Being born again is not optional – it is a necessity. Jesus says unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God, unless one is born of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God, and He says, “You must be born again.” (John 3:3,5,7). To be born again means to be redeemed, saved, regenerated, something must transpire. There is something that takes place when you are saved – the transaction. Christ took our place (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ became a curse for us; Christ redeemed us from condemnation (Galatians 3:13). Salvation is not about being a church member or being baptized. Christ died for sins, the just for the unjust, to bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18) and teach us how not to continue in a sinful lifestyle (1 John 2:1-3). We were dead in our transgressions, but God made us alive together with Christ; He forgave us all our transgressions and cancelled out the decree of death against us and nailed it to the cross (Colossians 2:13-14). There is a transaction that happens when you are redeemed, regenerated, born again. It has taken place in eternity past, it took place at the cross, and it became effective when you came to faith in Christ. That’s the transaction when you are born again. That’s the transaction that takes place in the heart and life. When we are saved, born again, there is also a transformation. When we have heard and believed, we are sealed and God takes up residence in us (Ephesians 1:13), the Spirit dwells in us (Romans 8:9), we become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:16-22). We still have the capacity to sin, but we have gained the capacity to obey. We have eyes to see, ears to hear, and the Holy Spirit teaches us through God’s word (1 John 2:27-29). The transaction is followed by the transformation. The one who keeps His commandments abides in Christ, and Christ in him (1 John 3:24). Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ loves the Father, loves the Son, loves the children of God, and we observe His commandments (1 John 5:1-2). Are you truly saved? Then the transaction and transformation and the Lord continuing to teach you are real and evident in your life (1 Thessalonians 4:1-5,9).