Are Catholics saved/born again????

Question

Catholics and Protestants agree that to be saved, you have to be born again. Jesus said so: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).

When a Catholic says that he has been "born again," he refers to the transformation that God’s grace accomplished in him during baptism. Evangelical Protestants typically mean something quite different when they talk about being "born again."

For an Evangelical, becoming "born again" often happens like this: He goes to a crusade or a revival where a minister delivers a sermon telling him of his need to be "born again."

"If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and believe he died for your sins, you’ll be born again!" says the preacher. So the gentleman makes "a decision for Christ" and at the altar call goes forward to be led in "the sinner’s prayer" by the minister. Then the minister tells all who prayed the sinner’s prayer that they have been saved—"born again."

But is the minister right? Not according to the Bible. Regeneration (being "born again") is the transformation from death to life that occurs in our souls when we first come to God and are justified. He washes us clean of our sins and gives us a new nature, breaking the power of sin over us so that we will no longer be its slaves, but its enemies, who must fight it as part of the Christian life (cf. Rom. 6:1–22; Eph. 6:11–17). To understand the biblical teaching of being born again, we must understand the terms it uses to refer to this event.
The term "born again" may not appear in the Bible. The Greek phrase often translated "born again" (gennatha anothen) occurs twice in the Bible—John 3:3 and 3:7—and there is a question of how it should be translated. The Greek word anothen sometimes can be translated "again," but in the New Testament, it most often means "from above." In the King James Version, the only two times it is translated "again" are in John 3:3 and 3:7;

every other time it is given a different rendering.

Another term is "regeneration." When referring to something that occurs in the life of an individual believer, it only appears in Titus 3:5. In other passages, the new birth phenomenon is also described as receiving new life (Rom. 6:4), receiving the circumcision of the heart (Rom. 2:29; Col. 2:11–12), and becoming a "new creation" (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15).

These different ways of talking about being "born again" describe effects of baptism, which Christ speaks of in John 3:5 as being "born of water and the Spirit." In Greek, this phrase is, literally, "born of water and Spirit," indicating one birth of water-and-Spirit, rather than "born of water and of the Spirit," as though it meant two different births—one birth of water and one birth of the Spirit.

In the water-and-Spirit rebirth that takes place at baptism, the repentant sinner is transformed from a state of sin to the state of grace.

Peter mentioned this transformation from sin to grace when he exhorted people to "be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).

The context of Jesus’ statements in John 3 makes it clear that he was referring to water baptism.


So who really is the saved Christian? Those who are baptized, or those who just say they believe?

Carmelite I agree with you

Infant baptism does one thing and that is to cleanse the child from original sin only. When that child grows and goes on with their Catholic education they will be confirmed a a certain age. Confirmation means accepting Christ into your life.

Answer 1

First of all, Jesus never said anything about "altar calls" and coming forward for the "sinner's prayer". If this were the case then all of salvation would be reduced to a magical formula....in that as long as you knew the correct (magic formula) prayer to say you could be saved.

I'm tired of all the fundies telling people that "all you have to do....." Show me where Jesus uses this phrase!

Catholics are saved, we are being saved and will be saved. Jesus does tell us that those who hold out TILL THE END will be saved. He says nothing about instantaneous salvation. Furthermore, Paul tells us to "work out our salvation in fear and in trembling".....why fear and why trembling if we are saved by the sinner's prayer?

Paul even feared for his salvation many years after he converted to Jesus......"No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize" (1 COR 9:27).

Answer 2

Are Catholics Saved Born Again

Answer 3

"As the Bible says, I am already saved (Rom. 8:24, Eph. 2:5–8), but I’m also being saved (1 Cor. 1:8, 2 Cor. 2:15, Phil. 2:12), and I have the hope that I will be saved (Rom. 5:9–10, 1 Cor. 3:12–15). Like the apostle Paul I am working out my salvation in fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12), with hopeful confidence in the promises of Christ (Rom. 5:2, 2 Tim. 2:11–13)"

Answer 4

You have already heard about believers baptism instead of infant baptism from the answers before me, so I will not get into it. But I do have one question for you. What about all of the atheists out there that were baptized in the Catholic Church as infants? An infant cannot make a conscious decision to obey Christ. An infant cannot understand what water baptism symbolizes. So are you sure that these baptized atheists are still saved or born again? How does that make any sense?
I am wondering which is correct now. First you said that "born again" means the transformation that God's grace accomplishes In him during baptism. Then after that you said
it only cleanses the child from original sin and the confirmation comes later. So if that is so then it is the same thing that we do. We are born again when we make the decision to follow Christ.

Answer 5

Pastor Billy says: Amen and welcome home! Your observation of "However,many non-catholics take a "superficial and critical assessment" of the basic doctrines and so do not come to the full appreciation of the Catholic claim." cannot be any clearer once reviewing the first 5 or 6 answers to your pronouncement. These individuals are so brainwashed into making knee-jerk reactions against Catholicism they don't realise the bigoted, slanderous remarks they produce never mind the caricatures of Catholicism they start from. I've discovered that Protestant faith doctrine, practise and belief is a mile wide yet only an inch deep it has little substance to hold it together. Yes most of them have accepted the Catholic doctrine of Trinity and have an idea of who Jesus is yet they also lack the constructs of how Jesus' world is One, how his Church is One, what part it plays in his overall plan and how it is a precursor of the kingdom to come. Some of them have fallen into end-times watch-fantasies ie. rapture theology which when taken to it's logical end can lead to a lack of social responsibility. Others forsake the communion of the Body of Christ and become individual churches of 1 person never united with other Christians as they've decided their independent biblical interpretation holds supreme reign. A recent crazy practise amongst non-catholic christians (primarily lower church Protestants) is continual "church hopping". If Jesus created but one Church than why is it you can't find it especially if you claim the bible is guiding you each and everytime? Once again welcome home and I hope you continue to study the Church in time.

Answer 6

Well lets look at it. I am a Christian, not a Catholic or a Protestant.
What does the Word of God say?

John 3:1-8
Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus.
Verse 5 "...Except a man be born of the water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God..

So to be born again, 2 things need to happen, be born of the water and of the Spirit. Where does the Bible elaborate?

Acts 2:38, 39
Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized int he name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, for the promise is to you and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Well, that is pretty all inclusive.

That is it in a nut shell but there is much more.
Check out the link and see the page on being born again.

Answer 7

The Carmelite's answer was so awesome that it bears repeating!!

First of all, Jesus never said anything about "altar calls" and coming forward for the "sinner's prayer". If this were the case then all of salvation would be reduced to a magical formula....in that as long as you knew the correct (magic formula) prayer to say you could be saved.

I'm tired of all the fundies telling people that "all you have to do....." Show me where Jesus uses this phrase!

Catholics are saved, we are being saved and will be saved. Jesus does tell us that those who hold out TILL THE END will be saved. He says nothing about instantaneous salvation. Furthermore, Paul tells us to "work out our salvation in fear and in trembling".....why fear and why trembling if we are saved by the sinner's prayer?

Paul even feared for his salvation many years after he converted to Jesus......"No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize" (1 COR 9:27).

Answer 8

Born Again in Water Baptism
John 1:32 - when Jesus was baptized, He was baptized in the water and the Spirit, which descended upon Him in the form of a dove. The Holy Spirit and water are required for baptism. Also, Jesus’ baptism was not the Christian baptism He later instituted. Jesus’ baptism was instead a royal anointing of the Son of David (Jesus) conferred by a Levite (John the Baptist) to reveal Christ to Israel, as it was foreshadowed in 1 Kings 1:39 when the Son of David (Solomon) was anointed by the Levitical priest Zadok. See John 1:31; cf. Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:9; Luke 3:21.

John 3:3,5 - Jesus says, "Truly, truly, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." When Jesus said "water and the Spirit," He was referring to baptism (which requires the use of water, and the work of the Spirit).

John 3:22 - after teaching on baptism, John says Jesus and the disciples did what? They went into Judea where the disciples baptized. Jesus' teaching about being reborn by water and the Spirit is in the context of baptism.

John 4:1 - here is another reference to baptism which naturally flows from Jesus' baptismal teaching in John 3:3-5.

Acts 8:36 – the eunuch recognizes the necessity of water for his baptism. Water and baptism are never separated in the Scriptures.

Acts 10:47 - Peter says "can anyone forbid water for baptizing these people..?" The Bible always links water and baptism.

Acts 22:16 – Ananias tells Saul, “arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins.” The “washing away” refers to water baptism.

Titus 3:5-6 – Paul writes about the “washing of regeneration,” which is “poured out on us” in reference to water baptism. “Washing” (loutron) generally refers to a ritual washing with water.

Heb. 10:22 – the author is also writing about water baptism in this verse. “Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Our bodies are washed with pure water in water baptism.

2 Kings 5:14 - Naaman dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, and his flesh was restored like that of a child. This foreshadows the regenerative function of baptism, by water and the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 44:3 - the Lord pours out His water and His Spirit. Water and the Spirit are linked to baptism. The Bible never separates them.

Ezek. 36:25-27 - the Lord promises He will sprinkle us with water to cleanse us from sin and give us a new heart and spirit. Paul refers to this verse in Heb. 10:22. The teaching of Ezekiel foreshadows the salvific nature of Christian baptism instituted by Jesus and taught in John 3:5, Titus 3:5, 1 Peter 3:21 and Acts 22:16.

Answer 9

you get saved then get baptized out of obedience. you don't get baptized then saved. (what sinner you know wants to get baptized and still living in sin?) its once you have repented and gave your life to Him. being born of water and spirit, i take like this, everyone is born of water (being in the woman's water sac during pregnancy) and the spirit comes once you've accepted Him. like you must be born on earth and except Jesus to get salvation. when you read Mark 16:16 he who believes and is baptized will be saved; BUT he who does not believe will be condemned. why did it not mention baptism when it said "not believe will be condemned'? so ill say believing and repentance is why your saved. oh almost forgot baptism would be like earning your salvation and we are taught that salvation is a free gift from God. works wont get us there.

Answer 10

When should also talk it all in context. The gospel of John is one of the LAST gospels that were written, of the bible text it IS the last one written, sometime between 90-100CE. In contrast to the earliest biblical gospel Mark. The 'resurrection' story wasn't originally IN Mark. It was ADDED in the 5th century.

Many of the 'Born Again' concepts don't exist in the other earlier gospels.

Mat 19:17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.”

Mat 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 23 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you sinners!’

Mat 12:32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

Mat 15:24 Jesus answered, "I was sent ONLY for the lost sheep of Israel"

Mat 10:5-6 the Christ charges his disciples to NOT go and preach to the cities of the gentiles, but ONLY to the LOST SHEEP of Israel

Conversion was a MAJOR no-no, under the Laws of God---See Deuteronomy 13. An OTHER god is defined as one that a person personnally has not known or one unknown to their fathers. Isn't the SPIRIT supposed to be EVERYWHERE?!?
If a missionary has to go somewhere else to SHOW someone god, is that god everywhere?

One should also note that 'Jesus' defined prayer in Matt chapter 6, a person is essentially ONLY to offer up the "Lord's Prayer"---which is just a prayer of Acceptence. Why would a person have to tell their god what they need, does their god ALREADY provide ALL that a person NEEDs?!?

The gospel of John was originally penned and used by the Pauline sects, based upon the teachings of 'Paul'. Though based upon the definitions in the Laws of God (Deuteronomy 13). 'Paul' would be a 'false prophet'. 'Paul' does say that a person doesn't have to follow the Laws of God, since they have the 'sin offering of Jesus' and therefore is advocating an OTHER god, since ONLY god is able to pardon sin.

I have already shown that the tenents of Paul 'faith' contradict the teachings of 'Jesus'. One should ALSO point out that these teachings of the 'false prophet Paul' violate the Laws of God.

Human Sacrifice for the forgivness of sin was an abomination to god. The 'Sons of Ephraim', canaanites, their believe structure outlined in the OT books of Hosea and Habakuk and were condemned for such practices. Hosea 13:2

Offering up such human sacrifices upon High Places like Mt. Calvary---ALSO an abominaiton to god. Jeremiah 32:35

Communion, RITUALcannibalism, is not actually cited as an abomination but should one 'chance it'? Leviticus 7:22/ Hos 7:14/ Hos 8:13

'Jesus' IS god or even the concepts of Trinity are a violation of the OT idoltry law...Deut 4:15-16

A note of the 'Sons of Epraim": Ephraim was the son of Joseph, born in the city of Bethal, and also called the 'right hand of the father'.

Hab 2:16 the cup from the Lord’s right hand is coming around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory.

How can a person REALLY become ONE with the SPIRIT, when they separate themselves from IT with their sin and a 'savior".

Mat 19:17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.”