What does "born again" mean?

[liafailrock]

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.

Yes, that's my point exactly. I'm not sure how someone can have faith and then not make the effort at some point to do a simple command. Now, let's all hold that thought when the subject of the Law comes up that morally we are also obligated to keep that - not for salvation, but the Law defines righteousness by actions, which the Israelites did not seek in faith, but as of a debt that God owed them for keeping it. Thus, the same power and obedience for baptism is the same power for works. Thus we act on that. One does not know how much flack we can get for supposedly preaching "works salvation" just because one wants to follow the 10 commandments as obedience that shows their faith.

 

[Bob Estey]

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.

Being born again has never been discussed much in any churches I've attended. I guess, then, I can tell you what I think, rather than what other people think.

When I was twenty, the Lord came into my life. I decided to follow him. (That does not mean to suggest that I have always done a good job of that.) To me, that is what it means to be reborn.

 

[thelord's_pearl]

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 3 ......... "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.'

...........

​

I found out one truth in Ritajanice's post in the quote above, that "born again" includes being baptized (born of water), and the Spirit part I'm not clear. I'm not clear if it means the Holy Spirit which I think in Scripture it says that you get that after baptism, or that after or during 'repentance' God gives you His Spirit, or that God gives you His Spirit all of a sudden one day. it seems like for some people, God gave His Spirit, the Holy Spirit first, all of a sudden one day and that's where your faith comes from, and other people can get it after they got baptized where they have to choose to have faith in Jesus first, or when they've made the decision to repent and are repenting. No one can have true faith in Jesus until God gives you His Spirit at some point, whether in the beginning at first or afterwards. Can someone make what I just said over here more clear? Thanks!

 

[Johann]

I found out one truth in Ritajanice's post in the quote above, that "born again" includes being baptized (born of water), and the Spirit part I'm not clear. I'm not clear if it means the Holy Spirit which I think in Scripture it says that you get that after baptism, or that after or during 'repentance' God gives you His Spirit, or that God gives you His Spirit all of a sudden one day. it seems like for some people, God gave His Spirit, the Holy Spirit first, all of a sudden one day and that's where your faith comes from, and other people can get it after they got baptized where they have to choose to have faith in Jesus first, or when they've made the decision to repent and are repenting. No one can have true faith in Jesus until God gives you His Spirit at some point, whether in the beginning at first or afterwards. Can someone make what I just said over here more clear? Thanks!

Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.


Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.


Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Johann.

 

[thelord's_pearl]

@Ritajanice, is it right that God birthed His Spirit, the Holy Spirit in you first and then after that, you believed in Jesus?
@Taken, is this true for you too? Or did you guys study and read the Bible first and start repenting or got baptized?
I just want to be more clear and not confused. Thanks.

 

[Ritajanice]

@Ritajanice, is it right that God birthed His Spirit, the Holy Spirit in you first and then after that, you believed in Jesus?
@Taken, is this true for you too? Or did you guys study and read the Bible first and start repenting or got baptized?
I just want to be more clear and not confused. Thanks.

My belief is....God drew me to Jesus, he even brought me to Believe in JESUS....JESUS must come first, believing in Gods Son....then I was birthed in the Spirit....which is a supernatural act that only God can do...
Of course there is the Godly sorrow/ repenting that comes before being birthed in the Spirit.....as you know we all have our testimonies and personal experiences...so I guess, everyone is different.....
We can only come to the Father through the Son, JESUS.....Praise His Holy Name.

My belief and opinion.

 

[Taken]

@Ritajanice, is it right that God birthed His Spirit, the Holy Spirit in you first and then after that, you believed in Jesus?
@Taken, is this true for you too? Or did you guys study and read the Bible first and start repenting or got baptized?
I just want to be more clear and not confused. Thanks.

Hi~ I do not remember Not believing in God or In Christ Jesus. I was Not raised going to a Church. Over the years I tried different Churches, frankly didn’t care for them.
As far as my beliefs, they are all Bible based.

I Believe God is an eternal almighty Spirit, Creator and Maker of all things and invisible to human eyes.
I Believe Gods “WORD” Gods “SPIRIT” can and does come forth out from God, WHILE remaining IN God.
I Believe Gods “WORD” God specifically called by the name “JESUS”.
I Believe Gods “SPIRIT” God specifically called by the title “CHRIST”.
I Believe a human “understands” a BIRTH is something ALIVE that comes forth out from something ALIVE..
I Believe a human Can “relate” to the “understanding” that Gods WORD and Gods SPIRIT came forth out from God, and “parallels” a birth the idea of a Birth of something ALIVE coming forth out from something ALIVE, yet is never separated (like a human) of one from the other.
And to add, God sends His WORD and His SPIRIT to whom it pleases Him.

Did that answer your inquiry?

Glory to God,
Taken

 

[thelord's_pearl]

My belief is....God drew me to Jesus, he even brought me to Believe in JESUS....JESUS must come first, believing in Gods Son....then I was birthed in the Spirit....which is a supernatural act that only God can do...
Of course there is the Godly sorrow/ repenting that comes before being birthed in the Spirit.....as you know we all have our testimonies and personal experiences...so I guess, everyone is different.....
We can only come to the Father through the Son, JESUS.....Praise His Holy Name.

My belief and opinion.

Oh so you read the bible first and then believed in Jesus, and then did you get baptized too and then started repenting and then God birthed His Spirit in you, is that right? Thank you.

 

[thelord's_pearl]

Hi~ I do not remember Not believing in God or In Christ Jesus. I was Not raised going to a Church. Over the years I tried different Churches, frankly didn’t care for them.
As far as my beliefs, they are all Bible based.

I Believe God is an eternal almighty Spirit, Creator and Maker of all things and invisible to human eyes.
I Believe Gods “WORD” Gods “SPIRIT” can and does come forth out from God, WHILE remaining IN God.
I Believe Gods “WORD” God specifically called by the name “JESUS”.
I Believe Gods “SPIRIT” God specifically called by the title “CHRIST”.
I Believe a human “understands” a BIRTH is something ALIVE that comes forth out from something ALIVE..
I Believe a human Can “relate” to the “understanding” that Gods WORD and Gods SPIRIT came forth out from God, and “parallels” a birth the idea of a Birth of something ALIVE coming forth out from something ALIVE, yet is never separated (like a human) of one from the other.
And to add, God sends His WORD and His SPIRIT to whom it pleases Him.

Did that answer your inquiry?

Glory to God,
Taken

Ok so you read the bible first and then believed in Jesus and then after that God birthed His Spirit in you, is that right? If neither of you say that God birthed His Spirit in you 1st! Then that sounds right.

I might sound annoying now but why does it say "repent first" and then 'be baptized'. I was told that after "baptism" is what gives you the Holy Spirit so you should start repenting after you receive the Holy Spirit to guide you. I am probably making others confused too. Sorry.

 

[Ritajanice]

Oh so you read the bible first and then believed in Jesus, and then did you get baptized too and then started repenting and then God birthed His Spirit in you, is that right? Thank you.

John 3:8​

​

New International Version​

​

​

8 The 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.”[a]



It’s an Amazing/ mind blowing act of God....it can’t be explained...but imo/ belief...one knows 100% if they have been birthed in the Spirit....it’s a living spiritual birth, which only the Holy Spirit can open up the heart/ spirit to receive his “ LIVING “ word....he testifies with our spirit that we are his child....as I’ve already explained, no one knows how he does it......remember we are talking ALMIGHTY GOD here, not joe bloggs down the street, lol.....this is my own testimony and belief...I have also explained there was much more to being birthed in the Spirit before hand.....very long story how God drew me to Jesus...Godly sorrow/ repentance......it was just between God and myself.....never forget it as long as I live, it was mind blowing, hearing and receiving the Holy Spirit into my heart/ spirit..........his “ Living “ word is....

1 Peter 1:22-24​

​

New Life Version​

​

​

The Living Word​

22 You have made your souls pure by obeying the truth through the Holy Spirit. This has given you a true love for the Christians. Let it be a true love from the heart. 23 You have been given a new birth. It was from a seed that cannot die. This new life is from the Word of God which lives forever. 24 All people are like grass. Their greatness is like the flowers. The grass dries up and the flowers fall off.

 

[BarneyFife]

Belief/faith
Confession of belief
Repentance
Baptism (immersion in water)

The above are all necessary

The question is:

Are all things that are necessary also part of being born again?

 

[Johann]

Ok so you read the bible first and then believed in Jesus and then after that God birthed His Spirit in you, is that right? If neither of you say that God birthed His Spirit in you 1st! Then that sounds right. it says "Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the Name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit." I might sound annoying now but why does it say "repent first" and then 'be baptized'. I was told that after "baptism" is what gives you the Holy Spirit so you should start repenting after you receive the Holy Spirit to guide you. I am probably making others confused too. Sorry.

Many here are excluding water baptism @thelord's_pearl

BAPTISM

I. Baptism in the Jewish life

A. Baptism was a common rite among Jews of the first and second century.

1. preparation for worship at the temple (i.e., cleansing rite)

2. the self baptism of proselytes

If someone from a Gentile background were to become a full child of Israel, he had to accomplish three tasks:

a. circumcision, if male

b. self-baptism by immersion, in the presence of three witnesses

c. sacrifice in the Temple

3. an act of purification (cf. Leviticus 15)

In sectarian groups of first century Palestine, such as the Essenes, baptism was apparently a common, repeated experience. However, to mainline Judaism, John’s baptism of repentance would have been humiliating for a natural child of Abraham to undergo a Gentile acceptance ritual.

B. Some OT precedents can be cited for ceremonial washing.

1. as a symbol of spiritual cleansing (cf. Isa. 1:16)

2. as a regular ritual performed by the priests (cf. Exodus 19:10; Leviticus 16)

It should be noted that all other baptisms in first century Jewish culture were self-administered. Only John the Baptist's call for baptism involved him as an evaluator (cf. Matt. 3:7-12) and administrator of this act of repentance (cf. Matt. 3:6).



II. Baptism in the Church

A. Theological Purposes

1. forgiveness of sin – Acts 2:38; 22:16

2. reception of Holy Spirit – Acts 2:38 (Acts 10:44-48)

3. union with Christ – Gal. 3:26-27

4. membership in church – 1 Cor. 12:13

5. symbol of a spiritual turning – 1 Pet. 3:20-21

6. symbol of a spiritual death and resurrection – Rom. 6:1-5

B. Baptism was the early church’s opportunity for a person’s public profession (or confession). It was/is not the mechanism for salvation, but the occasion of the verbal affirmation of faith (i.e., probably, "Jesus is Lord"). Remember the early church had no buildings and met in homes or often in secret places because of persecution.

C. Many commentators have asserted that 1 Peter is a baptismal sermon. Although this is possible, it is not the only option. It is true that Peter often uses baptism as a crucial act of faith (cf. Acts 2:38,41;10:47). However, it was/is not a sacramental event, but a faith event, symbolizing death, burial, and resurrection as the believer identifies with Christ’s own experience (cf. Rom. 6:7-9; Col. 2:12). The act is symbolic, not sacramental; the act is the occasion of profession, not the mechanism of salvation.

III. Baptism and Repentance in Acts 2:38

Curtis Vaughan, Acts has an interesting footnote on p. 28 related to Acts 2:38.

"The Greek word for ‘baptized’ is a third person imperative; the word for ‘repent,’ a second person imperative. This change from the more direct second person command to the less direct third person of ‘baptized’ implies that Peter’s basic primary demand is for repentance."



This follows the preaching emphasis of John the Baptist (cf. Matt. 3:2) and Jesus (cf. Matt. 4:17). Repentance seems to be a spiritual key and baptism is an outward expression of this spiritual change. The New Testament knew nothing of unbaptized believers!

To the early church baptism was the public profession of faith. It is the occasion for the public confession of faith in Christ, not the mechanism for salvation! It needs to be remembered that baptism is not mentioned in Peter’s second sermon, though repentance is (cf. Acts 3:19; Luke 24:17). Baptism was an example set by Jesus (cf. Matt. 3:13-18). Baptism was commanded by Jesus (cf. Matt. 28:19). The modern question of the necessity of baptism for salvation is not addressed in the New Testament; all believers are expected to be baptized. However, one must also guard against a sacramental mechanicalism! Salvation is a faith issue, not a right-place, right-words, right-ritual act issue!



Shalom
Johann.

 

[Taken]

Ok so you read the bible first and then believed in Jesus and then after that God birthed His Spirit in you, is that right? If neither of you say that God birthed His Spirit in you 1st! Then that sounds right. it says "Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the Name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit." I might sound annoying now but why does it say "repent first" and then 'be baptized'. I was told that after "baptism" is what gives you the Holy Spirit so you should start repenting after you receive the Holy Spirit to guide you. I am probably making others confused too. Sorry.

Hi. To further clarify…
I do not “remember” ever Not believing.
(Yet I KNOW we are Naturally born of a mans seed, and are NOT Naturally born Believing.)

While I “BELIEVED” growing up, I did not “KNOW” the Lord God. IOW- I prayed, I trusted….yet did not “KNOW” Him, as having a one on one PERSONAL relationship with Him.

Since we live IN the world, we hear, we consider, we follow, and all TOO QUICKLY we adopt what we are TOLD to believe, do, by whom we naturally TRUST or by “implication” told to Trust.
The TRUST begins with Parents, and quickly transitions, (by implication and circumstances) to TRUST, caretakers, babysitters, teachers, authority figures, elders, etc. (Personally, “my trust” to believe in God/Christ Jesus, was fostered by, through, of my Mother, who Believed, Spoke of and “I” trusted her.)

Point is; Believing, Doing, Trusting what “everyone” else seemed to be “doing” and “acceptable to the WORLD”, became an intense focus of long term discussions in our household…(my spouse, children).
The discussions turned to a PLAN, and the PLAN was three-fold.
* re-examining and focusing on Learning HOW TO Learn.
* Absolute agreement the model and example is Christ the Lord God and His “order and way”.
* Learning “ABOUT” Him, to obtain the goal of “KNOWING” Him.
( IOW, we settled collectively as a household family…that that IS the JOURNEY of a natural man that IS Acceptable and Pleasing TO the Creator and Maker Lord God Almighty.)

IN Short…Gods order and way, IS to FIRST Learn About Him (to which He DOES give gifts of His Blessings to an individual to “experience receipt” of His “particular blessings”. ) <—- THAT has No particular “time stamp” of how long that can continue, ie being of hours, days, years.

Individuals can freely choose to spend an hour, a day, a week, months, years….Learning ABOUT the Lord God.
“WE” decided to collectively, earnestly, aggressively, DAILY pursue the Scriptures, Multiple Bible Transliterations, Reading, Re-reading, Word searching, Cross referencing, Making notes, charts, discussing etc.
TIME SPENT…5 years, hours daily.

So, absolutely YES, our view is to Learn ABOUT the Lord God FIRST.

It was “thereafter” every family member was “confidently” prepared to establish a “PERMANENT” “one on one” “Committed” relationship “WITH” the Lord God….and did so….BY “their own testimonial WORD” of “Belief” and OF “their own WILLINGNESS that their own “Natural life be given unto DEATH FOR “Him”.

The “choice”, The “commitment” BY, OF, FOR IS (among our family), an absolution of a once and forever one on one established relationship WITH the Lord God Almighty.
He SPIRIT, “not only “WITH” each of us Forever”….BUT ALSO “IN” us, for the remainder of our individual earthly lives.

So YES, The SPIRIT of God “IN” a (committed) Natural born (of a mans seed) man, experiencing Gods Supernatural birth (of Gods Seed), (in short called Born Again, by, through, of Gods Power, Works, Offering, Conversion, Permanent Reconciliation.)

Glory to God,
Taken

 

[Johann]

Hi. To further clarify…
I do not “remember” ever Not believing.
(Yet I KNOW we are Naturally born of a mans seed, and are NOT Naturally born Believing.)

While I “BELIEVED” growing up, I did not “KNOW” the Lord God. IOW- I prayed, I trusted….yet did not “KNOW” Him, as having a one on one PERSONAL relationship with Him.

Since we live IN the world, we hear, we consider, we follow, and all TOO QUICKLY we adopt what we are TOLD to believe, do, by whom we naturally TRUST or by “implication” told to Trust.
The TRUST begins with Parents, and quickly transitions, (by implication and circumstances) to TRUST, caretakers, babysitters, teachers, authority figures, elders, etc. (Personally, “my trust” to believe in God/Christ Jesus, was fostered by, through, of my Mother, who Believed, Spoke of and “I” trusted her.)

Point is; Believing, Doing, Trusting what “everyone” else seemed to be “doing” and “acceptable to the WORLD”, became an intense focus of long term discussions in our household…(my spouse, children).
The discussions turned to a PLAN, and the PLAN was three-fold.
* re-examining and focusing on Learning HOW TO Learn.
* Absolute agreement the model and example is Christ the Lord God and His “order and way”.
* Learning “ABOUT” Him, to obtain the goal of “KNOWING” Him.
( IOW, we settled collectively as a household family…that that IS the JOURNEY of a natural man that IS Acceptable and Pleasing TO the Creator and Maker Lord God Almighty.)

IN Short…Gods order and way, IS to FIRST Learn About Him (to which He DOES give gifts of His Blessings to an individual to “experience receipt” of His “particular blessings”. ) <—- THAT has No particular “time stamp” of how long that can continue, ie being of hours, days, years.

Individuals can freely choose to spend an hour, a day, a week, months, years….Learning ABOUT the Lord God.
“WE” decided to collectively, earnestly, aggressively, DAILY pursue the Scriptures, Multiple Bible Transliterations, Reading, Re-reading, Word searching, Cross referencing, Making notes, charts, discussing etc.
TIME SPENT…5 years, hours daily.

So, absolutely YES, our view is to Learn ABOUT the Lord God FIRST.

It was “thereafter” every family member was “confidently” prepared to establish a “one on one” “Committed” relationship “WITH” the Lord God….and did so….BY “their own testimonial WORD” of “Belief” and OF “their own WILLINGNESS that their own “Natural life be given unto DEATH FOR “Him”.

The “choice”, The “commitment” BY, OF, FOR IS (among our family), an absolution of a once and forever one on one established relationship WITH the Lord God Almighty.
He SPIRIT, “not only “WITH” each of us Forever”….BUT ALSO “IN” us, for the remainder of our individual earthly lives.

So YES, The SPIRIT of God “IN” a (committed) Natural born (of a mans seed) man, experiencing Gods Supernatural birth (of Gods Seed), (in short called Born Again, by, through, of Gods Power, Works, Offering, Conversion, Permanent Reconciliation.)

Glory to God,
Taken

In other words-as you studied the Scriptures-you felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Johann

 

[DJT_47]

The question is:

Are all things that are necessary also part of being born again?

Yes. If you believe you'll obey and obedience requires confession of your belief, repentance, and baptism. Not any single item mentioned will save your soul; all are necessary. You can't be baptized until you believe. And baptism requires your prior confession of belief as well as repentance. Upon baptism, your sins are remitted, you receive the Holy Ghost, and the Lord adds you to his body which is the church. (Acts 2:38-47)

 

[thelord's_pearl]

I got the right scripture now. It says the truth is that if you repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit! So everyone gets the Holy Spirit "after" this! Then they are "born again"! once they have the Holy Spirit in them.

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.

 

[Taken]

In other words-as you studied the Scriptures-you felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Johann

I recognized my blessing were Because of the Holy Spirit “WITH” me…AND Confessed that Belief…and “TRUST” by, through, of that Confession…and Pledge of my Body (a living sacrifice) unto Him…that He IS FAITHFUL to fulfill His Word, and Never Leave me. Currently His Spirit “IN” me for the remainder of my “natural life” and “WITH” me forever.

Glory to God,
Taken

 

[thelord's_pearl]

The question is:

Are all things that are necessary also part of being born again?

Yes! it's how you become "born again".

 

[Johann]

In other words-as you studied the Scriptures-you felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Johann

The @thelord's_pearl spotted-and don't appreciate the "laughing emoji's"
Johann.

 

[thelord's_pearl]

John 3:8​

​

New International Version​

​

​

8 The 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.”[a]



It’s an Amazing/ mind blowing act of God....it can’t be explained...but imo/ belief...one knows 100% if they have been birthed in the Spirit....it’s a living spiritual birth, which only the Holy Spirit can open up the heart/ spirit to receive his “ LIVING “ word....he testifies with our spirit that we are his child....as I’ve already explained, no one knows how he does it......remember we are talking ALMIGHTY GOD here, not joe bloggs down the street, lol.....this is my own testimony and belief...I have also explained there was much more to being birthed in the Spirit before hand.....very long story how God drew me to Jesus...Godly sorrow/ repentance......it was just between God and myself.....never forget it as long as I live, it was mind blowing, hearing and receiving the Holy Spirit into my heart/ spirit..........his “ Living “ word is....

1 Peter 1:22-24​

​

New Life Version​

​

​

The Living Word​

22 You have made your souls pure by obeying the truth through the Holy Spirit. This has given you a true love for the Christians. Let it be a true love from the heart. 23 You have been given a new birth. It was from a seed that cannot die. This new life is from the Word of God which lives forever. 24 All people are like grass. Their greatness is like the flowers. The grass dries up and the flowers fall off.

View attachment 34001

Hi, you didn't answer whether you got baptized first before receiving the Holy Spirit. Thank you.