Understanding Being Born Again: A Christ-Centered Perspective

Robert Michaud’s post—drawing from Thomas F. Torrance’s profound theological insight—offers a rich and deeply Christ-centered perspective on the nature of being “born again.” It challenges the common view of conversion as a personal milestone and reframes it as a participation in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Lesson: Born Again in Christ—A Shared Humanity Redeemed

Key Scripture Passages

• Colossians 3:3–4
• Romans 6:4–5
• John 3:3

Reflection

The Highlander’s question—“When were you born again?”—is often answered with a date, a moment of personal decision. But Torrance’s response reframes the question entirely: our rebirth is not merely personal—it is cosmic, communal, and Christ-centered.

To say “I was born again when Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and rose from the tomb” is to affirm that our transformation is rooted in His incarnation and resurrection, not in our own striving or emotional experience. It’s a theology of union: we are not just followers of Christ—we are participants in His life.

Colossians 3 reminds us that our true identity is hidden with Christ. That means our conversion is not a self-improvement project—it’s a revelation of what God has already accomplished in Jesus. Romans 6 echoes this: we were buried with Him, raised with Him, and now live in Him.

This doesn’t negate personal repentance or spiritual awakening—it grounds them. It means that when we turn toward Christ, we are stepping into a reality that already exists. We are not creating new life—we are receiving it.

Application

•  Rest in Christ’s Finished Work: Your new birth is not something you manufacture—it’s something you inherit through union with Jesus.
•  Reframe Repentance: Let repentance be less about guilt and more about reorientation—turning from self toward Christ.
•  See Others Through Redemption: If Christ has redeemed humanity, then every person carries the potential of resurrection life. Treat them accordingly.
•  Live from Identity, Not for It: You are already hidden with Christ in God. Let your life reflect that truth with confidence and humility.

Prayer

Dear Christ of New Creation, thank You for taking my broken humanity and making it whole. Thank You that my rebirth is not a moment I earned, but a mystery I live into—rooted in Your incarnation, sealed in Your resurrection, and hidden in Your glory. Teach me to live from this truth, to turn toward You daily, and to see myself and others through the lens of redemption. In Your name, Amen 💕✌️🙏

More information reguarding Robert’s Facebook post can be found following this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E8E8vLYF4/