What does it mean to be a "Born Again" Christian?

Question

I am not trying to be a smart alec, I am serious.

What if I have been a life-long follower of Christ? Is it necessary to "rededicate" myself to Him somewhere along the line?

I've never waivered in my faith in Christ. I've always relied on Him to carry me through the good and bad times in my life. I've sought him out, I've always known he's been there. I have no doubt that I'm a Christian... I've never doubted that I'm a CHristian... I've made the statement in front of my Church... am I Born Again?

Oh PS... I am Catholic... but, I've never, ever considered myself anything other than Christian.

Answer 1

John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.


Being born of water is to be born physically. The bible describes being separated from God as being dead. This is a spiritual death. Notice that in Genesis, Adam and Eve were told they would die the very day they ate the fruit. They didn't die physically "that day", but they were separated from God spiritually and therefore, "spiritually dead". Going to Heaven is called eternal life - being born spiritually.

So, Christians call it "Born Again".

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

If you would like more details on how to be born again, check out www.godlovestheworld.com

P.S. I'm not against Catholics. A person can be a Baptist and not a born again Christian. A person can be a Catholic and not be a born again Christian. A person can also be a Catholic or Baptist and a born again Christian.

Basically, if you have asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior; asked Him to forgive your sins and you believe it, you are a born again Christian. If you have not done that, please check out the website I mentioned above for clarification.

Answer 2

To admit to Jesus that you're In direct violation of God's word,that you're a sinner.To Repent,turn away from our sins. To have a spiritual re-birth. A new creation In Jesus Christ.
Please don't fall for the old line that once you receive Jesus Christ that everything will be a bed of roses.
Jesus said for In this world you will have tribulation.But be of good cheer,for I have overcome this world.
Just know that we're changed little by little and It takes consistency.
God knows your heart.
If God sees that you're really seeking Him with all your heart He will honor that effort.
Are you gonna mess up ? Yes !
But just repent and ask God to help you not to make that same mistake again.
Take complete joy In knowing that your New home Is heaven for an eternity...Girl,don't fall for the religious or denomination thing.
It's all about the WHOLE Bible and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Answer 3

I believe it's when you come to Jesus.

We are all born with sin, and I used to claim myself that I was a "Christian" as just a status symble, I didn't look at it as anything else. Until recently, I believe I was "born again" because I truely do love my God and know that my life is His. I don't put a religion on it, I just call myself a believer. Religion is a man made thing, I go by the Word of God and that alone. I hope I kind of answered your question.

Answer 4

John Chapter 3
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."
3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.[a]"

4"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You[c] must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

It simply means we have been baptized (full emersion)

Acts 2:38
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:5
On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus

Answer 5

If someone was to become a born again Christian that would mean that they are no longer spiritually dead. To become a born again Christian you have to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour and ask Him into your heart.

Answer 6

The phrase born again, refers to being born spiritually through believing that Christ is your savior from the fires of hell. Believing that, you are guided from there on in by the spirit of God, who promises to mold you into the image of His Son, and live forever in paradise. (Another translation of "born again" (from the original Greek) is "born from above" or "born of the spirit" which all amounts to being born a second time on the earth.)

Answer 7

I think maybe it means, reborn through Christ. The first time your born your born through your mother. The second time is where you confess your sins and take Jesus as your Savior. Its like he wipes your slate clean. You start all over.

Answer 8

It means you were regenerated (born again) by the Holy Spirit, you have become a Child of God through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

A new creation in Jesus Christ

If you are not Born-again you are spiritually dead. If you are born-again you are spiritually alive, and will spend eternity in heaven.

The story of Adam is about man's fall. Adam lived for many years Physically, YET, he was spiritually dead.

by Peter, he tells the Jews you must REPENT and Believe.

However, Peter is teaching just the Jews.

For Gentiles (non-Jews) we are told in Paul just to "Believe".

Now, why are Pauls letters important? Because these were written specifically the the non-Jews, after the Cross. His epistles normally are talking about the Grace of God, and saved by faith. That is the time we are in now.

If you have fallen away, that is OK. Alot of Christians fall down, but we get back up. Now is the time to get back up, and get on fire. There are many people coming to the True Gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By posting here, and spreading the true word of God, you are going to be rewarded in heaven.

Answer 9

You turn your back on the old, evil lifestyle for whch you've become accustomed (and apparently hope to escape) in a sense "letting that part of you die" so that a new, fresh mindset... a Christian mindset can be "born".

Adder_Astros
Powerful member of the House of Light.
[]xxxxx[];;;;;;;;;;;;;>.
http://www.adder-astros.com/index_a.html

Answer 10

That you have repented of your sin (acknowledged to God that you are a sinner and in need of salvation) and asked Jesus Christ to cover your sins with the blood that He shed on the cross.

That makes you a "new creature" in Christ....and from that point you become a disciple, following Christ to become the person He meant for you to be.