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What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by topshore(f): 12:10pm On May 11, 2021 |
Scripture Text: John3:3 Many people have misconceptions about being born again. Most people believe that once they just confess that Jesus is Lord they are truly born again. Yes! Confessing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour and believing in God who sent Him is a prerequisite to new birth. However, being born again transcends this to a deeper life in Christ. People who have accepted Jesus as their Saviour and Redeemer are called born again. They have realised they are sinners and that penalty of sin is death (Romans 3:23, 6:23). Sin had condemned the world and God in His mercy sent His only Son to die in our place to take punishment for our sins (Romans 5: Jesus died, rose from the dead and became the only Way we reconciled to God (John 14:6) and He provides the gift of salvation. Accepting this gift of salvation through faith means we have experience a new birth and the journey of Christianity begins (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:1- Alas! The journey just began. To keep the faith going, we must be truly born again. Being born again means having a transformation and renewal of heart and soul. As human beings, we have three integral parts of the soul: the mind, our emotions, and our will. 1. The mind is where we have imaginations, thinking , consciousness, perception, intelligence, judgement, language and memory. When we get born again, our mind is no longer our own but we submit it to becomes the mind of God through the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:16). The renewal of our minds make us have intimate relationship with God and overtime makes us grow to spending more time in His presence and in His Word. His Spirit helps us understand who God is and what His ways are though we cannot fully comprehend Him. 2. Our emotions is the state of our feelings: happiness, joyful, sadness,fear, courageous,anger, patience,etc. When we are born again, our emotions transforms from the negative such as bitterness, anger, slander, etc(Ephesians 4:9) to postive such love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness,self control,etc(Galatians 5:22-23) which is also the manifestation of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. 3.The will is the part of our mind that selects the moments of our decisions and desires. The will is what triggers the choice of our desires, actions and inactions. When we get born again, our will disappear and we totally submit to God's Will. The Will of God gives us confidence in approaching Him and that He hears us(1 John 5:14). Only those who do the Will of the Father will enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Mathew 7:21) Brethren, this is another opportunity for us to submit our all in all to Jesus and to truly prove ourselves worthy as one who is truly born again. Tomorrow may be too late. Submit totally to the Will of the Father, and His Kingdom is sure. Prayer: 1. O Lord my Father, take my will and let it be yours, in the name of Jesus. 2. Holy Spirit help me to become a true child of God in the name of Jesus. 3. I shall not serve the Lord in vain, I shall not be a cast away in the Kingdom of God, by the power in the Blood of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, amen. Peace! |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by DondyDesign: 12:17pm On May 11, 2021 |
To be a born again is to repent from doing anything you know its not good and accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and savior. |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Kobojunkiee: 5:13pm On May 11, 2021 |
topshore:I am afraid that as explained by Jesus Christ being born of the Spirit(a process of being born-again) has little to do with the Holy Spirit. If you read John 3 vs 1 -21, you will note that Jesus Christ never in fact mentions the Spirit in question is God's own Spirit. He instead speaks of a rebirth of a Spiritual kind, confirming God's statement regarding His New Agreement people in Ezekiel 36 vs 26, where He declares that He will give them a new Spirit( again not His Spirit). Of course we understand that being born of water(yet another born-again process) has to do with what is written of in Ezekiel 36 vs 25. |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Kobojunkiee: 5:20pm On May 11, 2021 |
DondyDesign:According to Jesus Christ in John 3 vs 1 -21, to be born-again specifically means to be born of water(see Ezekiel 36 vs 25) and born of the Spirit( see Ezekial 36 vs 26). Also, since Jesus Christ never in fact states that the Spirit in question is God's, those born of the Spirit are not to be assumed born of the Spirit of God Himself. |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by paxonel(m): 6:57pm On May 11, 2021 |
Born again is salvation with condition. In born again(human doctrine), you are required to repent otherwise you are not saved, but in Christ that is far from the case. In Christ, you are required to believe that's all an nothing more, that is unconditional love. John 3:16 ..whosever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. The bottom-line is, that person who was born a Christian from a Christian family was made to believe from childhood by his family background, that is salvation, God does not require anything else. |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Kobojunkiee: 7:08pm On May 11, 2021 |
paxonel:That is not true. If you pay close attention to the entire conversation Jesus Christ had with Nicodemus, you will find the details of the process required for entering into the Kingdom of God is as follows....(in no particular order) * Believe Jesus Christ is who He says He is * Be born of water (a step in being be born-again) * Be saved(obtain eternal life and this through the eating of Jesus Christ's body and drinking of His blood explained in John 10) * Be born of the Spirit (Spirit not to be confused here with the Spirit of God) Jesus Christ made it clear that only those who complete all the steps are able to enter into the Kingdom of God. Clearly this is a conditioned process, is it not? |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by paxonel(m): 7:32pm On May 11, 2021 |
Kobojunkiee:the point the op is raising as condition for salvation are not any steps. Rather, the op mentioned born again as the condition for salvation which includes to repent from sin. And I'm saying repentance isn't any requirement for salvation, so what are you talking? |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Kobojunkiee: 7:50pm On May 11, 2021 |
paxonel:A major problem with doctrines and traditions of men is they create confusion of terms where there really ought not to be any. According to Jesus Christ, 2 things must take place ... * Must be born-again (born of water and born of Spirit) * Must experience Salvation (believe and obtain eternal life) The one not dependent on the other according to John 3 vs 1-21 According to John the Baptist, in Matthew 3 vs 11, a change of heart is required to be born of water. Jesus Christ also said in John 3 vs 18, that those who believe in Jesus Christ are those no longer judged guilty, I.e. condemned to death. What the above referenced verses suggest is that without a change of heart, salvation is indeed impossible. You can read the rest of the conversation John the Baptist had with the Pharisees in Matthew 3 vs 7 through 10 where he, John, explained to them without a change of heart and of life, there is no repentance and hence no salvation. |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by paxonel(m): 8:19pm On May 11, 2021 |
Kobojunkiee:Certainly, this born again doctrine uphold by most Christians today is one of the them. there was no salvation at the time Jesus met Nicodemus, salvation only started after Jesus resurrected, then how come the term born again or born of the spirit used by Jesus now translate to salvation, that one most be born again for him to be saved, don't you see that there is no correlation between born again and the salvation Jesus established at the time of death and resurrection? Obviously, the term born again actually meant something else this is the only thing that is required to be saved, not born again. Born again is something else entirely. true! A change of heart was required to be born again, a change of heart is not required to be saved. Rather, what is tequired is faith. Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. You don't need the law to be saved. If born again was a law then it is not required. you are mixing up everything, you will never understand it that way Separate the time of Nicodemus and John the Baptist from the time after Jesus crucifixion and resurrection, that is when salvation begins |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Kobojunkiee: 8:46pm On May 11, 2021 |
paxonel:I am afraid you are confused by the doctrines and tradition of men still in this 1. Jesus Christ preached salvation to Nicodemus there in John 3 vs 16-21, when He, Jesus Christ declared that only those who believe can be saved.I.e. receive Salvation from the condemnation of sin, which is Death. 2. The relationship between Salvation and being born-again exists only in the fact that according to Jesus Christ in John 3 vs 1 through 21, both are required in order to gain entry into the Kingdom of God. As I said, according to Jesus Christ in John 3 vs 1 -21 , 2 things must take place in order for a one to gain access to His Kingdom, the Kingdom of God ... * Must be born-again (born of water and born of Spirit) * Must experience Salvation (believe and obtain eternal life) where Salvation implies the saving from the condemnation of sin(Death) discussed in John 3 vs 16 -18, the result of which is eternal life(grace). 3. Justification is not Salvation. The righteous are the just... a one who is saved is simply just one who has gained access to the Kingdom of God. In that same Kingdom are demons and devils...and the two domains Heaven and Hell for an end for those who are in the Kingdom of God. 4. Faith, as far as the Kingdom of God, refers to acts of obedience done in submission to the commandments of God. What this means is that the changing of one's heart and life in submission to the process of becoming born-again is itself an act born of Faith. So it is not the case that Salvation alone is of Faith - to become born-again, one has to submit in obedience to God's command, hence it is also of Faith. God is honored by our submission and obedience to His commandments hence the reason why He is honored by our Faith. |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Propheticdavid: 9:33pm On May 11, 2021 |
[quote author=Kobojunkiee post=101590422] I am afraid that as explained by Jesus Christ being born of the Spirit(a process of being born-again) has little to do with the Holy Spirit. If you read John 3 vs 1 -21, you will note that Jesus Christ never in fact mentions the Spirit in question is God's own Spirit. He instead speaks of a rebirth of a Spiritual kind, confirming God's statement regarding His New Agreement people in Ezekiel 36 vs 26, where He declares that He will give them a new Spirit( again not His Spirit). Of course we understand that being born of water(yet another born-again process) has to do with what is written of in Ezekiel 36 vs 25. [/quote KOBOJUNKIE DON STATRT CONFUSION, GE READ THE BIBLE UPSIDE-DOWN... CONFUSED MAN 1 Like |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Propheticdavid: 9:40pm On May 11, 2021 |
Op no need reply Kobojunkie, Na junk e go dey of load like trailer. He has one agenda, an it's to deliberately cause confusion. Confused man 3 Likes |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by paxonel(m): 7:18am On May 12, 2021 |
Kobojunkiee:explain yourself true! But that's not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is, at what time was the salvation established? It was established at the point of resurrection of Christ. Salvation may be preached even before time, but it doesn't mean that the salvation was there at the time of the initial preaching by John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. You will understand this when you start reading the book of Matthew from the beginning to the end where Christ was crucified.
Point of correction: Both were required then, before Christ resurrection, not both are required till now. That is the mistake you people keep making, you don't consider time when you read your bible Matthew 11:11 ...notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he(referring to John the baptist) Meaning, a believer living at the time after the resurrection of Christ is greater than John the baptist who lived before the resurrection of Christ. |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Kobojunkiee: 2:45pm On May 12, 2021 |
paxonel:1. Just like the Old Covenant, the New Covenant was indeed ratified after it was completed/finished, and this just before the death of Jesus Christ and then His resurrection. So, while it does matter that Death was defeated upon His resurrection from the grave, the key is , all that took place was all a part of the New Covenant. 2. Christ's resurrection did not change any part of the New Covenant which He established as completed from before His death. This death wasn't a mistake and His resurrection was part and parcel of the plan. So I fail to see how that was planned somehow changes that which was previously stated as part of the same plan. 3. John the Baptist was the greatest of the Old Covenant Prophets. He, John, was made righteous by the Old Covenant and so was not one of those who Jesus Christ came for. He was not a New Covenant Prophet at all and so was not meant for the Kingdom of God even though He preached of it's coming. We, who are of the New Covenant, those of us meant for the Kingdom of God, have a promise better in all wise than those of the Old Covenant People since we are called not as People of God but as Sons of God .I.e. even the least among the sons of the king is greater than the greatest among the kings people. |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Emusan(m): 3:20pm On May 12, 2021 |
Kobojunkiee: @color you always try to prove that you know the scripture, whereas you're just lying up and down. Reading Ezekiel 36 down to 37 it's boldly written that the Spirit God is talking about is HIS SPIRIT yet you're lying openly here that God never said that it His spirit. Who should we believe you or the scripture? "And I will put MY SPIRIT within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Ezekiel 36:37 Or, this was not part of the scripture? |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Kobojunkiee: 6:09pm On May 12, 2021 |
Emusan:Yet again, you jump in without taking time to properly read and understand the meaning behind what is written and what is being said. Ofcourse we should always believe what is written of God (the very Words out of God's own mouth) in Scripture and in Ezekial 36, God clearly speaks of 2 different spirits.... a new spirit, and then His own Spirit. Ezekiel 36 vs 26 - 27This is not rocket science for Pete's sake! The same happens in the Gospels where Jesus Christ first speaks of the requirement of entering into the Kingdom of God -seek the Kingdom of God. And then later of get another Helper, the Spirt of God, who He proclaims belongs only to those who continue to submit to and obey the commandments and teachings of Jesus Christ - seek God's righteousness - written of in John 14/15 and 16 |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by MaxInDHouse(m): 6:37pm On May 12, 2021 |
BORN AGAIN! After the establishment of the new covenant with the sacrificial death of the lamb of God (Christ) many people came under this covenant, and they humbly chose to live the rest of their lives in harmony with the lifestyle and ministry of the Christ. First they are taught all the commandments of the Christ then if they concur and ready to live the rest of their life for Christ they are welcome into the family belonging to the new covenant by dedicating their lives (in prayer) to God and symbolizes this publicly by water immersion in the presence of many Witnesses this is called baptism. Act 2:40-42 But out of these ones God will use His active force (Holy Spirit) to anoint a limited number {Luke 12:32} that will join the Christ to rule for 1,000 years {Revelations 20:6} anywhere the Christ chose to sit and rule. Revelations 14:1-4 This little number are the ones baptized with the invisible God's Holy Spirit. John 3:5 They will become the first fruit of God's Kingdom { Revelations 20:6} they set fine examples with their conduct as rulers for their brothers and sisters who will inherit God's Kingdom as subjects! Luke 22:25-27 They will join other spirit anointed ones yearly in eating and drinking the emblem, symbolizing they're partakers and heirs to the throne as corulers with Christ. James 2:5 These are the BORN AGAIN Christians though the world can't know them but through the conduct of those associating with them {Zechariah 8:23} as fellow believers everyone will know that these are the fruits of the BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS! Matthew 7:16-18 |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by sonmvayina(m): 6:47pm On May 12, 2021 |
Born again means starting all over again. It means genuinely repenting of your sins and turning your back on your evil ways. God said he would forgive if you sincerely repent and forsake your evil ways. And following his torah in making good choices.... Any other thing is paganism. |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by bobestman(m): 8:45pm On May 12, 2021 |
Ok |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Emusan(m): 10:29am On May 13, 2021 |
Kobojunkiee: Yet you couldn't point out my misunderstanding in your post when it is evident that you lied against God. Ofcourse we should always believe what is written of God (the very Words out of God's own mouth) in Scripture Yet you cling to that suits you and neglect the other part that exposed your lies. and in Ezekial 36, God clearly speaks of 2 different spirits.... a new spirit, and then His own Spirit. So if God speaks of TWO different spirits, verse 37 confirmed that the Spirit of God is what God will put WITHIN YOU "And I will put MY SPIRIT within you..." Then can you tell us, what the NEW SPIRIT verse 36 is talking about? [s]The same happens in the Gospels where Jesus Christ first speaks of the requirement of entering into the Kingdom of God -seek the Kingdom of God. I understand when your lies are being exposed, you must twist tongue again. You made a claim that God never said HIS SPIRIT but reading down to verse 37 it was boldly written that It was God's spirit. 2 Likes |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Kobojunkie: 2:56am On May 16, 2021 |
I should add that an essential requirement where entering the Kingdom of God is concerned is what John the Baptist preached, and that is a change of heart and life is necessary. Water baptism is meant to mark you as one who has indeed changed heart and life , through obedience of the commandments of Jesus Christ, to follow God. This is also written of in Ezekiel 36 vs 25-26 , where God speaks of sprinkling pure water on you and washing away all the filth, to make you pure from all your past filth. |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Barristter07: 2:08pm On May 20, 2021 |
topshore: You have a good understanding of the subject , no lies ... Buh consider the fact that Jesus said those born again/born of spirit are "Spirit " . Shows being born again goes beyond confessing Jesus Christ as Lord, it involve having the hope of reigning with Jesus as a spirit person. These are selected few, because the Bible still made mention that many humans will live forever on Earth. Humans are Flesh. Not spirit. ( Rev 21:4) 1 Like |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Emusan(m): 6:20pm On May 21, 2021 |
Barristter07: Which means he is correct! Buh consider the fact that Jesus said those born again/born of spirit are "Spirit ". And those born of flesh are flesh Shows being born again goes beyond confessing Jesus Christ as Lord, it involve having the hope of reigning with Jesus as a spirit person. because ALL BELIEVERS ARE BORN OF GOD WHO IS A SPIRIT These are selected few, No! because ALL BELIEVERS ARE BORN OF GOD who is a Spirit. because the Bible still made mention that many humans will live forever on Earth. The NEW EARTH, remember! Humans are Flesh. Not spirit. ( Rev 21:4) But you believe the same human who is a FLESH can be transformed INTO SPIRIT BEING. don't you? |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Barristter07: 1:57am On May 22, 2021 |
Emusan: What is born of spirit is spirit means They are Ressurected as a Spirit person, just as God is spirit. " Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. " Revelation 20:6 NIV " They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. " Revelation 22:4,5 NIV. Clearly, this one's are different from those who will live forever as humans in the New Earth. ( Rev 21:4) |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Emusan(m): 12:25pm On May 23, 2021 |
Barristter07: @color 1 Bible affirms that every believers are born of God and God is a Spirit. "But as MANY as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12-13 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. kjv The two scriptures above affirm that ALL BELIEVERS ARE BORN OF which is A NEW BIRTH. In fact, 1 Peter made it clear that WE ARE "...BORN AGAIN to a living hope through the RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST from the DEAD" Unless you want to say resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is selective in nature and only apply to few people. @Highlight That's your wacked & self induced interpretation, no wonder you changed BORN to RESURRECT @color2 The one who will live forever on earth are they BORN OF GOD OR not? |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Kobojunkie: 1:32pm On May 23, 2021 |
Barristter07:Na wa oo! According to Jesus Christ, those who are born of the spirit are those who can enter into the Kingdom of God. JOHN 3 vs 1-21. Of those who enter into the Kingdom of God, some will enter through the broad gate that leads towards Hell while only a few will find and enter through the Narrow gate which leads to true life. Matthew 7 vs 13 - 14. So it is not the case that those who are born of Spirit have the Spirit of God but likely a new spirit as written of in Ezekiel 36 vs 26 where God declares that He will install a new spirit inside of each one of His. |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Barristter07: 1:35pm On May 23, 2021 |
Emusan: @highlight, There are two ressurection . Only the First Ressurection is for those who will rule with Jesus Christ. They are Spirit persons , What is born of spirit is Spirit. You would have done well to read that scripture I posted earlier. Those who will live forever on Earth are not born of spirit. They would live forever as " Humans " Revelation 21:4. I repeat, what the spirit born is spirit. Not human. |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Barristter07: 1:37pm On May 23, 2021 |
Kobojunkie: Kingdom of God in that context means heaven . ( Compare Matthew 11:11, do you say John the Baptist won't be in the Kingdom of God ?) The phrase what is born of spirit is Spirit is referring to something deeper, their Ressurection as Spirit persons to reign with Christ. not just having breath of life. |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Kobojunkie: 1:43pm On May 23, 2021 |
Barristter07:1. The Kingdom of God in what context? 2. Why do you bring john the Baptist into this conversation? 3. Phrase referring to something deeper than what God Himself declared of His New Covenant or what Jesus Christ declared of those born of the Spirit being able to enter into the Kingdom of God, a kingdom with 2 gates? 4. How does applying literal translations to that which was revealed to a third party in a vision help you resolve whatever deeper meaning you seek in this? |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Barristter07: 1:55pm On May 23, 2021 |
Kobojunkie: 1 and 2 - Here is the point, the word Kingdom of God at John 3 is referring to heavenly part of God's kingdom. John the Baptist reference is a light to that aspect. Jesus said the least in the Kingdom of God is Greater than John the Baptist, would it not be silly to see this as meaning John won't be in God's kingdom ? But makes sense that he meant John won't be in God's heavenly Kingdom , but the New Earth . So am telling you that the meaning of Kingdom of God at John 3 is heavenly part of God's kingdom . , this is not my idea. The reference " is spirit" support this point 3 and 4 , To be honest - What do you understand by what is born of spirit is Spirit ? |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Barristter07: 1:58pm On May 23, 2021 |
Another point I would like to add to this thread is , going by John 3:8 , the idea of kneel down , confess Jesus and become born again. Is a FLOP. Only God chooses who becomes born again. Not the person themselves decide |
Re: What Does It Mean To Be Born Again? by Kobojunkie: 2:09pm On May 23, 2021 |
Barristter07:1. The reference to Kingdom of God throughout the book of John is to both Heaven and Hell... john 3 no different or Jesus Christ's message would have been rendered meaningless. 2. In the Book of Matthew however, the writer, takes a different approach to referencing the domains within the Kingdom by clearly stating Kingdom of Heaven(God's Kingdom in the translation I use) or the Kingdom of Hell . So in Matthew 11 vs 11, John the Baptist is instead compared to those in God's Kingdom or in other translations Kingdom of Heaven. 3. Born of the Spirit, according to Jesus Christ is necessary in order to gain access into the Kingdom of God (this in the book of John refers to either of the narrow gate or the broad gate). And Jesus Christ does give us a hint as to what may be when He compared those who are born of the Spirit with the wind in John 3 vs 8 |
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