New Life in Christ: What Really Happens When You're Born Again and Why It Matters by Steven J. Lawson {A Book Review}

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own. 

The single most important event in a person's life is the new birth. Yet, this is also one of the most neglected doctrines in the church. Many Christians would be hard-pressed to describe exactly what the new birth is, let alone what it means to the rest of their walk with God. What happens when we are born again? Does everything in our lives change immediately? Is it just a kind of spiritual do-over, a chance to get it right this time? What happens when we fail? Does it mean we weren't really born again to begin with?

With a pastor's heart and a professor's insight, Steven Lawson carefully examines the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus found in John 3 to uncover the nature of this spiritual rebirth. He shows you the necessity of the new birth, how God changes our hearts through it, and what follows after, from baptism and involvement in a local church to handling doubts and setbacks. This book is perfect for believers who want to understand what happened when they believed and for non-Christians who are curious about what a new life in Christ is all about.

Steven J. Lawson (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary; DMin, Reformed Theological Seminary) is president of OnePassion Ministries, a ministry designed to bring about biblical reformation in the church today by teaching and preaching the Word of God and training others to do likewise. Lawson is the professor of preaching at The Master's Seminary, where he is also dean of the doctor of ministry program and serves on the board of directors. A teaching fellow and board member of Ligonier Ministries, he is also the executive editor of Expositor magazine. Lawson is a regular speaker at conferences such as the Shepherds' Conference and the Ligonier National Conference, and his preaching has taken him across the country and around the world. The author of 27 books, Lawson lives in Dallas, Texas.

Born again. We hear and say that word a lot in the Christian community, don't we? But talk about it as we may, it's still quite the confusing concept. What does it really mean for a new believer...or someone questioning if they are ready to take that step? This is just the topic that Steven J. Lawson addresses in his new book, New Life in Christ.

Packed full of biblical wisdom, this book lays it all out for us--- what it truly means to be born again, and perhaps even more importantly--- why it really matters. This again is a topic that can be really hard to understand, but this book really is a great resource to help us gain more understanding. It goes into the story of Jesus and Nicodemus from John 3, really digging into all the details. It helps to explain this story in a way that applies to us now, and helps us really get a better idea of what it all means.

I wouldn't say this is a particularly pleasureful read... but then this isn't the type of book most of us read for pure entertainment, but rather to learn something and grow in our relationship with God. This book can certainly help to do that. Whether you are approaching the decision or are a new Christian with questions, or have been a Christian for awhile and want to better know how to mentor new Christians, this can be a great resource to check out.