Born Again: Ongoing or Completed? (1)

Someone said sometime ago that “born again” is a present continuous ongoing experience and therefore requires the effort and care of its recipient in order to keep it.

The person then cited a verse to support their position:
1 Peter 1:23 (KJV) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

On its face value and without considering the context of the verse, one may arrive at the same conclusion as that fellow. The opening phrase of that verse, “being born again” appears to be a present continuous participle, which gives the idea of an ongoing action.

However, a little study of the verse in the original language of the text is helpful.
The verse in the original language (Koine Greek) is:
1 Peter 1:23 (GNT) ἀναγεγεννημένοι οὐκ ἐκ σπορᾶς φθαρτῆς, ἀλλὰ ἀφθάρτου, διὰ λόγου ζῶντος Θεοῦ καὶ μένοντος εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.

From the Greek text, we can see that the word, ἀναγεγεννημένοι (anagegennēmenoi), translated as “Being born again” is a participle from the verb, ἀναγεννάω (anagennáō). However, instead of a present participle as it appears in the translation in view, the word used in the Greek is in its perfect passive participle form.

The implication of this is that the concept Apostle Peter is discussing (“born again”) here indicates a completed action that has consequences in the present, meaning that it is not an ongoing action/process in the recipient.

Additionally, the participle is in the passive voice. This means that the subject, who is the recipient of that completed action does not play any role in, or contribute to it. Instead, it (the state of born again) is brought about by an external agent.

Here, Apostle Peter was emphatic and adamant in letting us know that the salvation we have received (born again) is perfected and independent of us. It is not an ongoing action that requires our effort and care to preserve and secure it. The substance that we are born of is imperishable and the One who saved, is sufficiently able to keep and secure the salvation.

The author of the book of Hebrews collaborating this truth said,
“Therefore He is able also to save forever (to the uttermost, completely, perfectly, finally, once and for all time, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives (forever) to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

I hope this is clear.

You are blessed.