Ye Must Be Born Again

By William T. Sleeper

Lyrics

1. . A ruler once harkened to Jesus by night
To ask him the way of salvation and light;
The master made answer in words true and plain:
You must be born again.

Refrain:
You must be born again,
You must be born again,
I verily, verily say unto you,
You must be born again.

2. . O children of frailty, attend to the word
So solemnly uttered by Jesus, the Lord,
And let not this message to you be in vain:
You must be born again.

3. . O ye who would enter that glorious rest,
And sing with the ransomed the song of the blest,
The life everlasting if you would obtain,
You must be born again.

A dear one departed your heart yearns to see,
At Heaven's brite gate may be watching for thee,
So list to the note of this solemn refrain:
You must be born again.

Bible Reference

John 3:3

About This Hymn

A ruler once came to Jesus by night, to ask Him the way of salvation and light. These opening words introduce the story of Nicodemus, a Pharisee who sought Jesus to understand the path to eternal life. The hymn reflects on this encounter, emphasizing the necessity of spiritual rebirth. The refrain, repeating "Ye must be born again," underscores the central message of the gospel.

As the hymn progresses, it addresses all people, urging them to heed the solemn words of Jesus. It emphasizes that the message is not to be taken lightly, as it holds the key to salvation. The lyrics invite listeners to consider their own spiritual state and the importance of being "born again" to enter the kingdom of God.

The final stanza looks forward to the hope of eternal life, where believers will join the redeemed in singing praises. It speaks of the longing to reunite with loved ones in heaven, highlighting the joy and peace that come with salvation. The hymn concludes with the reaffirmation of the necessity of being "born again," leaving the listener with a call to action and reflection.