What does "born again" mean?

[Jim B]

Hi all,
Does "born again" mean that you simply believe in faith or simply chose to believe in faith in Jesus Christ, or does it also mean that you have to be baptized? I hope this is a simple answer. Thank you.

You do not have to be baptized. It is an optional statement of faith.

 

[liafailrock]

You're changing the subject. Nobody is discussing abortion here. However, a embryo or fetus cannot survive without being physically connect to the placenta which is connected to the mother. So it has no life of its own.

This is not the thread to discuss abortion!

With all due respect, you totally missed my point. Now read my post again carefully.

 

[liafailrock]

On the contrary it, baptism, is ABSOLUTELY needed for salvation per the scriptures. And it's not for public testimony. That's modern day man made-up unscriptural nonsense. The Ethiopian eunuch was in the middle of nowhere with just he and Philip.

Mark16:15-16

15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

belief + baptism = salvation

Yes, that's how some teach and I agree that one should be baptized "just in case" because it is a scriptural mandate. LOL As for baptism, compare to what John said about He who comes after me (how would he baptize?). Note that in order to be baptized, saving faith must already be present or else it's just a water show.

 

[Jim B]

With all due respect, you totally missed my point. Now read my post again carefully.

I did, and this is what you wrote: "This is why I am so much against abortion - some deceived Christians think this is OK when in fact, Satan contorted the meaning of reproduction and family because it's the physical form of what happens spiritually."

 

[liafailrock]

I did, and this is what you wrote: "This is why I am so much against abortion - some deceived Christians think this is OK when in fact, Satan contorted the meaning of reproduction and family because it's the physical form of what happens spiritually."

OK, now why did I say that? Because human reproduction mirrors what goes on in the spiritual world. If one destroys one understanding, they destroy the other. I stand by what I said. The subjects are indeed connected.

 

[Jim B]

OK, now why did I say that? Because human reproduction mirrors what goes on in the spiritual world. If one destroys one understanding, they destroy the other. I stand by what I said. The subjects are indeed connected.

Whatever. If that's what you think. No Biblical basis though.

 

[liafailrock]

Whatever. If that's what you think. No Biblical basis though.

Except for the many biblical verses that talk about family, sons (of God), inheritance, birthright, etc etc that it's no mystery that this creation mirrors what is going on in the spiritual realm, i.e. shadows of things to come as Paul stated about the feasts of the Lord. And don't forget the 5th commandment. So with all this hitting me in the face, I can't miss it.

 

[07-07-07]

You do not have to be baptized. It is an optional statement of faith.

It's true that water baptism does not save anyone, only a new heart and a new spirit from a real born again experience will save a person. It's the blood of Jesus that washes away sin when this born again experience takes place. Now moving forward, in obedience to the Scriptures, this new person will desire to be baptized in water, start going to Church, praying, fasting and living in the Word of God. Old things pass away and all things become new. It's a fresh start, a clean slate and a new outlook on life. Praise God for Jesus' great sacrifice!

 

[Jim B]

Except for the many biblical verses that talk about family, sons (of God), inheritance, birthright, etc etc that it's no mystery that this creation mirrors what is going on in the spiritual realm, i.e. shadows of things to come as Paul stated about the feasts of the Lord. And don't forget the 5th commandment. So with all this hitting me in the face, I can't miss it.

You didn't miss it, but that means that you have understanding.

 

[Jim B]

Except for the many biblical verses that talk about family, sons (of God), inheritance, birthright, etc etc that it's no mystery that this creation mirrors what is going on in the spiritual realm, i.e. shadows of things to come as Paul stated about the feasts of the Lord. And don't forget the 5th commandment. So with all this hitting me in the face, I can't miss it.

You wrote "human reproduction mirrors what goes on in the spiritual world. If one destroys one understanding, they destroy the other". There is no mention in this post about human reproduction.

 

[Jim B]

It's true that water baptism does not save anyone, only a new heart and a new spirit from a real born again experience will save a person. It's the blood of Jesus that washes away sin when this born again experience takes place. Now moving forward, in obedience to the Scriptures, this new person will desire to be baptized in water, start going to Church, praying, fasting and living in the Word of God. Old things pass away and all things become new. It's a fresh start, a clean slate and a new outlook on life. Praise God for Jesus' great sacrifice!

I agree totally. But water baptism is not a requirement to be saved. As I wrote earlier, it's an optional statement of faith.

 

[07-07-07]

I agree totally. But water baptism is not a requirement to be saved. As I wrote earlier, it's an optional statement of faith.

I don't see it as being optional.

Mark 16
[15] And He [Jesus] said to them [His Disciples], “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
[16] He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

 

[GRACE ambassador]

I don't see it as being optional.

Mark 16
[15] And He [Jesus] said to them [His Disciples], “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
[16] He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

It's the blood of Jesus that washes away sin when this born again experience takes place. Now moving forward, in obedience to the Scriptures, this new person will desire to be baptized in water, start going to Church, praying, fasting and living in the Word of God.

Respectfully Disagree, as God Only Has ONE ( Spiritual ) Baptism, Today ( not water ),
Under Grace :

The Uncertain Trumpet of water baptism

Amen.

 

[GRACE ambassador]

with all this hitting me in the face, I can't miss it.

Agree, this "smacked" me pretty good, too:

Mat_22:30 "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are ​

given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."​

​

Amen.

 

[07-07-07]

Respectfully Disagree, as God Only Has ONE ( Spiritual ) Baptism, Today ( not water ),
Under Grace :

The Uncertain Trumpet of water baptism

Amen.

View attachment 33861

The Spirit came down on Jesus after He was baptized in water. Why would Jesus need to be baptized, but not His disciples?

Matthew 3
[13] Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
[14] But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
[15] And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
[16] And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
[17] And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

 

[Jim B]

I don't see it as being optional.

Mark 16
[15] And He [Jesus] said to them [His Disciples], “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
[16] He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

It's interesting that you take two verses out of context to prove doctrine.

Look at verse 16. It has two parts. Baptism is mentioned in the first part but not the second. If your doctrine was true it should say "he who does not believe and is not baptized will be condemned", but it doesn't.

Why do you think that being submerged in water saves anyone? If that was true, all the people that came to the Jordan to be submerged by John would have no need for Jesus.

In Romans 6:3-5, Paul equates baptism with death, not salvation. "Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

 

[Davy]

Hi all,
Does "born again" mean that you simply believe in faith or simply chose to believe in faith in Jesus Christ, or does it also mean that you have to be baptized? I hope this is a simple answer. Thank you.

You do realize that you have a 'spirit' inside your flesh body that is a separate part, and not of fleshy matter? If not, then see Ecclesiastes 12:5-7 and Matthew 10:28, and 2 Corinthians 5.

In John 3, Lord Jesus was contrasting natural birth in the water of woman's womb with being born of The Spirit. Some like to argue that He was pointing to water baptism, but He wasn't, and was pointing to natural birth vs. born from above by The Spirit. The "born again" phrase actually means 'born from above' in the Greek text.

John 3:5-6
5 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.
KJV

Verse 6 defines the subject of verse 5. Being born of the flesh is about our natural birth in water. But being born of The Spirit is about spiritual birth to our 'spirit' inside our flesh, by The Holy Spirit. Thus Jesus points out two separate operations there, flesh vs. Spirit.

 

[DJT_47]

Yes, that's how some teach and I agree that one should be baptized "just in case" because it is a scriptural mandate. LOL As for baptism, compare to what John said about He who comes after me (how would he baptize?). Note that in order to be baptized, saving faith must already be present or else it's just a water show.

Saving Faith must be acted upon in order fir it to save. If you have such faith as did the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, you'll do what he did by being obedient. He confessed his belief and was baptized. And the comment that John the Baptist made in Luke 3:16 was realized as confirmed in Acts 2 which also confirmed Jesus words and instructions to the apostles per Luke 24:49. That statement, being baptized with the Holy Ghost, was related to the apostles.

 

[Ritajanice]

To become Born Again by the Spirit, is a supernatural act that only God can do through the Spirit.

It’s a “Living “ Spiritual birth......mind blowing!


John 31 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council.2 He 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."3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. [1] "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!"5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit [2] gives birth to spirit.7 You should not be surprised at my saying, `You [3] must be born again.'

◄ Ezekiel 36:26 ►

Context Crossref Comm Hebrew Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. New Living Translation And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. English Standard Version And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Berean Standard Bible I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

​

◄ Romans 8:16 ►

​

Context Crossref Comment Greek Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. New Living Translation For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. English Standard Version The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, Berean Standard Bible The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Berean Literal Bible The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, King James Bible The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: New King James Version The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, New American Standard Bible The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, NASB 1995 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

 

[Johann]

Hi all,
Does "born again" mean that you simply believe in faith or simply chose to believe in faith in Jesus Christ, or does it also mean that you have to be baptized? I hope this is a simple answer. Thank you.

BORN AGAIN (from 1 Peter 1)

This is the same root (anagennaō, cf. 1 Pet. 1:23) is used in Jesus' discussion with Nicodemus in John 3:3,7,8 (gennaō). It is an aorist active participle, which speaks of a decisive act. The NT also uses other metaphors to describe our salvation:

1. "quickened" (cf. Col. 2:13; Eph. 2:4-5)

2. "new creation" (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15)

3. "partaker of Divine Nature," (cf. 2 Pet. 1:4)

4. Paul is fond of the familial metaphor "adoption" (cf. Rom. 8:23; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5), while John and Peter are fond of the familial metaphor "new birth"

Being "born again" or "born from above" is a biblical emphasis on the need for a totally new start (cf. Ezek. 36:26-27), a totally new family (cf. John 1:12-13; Rom. 5:12-21). Christianity is not a reformation or a new morality; it is a new relationship with God. This new relationship is made possible because of-

1. the Father's mercy and grace (cf. Exod. 34:6; Neh. 9:17)

2. the Son's sacrificial death (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21) and resurrection from the dead (cf. 1 Corinthians 15)

3. the work of the Spirit (cf. John 3:6; 6:44,65; 1 Pet. 1:2)

Joh 3:5 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.
Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Joh 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
Joh 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

It is the Spirit that-

ζωοποιοῦν
Transliteration: zōopoioun
Morphology: V-PPA-ANS
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's no.: G2227 (ζῳοποιέω)
Meaning: To make that which was dead to live, cause to live, quicken.



Joh_6:44 one G3762 can G1410 (G5736) come G2064 (G5629) to G4314 Me G3165 unless G3362 Father G3962 who G3588 sent G3992 (G5660) Me G3165 draws G1670 (G5661) him G846 and G2532 I G1473 raise G450 him G846 up G450 (G5692) last G2078 day G2250

'Be not either startled or stumbled at these sayings; because it needs divine teaching to understand them, divine drawing to submit to them.'

But I don't want to complicate things here @thelord's_pearl
Johann.