Is it prideful or arrogant to claim to be "born again"?

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NotTheRock

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Does that bother you?

If it does, my advice would be to just trust God. What else CAN you do anyways?

No, it doesn't bother me in the slightest. I fully believe that when I die I will go straight to Heaven.

People ask if I've felt a change, etc. Well, I've ALWAYS believed in Jesus, from as early as I can remember. Maybe I've been "born again" all this time? I don't know and I don't dwell on it. I have a great relationship with Jesus and when I die I will go be with him, or so I believe.
 

NotTheRock

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Never in all of Acts, which is the only book in the NT which presents the actual occurrence of someone being saved, to the question, "What must I do to be saved?", is the answer, "Nothing really. If you feel you have been saved, then you are saved".
Jesus said if we love him we will obey his commandments. I try to obey them. I try to refrain from sin and do what is pleasing to our Heavenly Father. I know I fall short and I often feel contrite, but I am trying. Also, I believe that there is a difference between struggling with sin and reveling in sin.
 

Ritajanice

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No, it doesn't bother me in the slightest. I fully believe that when I die I will go straight to Heaven.

People ask if I've felt a change, etc. Well, I've ALWAYS believed in Jesus, from as early as I can remember. Maybe I've been "born again" all this time? I don't know and I don't dwell on it. I have a great relationship with Jesus and when I die I will go be with him, or so I believe.
Lovely testimony, thank you....just be careful of that enemy, he doesn’t want you to know that you are Born Again.

At the beginning of my walk with God, he told me it was all in my head and emotions..that I wasn’t Born Again..you just keep focused on Jesus...my friend.
 

NotTheRock

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Well...no, but it would seem that you in fact are not born again, and therefore your response. I am not judging or criticising...

If I'm not then it is because God is allowing me to remain as I am for an additional period of time for my edification that will eventually result in my becoming closer to him.

Many Christians are "infernalists" and believe that God's plan is to punish a portion of his creation into perpetuity. Of course, I disagree with that theology.

I believe that God permits all to be lost from him, to one extent or another, for a period of time. However, before the culmination of the ages, ALL will be "born again" (even Satan) and will thereafter live with God in his new Kingdom.

So whether I am "born again" now or at some point in the future is immaterial to me. I trust God and his plan and that I and every other thing that ever lived will be in his Kingdom.
 
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Ronald David Bruno

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Yes, thank you.
Yes to which expereience? What's familiar? A simple yes to the vast array of the experiential qualities of a Christian's path to God is to me dismissive, an evasion tactic. I don't mean to push you up against a wall. You should be proud of your testimony - if you actually have one? I have never met a Christian who wasn't willing to share their path towards that Divine appointment. Some don't quite recall any specific moments and just claim they were brought up in Church and can't remember a time when they did not believe - the fortunate souls of godly parents. Anyways, I offered my time, trying to help you and you dismissed it. That is to me a "no thanks, not interested ... you aren't worth my time ... or much of what I said is unfamiliar to you and you don't want to feel inadequate to admit it ... be left out, so you just say yes. Maybe now you are more uncertain?
You said,
Anyway, I believe that I am "born again" but I don't KNOW that I am and even if I did, I would NOT exclaim "I'm born again!". It just seems self-serving to me.
If you have had the experience of being born again (which I summarized as not just my experience, but countless others who have expressed the same), then you would absolutely have no doubts about it.
No need to answer, that would require more than one word - wouldn't want to inconvenience you. As for me, I will consider myself dismissed.
 

MatthewG

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To the Reader,

From what I recently learned no one can capture the spirit, the spirit of God is like the wind. Its essence can not be captured or controlled. It moves people to love and to live in a way that is not of the world though the flesh still is inept to fail. People ask the Father in heaven to help them by the spirit however it can not be captured it moves people to love by the spiritual means, you could also attribute it to the Spirit of Christ, as it is the Lord Yeshua on the hearts and minds of individuals who seek faithfully towards God in which they will move when lead ; not out of compulsion or out of necessity to “act or do.”

A lot to consider, for certain.
 
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ScottA

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If I'm not then it is because God is allowing me to remain as I am for an additional period of time for my edification that will eventually result in my becoming closer to him.

Many Christians are "infernalists" and believe that God's plan is to punish a portion of his creation into perpetuity. Of course, I disagree with that theology.

I believe that God permits all to be lost from him, to one extent or another, for a period of time. However, before the culmination of the ages, ALL will be "born again" (even Satan) and will thereafter live with God in his new Kingdom.

So whether I am "born again" now or at some point in the future is immaterial to me. I trust God and his plan and that I and every other thing that ever lived will be in his Kingdom.

Your beliefs are not entirely biblical. Which comes from a misunderstanding of what the world actually is. It is not a place and time to bring everyone around to salvation, but the manifestation of all that was before the world began. This is the evidence being presented before the judgement, the dividing of light and darkness and the wheat from the tares, and is thus the last will and testament of many.
 

NotTheRock

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Your beliefs are not entirely biblical.

On the contrary...

1 Timothy 4:10
English Standard Version
10 For to this end we toil and strive,[a] because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of ALL people, especially of those who believe.
 

ScottA

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On the contrary...

1 Timothy 4:10
English Standard Version
10 For to this end we toil and strive,[a] because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of ALL people, especially of those who believe.

You can cherry-pick a verse that seems to support your own beliefs and desires all you want--but that doesn't make it biblical, not if your understanding of it doesn't reconcile with the rest of scripture. And your stated understanding does not reconcile.
 

NotTheRock

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You can cherry-pick a verse that seems to support your own beliefs and desires all you want--but that doesn't make it biblical, not if your understanding of it doesn't reconcile with the rest of scripture. And your stated understanding does not reconcile.

I can provide more scriptures but there is no point since you reject scriptures that contradict your infernalist theology.
 

ElectedbyHim

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Biblical Signs of Salvation

This list is not complete and no particular order.

  1. Conviction of sin: The Holy Spirit convicts believers of their sinfulness, leading to repentance (John 16:8-11, Romans 8:16). A lack of conviction regarding sin may indicate an absence of salvation.
  2. Genuine repentance: True repentance involves recognizing one’s sinful nature, feeling remorse, and turning away from sinful behavior (Luke 13:3). Without repentance, there can be no true salvation.
  3. Faith in Jesus Christ: Believing in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior is fundamental to the Christian faith (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). Those who reject Jesus will not see life and will face God’s wrath (John 3:36).
  4. Union with Christ: Believers are united with Christ through faith, and this union is the basis of their salvation (Romans 6:5-11, Ephesians 2:5-10).
  5. Fruit of the Spirit: Genuine believers will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and self-control, as they are led by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
  6. Obedience to God’s Word: Believers will seek to obey God’s commands and live according to His Word, demonstrating their love for Him (John 14:15, 1 John 2:3-6).
  7. Assurance of salvation: Believers will experience the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, providing assurance of their adoption as children of God (Romans 8:16, 1 John 5:10-13).
  8. Growing in holiness: Believers will strive to live a life pleasing to God, demonstrating their desire to be conformed to Christ’s image (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18).
  9. Love for God and others: Genuine believers will demonstrate love for God and their neighbors, as exemplified by Jesus’ teachings (Matthew 22:37-39, 1 John 4:7-12).
  10. No reliance on works: Believers will not rely on their own works or efforts for salvation, but will recognize that salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:20-28).
  11. Thirst and Hunger for God’s Word (Psalm 119:97-104, 1 Timothy 4:13): A saved person will have a hunger to read and study the Bible, and a desire to apply its teachings to their life.
  12. Prayer and intercession (Philippians 4:6, Ephesians 6:18): A true believer will pray regularly, seeking God’s guidance, wisdom, and provision, and will intercede for others.
  13. Fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47): A saved person will desire to gather with other believers, sharing life, encouragement, and spiritual growth.
  14. Peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17, Galatians 5:22): A true believer will experience a deep sense of peace and joy, even in the midst of trials and challenges, as they walk in the Spirit.
  15. No longer living in sin (1 John 3:9, 5:18): A saved person will no longer continue in a lifestyle of sin but will strive to live according to God’s standards.
  16. Wanting to give God glory in all we do. ( 1 Corinthians 10:31)
  17. HATRED OF SIN
 
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NotTheRock

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Biblical Signs of Salvation

This list is not complete and no particular order.

  1. Conviction of sin: The Holy Spirit convicts believers of their sinfulness, leading to repentance (John 16:8-11, Romans 8:16). A lack of conviction regarding sin may indicate an absence of salvation.
  2. Genuine repentance: True repentance involves recognizing one’s sinful nature, feeling remorse, and turning away from sinful behavior (Luke 13:3). Without repentance, there can be no true salvation.
  3. Faith in Jesus Christ: Believing in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior is fundamental to the Christian faith (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). Those who reject Jesus will not see life and will face God’s wrath (John 3:36).
  4. Union with Christ: Believers are united with Christ through faith, and this union is the basis of their salvation (Romans 6:5-11, Ephesians 2:5-10).
  5. Fruit of the Spirit: Genuine believers will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and self-control, as they are led by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
  6. Obedience to God’s Word: Believers will seek to obey God’s commands and live according to His Word, demonstrating their love for Him (John 14:15, 1 John 2:3-6).
  7. Assurance of salvation: Believers will experience the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, providing assurance of their adoption as children of God (Romans 8:16, 1 John 5:10-13).
  8. Growing in holiness: Believers will strive to live a life pleasing to God, demonstrating their desire to be conformed to Christ’s image (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18).
  9. Love for God and others: Genuine believers will demonstrate love for God and their neighbors, as exemplified by Jesus’ teachings (Matthew 22:37-39, 1 John 4:7-12).
  10. No reliance on works: Believers will not rely on their own works or efforts for salvation, but will recognize that salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:20-28).
  11. Thirst and Hunger for God’s Word (Psalm 119:97-104, 1 Timothy 4:13): A saved person will have a hunger to read and study the Bible, and a desire to apply its teachings to their life.
  12. Prayer and intercession (Philippians 4:6, Ephesians 6:18): A true believer will pray regularly, seeking God’s guidance, wisdom, and provision, and will intercede for others.
  13. Fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47): A saved person will desire to gather with other believers, sharing life, encouragement, and spiritual growth.
  14. Peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17, Galatians 5:22): A true believer will experience a deep sense of peace and joy, even in the midst of trials and challenges, as they walk in the Spirit.
  15. No longer living in sin (1 John 3:9, 5:18): A saved person will no longer continue in a lifestyle of sin but will strive to live according to God’s standards.
  16. Wanting to give God glory in all we do. ( 1 Corinthians 10:31)
  17. HATRED OF SIN

Excellent! Thank you!
 

Bob Estey

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Being born again is something we are called to pursue but it's something that happens to us, not something that we can do for ourselves, right?

Anyway, I believe that I am "born again" but I don't KNOW that I am and even if I did, I would NOT exclaim "I'm born again!". It just seems self-serving to me.

Am I wrong to feel that way?
We walk by faith. If one believes they are born again, then maybe they are. It doesn't seem prideful to me to say so. Being born again doesn't mean we are perfect, I don't think.
 
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Ronald David Bruno

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However, before the culmination of the ages, ALL will be "born again" (even Satan) and will thereafter live with God in his new Kingdom
And there it is, Universalism! That is a nice thought, everyone gets saved, even Satan. But that is not what the Bible says.
>>> Educate yourslef!<<<

Mark 3:29
But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—

Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

2 Thessalonians 1:9
They will suffer the punishment of age-during destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,

Matthew 25:41
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the age-during fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Matthew 25:46
And these will go away into "age-during" punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Romans 9:22
What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,

Matthew 23:33
You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell (Lake of Fire)?

Revelation 20:14-15
Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Jude 1:7
Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of age-during fire.

Revelation 21:8
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

2 Peter 2:3
And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

John 5:29
And come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

Revelation 14:11
And the smoke of their torment goes up for ages and ages, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”

Matthew 13:50
And throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

John 3:18
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

2 Peter 3:7
But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

2 Peter 2:4 & 6
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into torturus and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; ...if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;

Matthew 13:49-50
So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

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

Luke 16:23
And in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.

Revelation 20:11-15
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

John 5:24
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

2 Peter 2:1
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.

Hebrews 10:27
But a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
In flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of "age lasting" ( or age- during) destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,

John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

We must realize what death means. We cannot think that spiritual death is any different than physical death, which is the end of the physical being. Destruction means to put an end to. We know what fire is, it destroys. As any physical life form is destroyed in fire, so will souls be spiritually destroyed in this Lake of Fire.
>>>It is an event that happens when the first heaven and first earth are also destroyed! ( 2 Peter 3:10)
 

NotTheRock

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But that is not what the Bible says.
>>> Educate yourslef!<<<

Mark 3:29
But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—

That translation is erroneous.

Mark 3:29 CLNT
yet whoever should be blaspheming against the holy spirit is having no pardon for the eon, but is liable to the eonian penalty for the sin"
 

NotTheRock

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As any physical life form is destroyed in fire, so will souls be spiritually destroyed in this Lake of Fire.

The Lake of Fire ultimately saves. That's how we get to "the living God is the Savior of ALL men", "EVERY tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord", etc.

The LOF can be described as punitive but it actually chastens. It purifies for the purpose of restoration. What is "destroyed" is the old self, NOT the soul.
 
J

Johann

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Being born again is something we are called to pursue but it's something that happens to us, not something that we can do for ourselves, right?

Anyway, I believe that I am "born again" but I don't KNOW that I am and even if I did, I would NOT exclaim "I'm born again!". It just seems self-serving to me.

Am I wrong to feel that way?
Absolutely not @NotTheRock.

Keep the faith!

Johann.