This is an honest question as I have had periods in my life where I was not necessarily affiliated with a church, but still considered myself Lutheran, just as I was confirmed.
So, you can't be "born again" if you never were, and if you were already Christian affiliated why wouldn't you just go back to the denomination OR find another that more suites you? Where exactly does "born again" come into the picture, and how are their beliefs different from other Christian denominations?
2007-01-11 10:25:07 · 23 answers · asked by hjfr27 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thanks to all of those who chose to answer this question maturely.
One thing, though. I do read the Bible and I do go to church and I teach Sunday School, so I am aware of Scripture, and I also understand what Jesus was teaching as far as being born again into Him. However, I am Lutheran and always have been, whether I was on sabatical or not. I used to date someone a few years back who called himself a born-again Christian and I found him to be rather interesting and totally annoying, all at the same time. Like he was trying too hard to push it off onto me...and I hear people say all the time that they are "born again", so this is where this question came from...not because I just go to church and have no idea what my Bible says.
2007-01-11 12:05:55 · update #1
This comes from the teachings of Christ who said unless a man is "born again" he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. He was talking about rising from the watery grave of baptism into a new life as a Christian. So ALL Christians are "born again". There is no such thing as a non born again Christian. Saying "I'm a born again Christian" is like saying "I'm going to open the door door."
2007-01-11 10:31:05 · answer #1 · answered by yagman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Someone who has found salvation through Jesus Christ. One who has admitted they are a sinner and repented all sins to God, and has asked Jesus into their hearts as their Savior. It will tell you in the Bible if you take the time to read the few verses I will give you.
John 3:3, 3:5, 3:16, 3:36
Acts 3:19
Romans 3:23, 10:9
Anyway you can find these in the Holy Bible (KJV) 1611
I see you have added since I left this answer. If you already know scripture you have not studied it well or you would know what "born again" is all about. Sorry your boyfriend was annoying. Maybe he was not really born again or just trying to tell you something.
2007-01-11 10:40:45 · answer #2 · answered by Dakota Lynn Takes Gun 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is a lot of confusion around this question. It has become popular dogma in many Churches that to be born again means to simply profess that you accept Christ as your personnel savior
and his blood will wash you clean and you're born again spotless by His blood. This teaching is popular because it is easy and people are always looking for an easy fix. Don't worry about church affiliation. If you believe that Christ has the wisdom and knows the way to eternal life, then seek out His message through His teachings. Your process of rebirth comes gradually as your natural human inclinations are modified to be in harmony
with eternal spiritual values. This process could be called evolution from your lower self to your higher self. "If with all your heart you truly seek me, you shall surely find me, thus sayeth your God".
2007-01-11 11:10:21 · answer #3 · answered by Del C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To be "Born Again" is to be baptized into Christ.
Many feel that when they choose this baptism for themselves, or find/accept God, that they become "Born Again", while this is technically not true. We need only be baptized once. The washing of regeneration with water and the word is enough for life.
Starting over again with a stronger belief in Christ is wonderful, but not really being "Born Again."
2007-01-11 10:38:20 · answer #4 · answered by L Strunk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A "born again" Christian is a person who has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and has decided to live their life according to the teachings of Scripture and according to God's leading and willing. It is someone who has truly made their life new in Christ.
2007-01-11 10:30:41 · answer #5 · answered by whooblue42 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Going back to a denomination is not being born again. being born again is dying to yourself, and being renewed in your spirit. Your first step is to understand that you have sinned, and need a savior. Then, ask him to become the lord of your life. Lord means he is in charge, not you. this is the part that hangs people up. They want religion, and not new life
2007-01-11 10:31:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
being "born again" means you have accepted Jesus as Savior. Being confirmed or a member of a church or denomination isn't enough, although it's good to attend church if you're being taught the truth. and fellowship w/ other believers is important too.
2007-01-11 10:32:58 · answer #7 · answered by wanda3s48 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A born again Christian is one who has asked Jesus to forgive them for all of their sins and accepted Him into their hearts. Without Jesus one is spiritually dead but With Jesus one becomes spiritually alive(born again)!
2007-01-11 10:32:46 · answer #8 · answered by zoril 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Born again doesn't mean you've become a member of some church denomination. You become a member of the body of Christ. It's when you accept Him as your Lord and Savior. You're born to Him. (He works in your life--He changes you.)
2007-01-11 10:31:07 · answer #9 · answered by Red neck 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A "born again" Christian is one who has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior & chosen to live according to what Scripture says, not what culture says.
2007-01-11 10:29:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋