Knowing that a "Christian" is "someone who follows Christ"...
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." - John 3:3
I'm curious if anyone can say they follow Jesus Christ's words, yet say that they *can* see the kingdom of God *without* being born again?
2006-10-20 03:46:39 · 25 answers · asked by seraphim_pwns_u 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
My definition of 'born again' : to begin life anew; to start over, changing the desires of the carnal for the desires of the spiritual; living in distinction from, and in opposition to, one's original birth, replacing the one that was full of wickedness and iniquity, for one of righteousness and holiness.
Clarification for Tinkerbell : Can you call yourself a Christian, yet deny the necessity of being born again, that is, the necessity to have the desire to do God's will and not your own?
2006-10-20 04:24:44 · update #1
Addendum to definition : to have your life renewed through Christ. (I didn't include it, 'cuz I thought that ought to have been a given, but I'm including it now just to ensure I'm not misunderstood. ^_^
2006-10-20 04:27:23 · update #2
It is not possible to enter into the Kingdom without being reborn spiritually. Jesus states this as an absolute fact and I think we should take His word for it.
Peace.
2006-10-20 03:49:55 · answer #1 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My question to you would be what do you think born again means? Born again, basically is being renewed through Christ. When you accept Christ and are baptised in his name, you are in fact Born again. As opposed to the Old Testament based on Moses' laws. Some people do not believe that Jesus was in fact the son of God. Born again is accepting that he was and Knowing that he is our Savior. Jesus makes a point of saying that you will not get into Heaven by merely oberying Moses' commandments anymore. You still should hold them up and obey them but also we need to acept Christ as our savior and lord. For shall not know God accept through his son Jesus. Jesus is the only man who has ever lived, that lived a sin free life. It is only through him that we will see the Kingdom of Heaven.
If you have accepted this fact and believe Jesus is truly the son of God and has paid your debt then indeed you are born again.
2006-10-20 10:53:16 · answer #2 · answered by Andrew B. 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The bible also says "Believe on the Lord, Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved" I am curious as to what your definition of being "born again" is. If someone is a christian and believes they are following Jesus Christ's words as you said in your last paragraph then do you not think they are born again? That last paragraph was a little confusing, not sure what you were saying there.
2006-10-20 10:51:54 · answer #3 · answered by Tallulah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God bless you. The real meaning of "Born Again" is Baptism by water and the Holy Spirit. The catholics and most protestant denominations do it the same way and once it is done, you will never need another Baptism even if you convert to a different denomination. Some people think that the only way to be Born Again is to accept Jesus Christ as you personal savior. That is very true because when you make the decision to be Baptized, it must be with total acceptance in your heart, but St. Paul explains the term "Born Again" in his epistles in the Bible as being Baptism. Jesus set the example when he asked John the Baptist to baptize Him with water, and while that was happening the Father spoke from Heaven and the Holy Spirit in the form of a white dove lighted onto His head.
The Catholics Baptize babies with their parents and God parents speaking for them with the promise that the child will be raised up in the teachings of Jesus. Later, when the child has been studying his or her faith for 12 or 13 years they can on their own renew their baptismal acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior at their Confirmation. The protestants wait until you are older to accept Baptism. Even adult converts to the Catholic faith have their baptism later.
There is what we call Baptism by desire. That is when someone does not embrace Christ throughout their life and have had no opportunity to be baptized and then desires it before he dies with full acceptance of Jesus, then that will be accepted by God.
Now to answer your question, I believe with all of my heart that Jesus died for all of us and there is no way He will put anyone in Hell. To go there you would have to hate God down to the last moment when you stand before him and then you would be going to hell by your own choice, never by Jesus'. God knows everything and read the depths of your heart to know you are His. If you love Jesus and follow His teachings throughout your life you are saved for sure, but I would suggest to be baptized as well .The reason it is called "Born Again" is because there will be no moment in your life when your soul is more pure than it is at the moment of your Baptism. That is because Baptism removes the stain of Original sin handed down from Adam and Eve, so at the moment of Baptism we are more pure than we were at birth ans is likened to being "born again". I hope this helps.
2006-10-20 11:32:19 · answer #4 · answered by mammabecki 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen to the scripture it says "a man be born again" not a christian man, or a muslim man, but man himself. The bible has a message for us, but the problem is that so many translate it into something other then what was meant. Man as a whole cannot enter the kingdom of heaven, which by the way can also mean metaphorically not a place, but a conciousness.
To be born again simply means to be anew, and to know who god is by changing the perception of who you are, and that god is within you. I wish you well.
2006-10-20 10:57:34 · answer #5 · answered by fryedaddy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He was not talking about being born of flesh and blood but of the spirit. See you are more that just flesh and blood you are body soul and spirit. It is the spirit that must be born in order for you to enter the Kingdon of Heaven.
If God is Spirit and we are made in his image what image would that be? It would have to be spirit. Since this flesh and blood body we know will die the what is left to enter Heaven but our spirit. Our spirit is what will live forever and it is that spirit the will wither enter into Heaven or dwell in hell. It is the spirit of the world that will not enter the gates of Heaven.
It is the spirit that the world doesnt' understand. That spirirt must be born and that is what Jesus meant when he said you must be born again.
Confusing isn't it? Only if you don't understand.
2006-10-20 11:07:33 · answer #6 · answered by Dead Man Walking 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes,a person has to be born again ( Spiritual Birth ) See in this content would mean to visibly be there and see with your eyes. God Bless
2006-10-20 11:09:49 · answer #7 · answered by Tinkerbelle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To born again is the only way to see the kingdom of God, it's very clear.
2006-10-20 10:50:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Being born again simply means to accept Jesus and leave the life of sin.
An Atheist had a near death experience. He said demons were tearing at his flesh and pulling on him. He kept hearing a voice saying,"call on the name of Jesus." When he finally did, it was like throwing acid on them and they repelled.
If you want evil to leave you, call on the name of Jesus.
2006-10-20 10:53:44 · answer #9 · answered by Cal 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NONE shall see the Father but through Him (Jesus) and the only way to go through Him is the spiritual second birth. Yes.
2006-10-20 10:51:22 · answer #10 · answered by Crusader1189 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋