take up their cross daily and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). This journey involves not only spiritual growth but also the death of the old self—values, habits, and attachments that once defined the person.
The Pain of Letting Go
True transformation requires the death of the old self, a process that is often accompanied by suffering. Jesus’ call to “take up your cross daily” is not a metaphor for an easy life. Rather, it is a call to endure the pain and loss that come with leaving behind what is familiar, comfortable, and predictable. This includes the death of old identities, values, relationships, and sources of security.
In our prayers, we often ask God to change us in ways that we cannot change ourselves. We desire to be more loving, more forgiving, and more Christ-like. Yet, we also hope that God will miraculously transform us without requiring us to endure the suffering that such change entails. However, this is not how spiritual transformation works. The process of becoming a new creature requires not only divine assistance but also personal effort, commitment, and a willingness to endure hardship.
Divine Assistance and Human Endeavor
The key to spiritual transformation lies in the interplay between human effort and divine grace. While it is true that we cannot transform ourselves by sheer willpower alone, neither does God transform us without our active participation. Belief in God should inspire a desire for change, and that desire should lead to a commitment to the transformative process. As we put forth the effort, God intervenes through the Holy Spirit to enable and guide our transformation.
Paul describes this partnership between human endeavor and divine assistance in Philippians 2:12-13, where he writes, “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Thus, transformation is not something we achieve on our own, but it also cannot happen without our willingness to participate in the process.
Following the Example of Jesus
Jesus does not ask us to carry our cross alone, but he also does not promise to carry it for us. His life serves as a model of the transformative journey—a life of suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate victory through obedience to God. While we may not be called to endure the same physical suffering that Jesus experienced, we are called to emulate his steadfast commitment to God’s will and his willingness to let go of worldly attachments.
Many Christians rationalize their failure to follow Jesus’ commands by saying, “I am not Jesus.” But while we are not called to be Jesus, we are called to follow him. The process of personal transformation is difficult, and there will be times when we fall short. However, if we are unwilling to endure the necessary suffering and effort, we cannot fully participate in the salvation process that leads to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Conclusion
Rebirth into a new creature is not a single event but a life-long process of transformation that requires both divine intervention and human effort. Spiritual growth involves daily commitment, personal sacrifice, and a willingness to endure the suffering that comes with leaving behind the old self. While we rely on God’s grace to assist us in this journey, we must also take responsibility for our own transformation. Jesus’ call to take up our cross and follow him is a reminder that the path to the Kingdom of Heaven is one of perseverance, faith, and continual growth in Christ-likeness.
References
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Matthew 19:26
- Romans 12:2
- Luke 9:23
- Philippians 2:12-13