Is an experience similar to that of Jacob's the day he became Israel required in order to become a Christian?

Question

Genesis 32:

24And Jacob was left alone, and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
25And when the man saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint as he wrestled with him.
26And the man said, "Let me go, for the day breaketh." And he said, "I will not let thee go, unless thou bless me."
27And he said unto him, "What is thy name?" And he said, "Jacob."
28And he said, "Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed."
29And Jacob asked him, and said, "Tell me, I pray thee, thy name." And he said, "Why is it that thou dost ask after my name?" And he blessed him there.
30And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel [that is, The face of God]: "For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved."

Perhaps a better way to ask the question would have been to ask if a personal encounter with the Spirit of God is required.....and if that is simiar to Jacob's experience. Hmmm, I've got points....I think I'll give it a try.

Answer 1

This could be viewed in this way...especially in the wrestling in his soul....Jacob was changed forever in this encounter he experienced struggle and brokenness so much so it has a physical manifestation...salvation is like that...

Not just standing up and confessing some words, saying the sinners' prayer...no...salvation comes from the Lord and He is the one who changes our name....and in Him and through Him we are changed forever...

GREAT PASSAGES...NEVER SAW IT LIKE THAT...THANKS

Answer 2

Wow, I hadn't read that story for a long time. I had thought he had wrestled with an angel, not God. Apparently God must suck at wrestling.

Its interesting that God told Jacob to let him go because it was almost daylight. Apparently, God needed to get out of there because the sun was going to rise?

God also rejected Cain's offering because it was fruit and vegetables, and thus no blood was shed with the offering and God requires blood for forgiveness of sins.

OK, so we have a God that apparently has an aversion to sunlight and requires blood. Where have I heard of something like this before? It sounds really familiar....

Answer 3

No. Not everyone wrestles with God to become a Christian, some wrestle after they are Christians. Maybe others don't wrestle at all.

And incidentally, Jacob was not becoming a Christian, just following God, right? So this is an example of people who are faithful to God but are not Christian. Of course, there was no Christ in this world at the time, except for the man Jacob wrestled with, of course.

Answer 4

1 Kings 19:11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

Answer 5

The stories of conversion that are made public tend to be very dramatic, but they do not have to be dramatic stories to be sincere, true conversions to the Christian life.
Figuratively, the wrestling match is over whether God or self is in charge of life.

Answer 6

No - the only thing that is required for salvation is faith in Jesus and the work that Jesus did on the cross so that all who believe in Him can be saved - it is a simple thing, confession that you recognize that you are a sinner and in need of His forgiveness and inviting Him to come into your heart and life, to be your Lord, thank Him for the blood He shed on the cross for you in order that you could be forgiven.

Salvation is a free gift for all who will receive it!

Answer 7

Isn't this biblical blasphemy...Oh this is how zionism originated!!!