Jesus said: "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (John 3:3 NIV)

When we are born into this world, we are born into sin and death. When we are "born again" we are reborn spiritually into God's family. Having turned to God in repentance through faith in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are "born again" into righteousness and eternal life. (Romans 5:12-21)

Christian baptism is a symbol of this. As one stands in the water, they are testifying that they were in Christ Jesus when sin was judged on the cross of Calvary. As they are lowered under the water, they are testifying that they died with Christ Jesus, and were buried with Him. When they come up out of the water, they are testifying that they have arisen to a new life in Christ Jesus (they are born again). (Romans 6:3-4) As the Bible says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old (life) has gone, the new (life) has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV, words in parenthesis are mine)