2007-10-21 00:34:13 · 10 answers · asked by Scorpius59 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm a Catholic. We believe we were "born o.k. the first time". But, I have heard these two things my whole life and wondered if it were the same.
2007-10-21 00:41:42 · update #1
Also, I question my own religion. I don't follow anyone or anything blindly.
2007-10-21 00:43:07 · update #2
Also, I question my own religion. I don't follow anyone or anything blindly.
2007-10-21 00:43:13 · update #3
The question you ask is interesting from a Catholic perspective: typically Protestants would suggest that one receives the Holy Spirit when one is baptized into the church. If you are baptized without being old or mature enough to understand these things, how is one born again, as Jesus says? This appears to be a quandary.
If you believe in the Bible, rather than some sort of cosmic feeling from the universe, then you have read what Jesus said in John 3:3: 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. This passage talks about being baptized by the Holy Spirit which Jesus says is necessary in order to achieve salvation or, in other words, to be saved.
Certainly, people have died over arguing just this issue and I doubt that we may achieve any consensus now. Nevertheless, if we confess in our heart our belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ, then we may repent of our sins and be saved. As I see it, one must then go forth and DO as Jesus tells us. If we continue in sin, then it is a false sense of salvation. One cannot claim salvation and then continue or return to sin. Paul says in Galatians 2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
While I think it is clear that being born again is salvation, ultimately one must ask whether all people need to be born again in order to be saved. In other words, does salvation require being born again? Is it possible for a person to be born initially into the spiritual life of God so early that one does not have any separation from Him? I think that this is possible, but extremely rare, especially in the modern world. Thus I would argue that these two statements are not equivalent.
In saying this, even as Protestant, I am going against the grain of popular wisdom. I have watched a 79 year old deacon come forward in church and be saved and I have heard his testimony. I have also known a very holy woman who maintains that she was never born again. I have to conclude that the works of the Lord are mysterious indeed. Nevertheless, I believe the important point is that we continue encouraging one another in the gospel of Christ. His message of love and redemption only make sense when we encourage others to come to Him at all.
2007-10-21 02:17:27 · answer #1 · answered by Bentley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As you mentioned, there are many denominations and thus several different beliefs -- while the word, the Bible is one.
For your information, a person may be saved from this wicked generation of people without being born again.
However, this idea or teaching that once saved is always saved is not true. The Christian is asked to endure until the end in good works, in holiness -- so as not to be disqualified.
The Saints are the only ones that shall be born again.
Perhaps reading these links with scriptural proof a plenty may give you an idea of what this is about:
http://bythebible.page.tl/Who-are-God%5C-h-s-People-Today-f-.htm
http://bythebible.page.tl/Born-Again.htm
2007-10-21 01:39:23 · answer #2 · answered by Fuzzy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's very good, no one should blindly except what they are born into. I was raised up in an Assembly of God church and believe me i had to pay some dues to get over that! According to what i was taught being saved and being born again is the same thing. It happens when you confess your sins and truly believe in Jesus Christ.
2007-10-21 01:09:29 · answer #3 · answered by charlesdclimer 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no difference! being born again and being saved are the same thing. The new birth occurs when one believes in the Lord jesus Christ. It occurs when the Holy Spirit indwells the new believer. At that point, the new believer is "sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30)
2007-10-21 01:00:03 · answer #4 · answered by mandbturner3699 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We are born with a sin nature and a dead spirit. our spirit only wants to contact stuff.. We want to lie,steal, cheat, etc. by nature. It is the discipline of our parents that corrects this. Jesus Christ says that we must be born again of the water and of the spirit (St. John 3:5). St. Peter preached how to do this in Acts 2:38. We have to believe that Jesus is who He sais that He is and that we do need saving, we must repent, and be baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ to get rid of our sin, then we will receive the Holy Ghost which is our Spirit coming to life. We know that we have this when our tongue starts speaking in an unlearned language. There are Charismatics in many denominations. This is for everyone that desires a relationship with the Creator in order to lead an overcoming life. Rev. 2:7.
2007-10-21 01:18:14 · answer #5 · answered by michael m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe in reincarnation and think that this is what being born again means. Being saved is not in the Bible. It's a Religious thing. I believe in God and in Christ, but cannot believe in the many religions I have tried.
peace
2007-10-21 00:43:00 · answer #6 · answered by Linda B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You only think that you need to be saved because you have been lied to about God.
God has never judged you or anyone else faulty so there is nothing to be saved from.
These are simple misconceptions made up by people who know nothing about God at all.
Forget this nonsense and get on with your Life and know that God is and has always been thrilled with you exactly the way that you are. Don't let these people project their silly judgmental ideas on God and spoil your relationship with your closest and dearest friend.
Love and blessings
don
2007-10-21 00:38:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being born again IS being saved, through Jesus Christ.
2007-10-21 00:39:08 · answer #8 · answered by †Lawrence R† 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
for me, all I have to feel love in my heart for GOD and JESUS, and all the blessings around me right here, right now. now that is uplifting...We are all children of GOD.
2007-10-21 00:57:38 · answer #9 · answered by Jo Ann 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
praise the lord!!!
2007-10-21 00:41:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋