Born Again by Sophia

Welcome to Pleroma Pathways apocalyptic and mystic Christianity, where we explore esoteric and apocalyptic texts. The concept of being "born again" is central to the transformative journey of a believer in Christ, and it is a theme deeply rooted in both scripture and divine wisdom. Through the teachings of Jesus, we understand that this rebirth is not merely a physical renewal, but a spiritual awakening and transformation. Born again by Sophia, the divine wisdom, we undergo a twofold renewal: first, through knowledge, baptism, and the Holy Spirit, and second, at the Resurrection of the Dead, when we are clothed with immortality. This document will delve into the biblical understanding of being born again, highlighting the spiritual and esoteric dimensions of this powerful concept.

# Born Again by Sophia  

Jesus said to Nicodemus, *“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again”* (John 3:3). This statement puzzled Nicodemus, who asked, *“How can someone be born when they are old? Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”* (John 3:4). But Jesus explained, *“No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit”* (John 3:5-6).  

Being "born again" is not a physical rebirth but a transformation initiated by divine wisdom—Sophia—and accomplished through knowledge, baptism, and the Holy Spirit. This renewal occurs in two stages: first, through enlightenment and spiritual rebirth in this life, and second, at the Resurrection when we put on incorruptibility.  

## **The First Birth: Renewal by Knowledge and the Spirit**  

The Apostle Paul describes the first stage of being born again as the renewal of the mind: *“And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator”* (Colossians 3:10). This renewal begins when we embrace divine wisdom, which calls out in Proverbs: *“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death”* (Proverbs 8:32-36).  

Wisdom—Sophia—leads us to truth, and this truth brings spiritual rebirth. This is why Jesus said, *“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”* (John 8:32). To be born again is to be liberated from ignorance and sin through divine knowledge and understanding.  

But this renewal is not complete without baptism and the Holy Spirit. Jesus commanded, *“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”* (Matthew 28:19). Baptism is the moment we put on Christ, as Paul writes: *“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ”* (Galatians 3:27).  

Through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we receive the name Christian. The early disciples were called Christians because they had received the anointing from Christ, the Anointed One. As John writes, *“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth”* (1 John 2:20). This anointing confirms our new birth in the Spirit.  

## **The Second Birth: Resurrection from the Dead**  

The first birth renews the mind and spirit, but the second birth transforms the body at the Resurrection. Paul explains, *“For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality”* (1 Corinthians 15:52-53).  

This is the ultimate rebirth—when we receive incorruptibility. Jesus, the firstborn from the dead, paved the way: *“Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep”* (1 Corinthians 15:20). Just as He was raised, we too will be raised in incorruptible bodies. *“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory”* (Colossians 3:4).  

This second birth fulfills Jesus’ promise: *“Very truly I tell you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live”* (John 5:25). The fullness of being born again is not complete until we are raised in glory.  

## **Conclusion**  

To be born again is to undergo a twofold transformation—first by receiving wisdom, baptism, and the Holy Spirit in this life, and second, by being resurrected in incorruptibility. Jesus declared, *“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die”* (John 11:25). This promise is fulfilled through divine wisdom, Sophia, leading us to renewal in knowledge, and ultimately to the Resurrection of the Dead, when we will be clothed with immortality.  

As Jesus said, *“Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!”* (Revelation 19:9). Those who are born again in both wisdom and resurrection will enter the fullness of the Kingdom of God.

Let us, then, seek divine wisdom, be renewed in knowledge, walk in the Spirit, and hold fast to the hope of the Resurrection. As Paul reminds us:

“We eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20-21)