What does born again mean ? (Moved from CA)

**danm** · Jul 15th 2009, 10:31 PM

Hi All,
I understand that born again refers to a spiritual and metaphorical rebirth, accepting Jesus as the Messiah and receiving the Holy Spirit. In John 3:3 it is stated that Jesus said "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again".
I've always been a believer for as long as I can remember and was brought up within a Christian family and attended a Christian school, so I don't think I've been born again.
Does that mean I will not enter the Kingdom of God ?

DanM.

**BroRog** · Jul 16th 2009, 12:21 AM

Originally Posted by danm

Hi All,
I understand that born again refers to a spiritual and metaphorical rebirth, accepting Jesus as the Messiah and receiving the Holy Spirit. In John 3:3 it is stated that Jesus said "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again".
I've always been a believer for as long as I can remember and was brought up within a Christian family and attended a Christian school, so I don't think I've been born again.
Does that mean I will not enter the Kingdom of God ?

DanM.

Being born again, or born from above is not something we can control or do for ourselves. Has your faith been tested?

**Twin2** · Jul 16th 2009, 03:38 AM

I believe that each and every person is presented the Gospel. Then at some point, must decide to accept or reject the gospel -- decide how you will live.

Being raised as a Christian, it is a way of life for you to live for the Lord. You may have very well been born again, but since you are questioning this, I would say if you are not sure if you have ever been born again, I would suggest you pray a sinner's prayer and ask Jesus into your heart. That could be your declaration that you have accepted Christ as your Savior and you intend to live for him, just as your parents have raised you to do. Better to have a peace of mind than doubt.

***The Mighty Sword*** · Jul 16th 2009, 03:40 AM

What does born again mean ?

Dying to yourself.
Surrendering to GOD.
Living a Christ like life.

***watchinginawe*** · Jul 16th 2009, 05:39 AM

Originally Posted by danm

...I don't think I've been born again.
Does that mean I will not enter the Kingdom of God ?

dan, the scripture you quoted is pretty plain. There are some interpretations of the passage which makes the "born again" event resurrection (quickening by the Spirit), but I have never found that to be very convincing scripturally and it doesn't bear witness with my testimony.

I'm not sure if you are stating that you simply don't have a memory of being "born again" or if you have doubts that you are a true believer. Do you have a memory of your natural birth? Do you doubt that you are a real person?

You testify that you believe Jesus Christ is the resurrected Son of God. Are you all right with all aspects of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour? If so, have you been water baptized by immersion with your confession of belief? I'm just trying to ascertain where you are with your faith.

God Bless!

**danm** · Jul 16th 2009, 09:13 AM

Thanks to all for your replies.
I can't say I've ever been tested as for as long as I can remember I've always had faith in our Lord Jesus and have always felt him by my side .
I don't think I need to pray a sinners prayer for that reason as I've always had Jesus in my heart for as long as I can remember, I have no doubt what so ever.
I was baptised as a baby and confirmed when I was at junior school.

God bless.
DanM.

***watchinginawe*** · Jul 16th 2009, 10:58 AM

Dan, why not consider being baptised now to affirm your faith? Read the scriptures and see if infant baptism is taught. I think baptism would be a great way for you to connect with your faith. This can be a tricky subject for reasons not always apparent, but baptism is scriptural and I think you would be blessed to submit to it.

Here is a passage to consider about our Spiritual birth. I could offer dozens, but if this is you, then you are "born again" unto a new "Daddy". A little long but it would be good to offer it all instead of trying to excise just what I want you to see. I have bolded some for emphasis:

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Compare verse 5 to this from John 3 where Jesus speaks of being "born again":

John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

If you are a child of God then you are "born again". We are "born again" when we believe in our heart that Jesus is the resurrected Son of God who died on our behalf and is our Lord and Saviour.

God Bless!

***TEITZY*** · Jul 16th 2009, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by danm

Thanks to all for your replies.
I can't say I've ever been tested as for as long as I can remember I've always had faith in our Lord Jesus and have always felt him by my side .
I don't think I need to pray a sinners prayer for that reason as I've always had Jesus in my heart for as long as I can remember, I have no doubt what so ever.
I was baptised as a baby and confirmed when I was at junior school.

God bless.
DanM.

From what you have told us, I think your assurance or trust lies in your spiritual heritage, baptism, confirmation etc., rather than in Christ alone.

Perhaps you can relate to Nicodemus? He thought he was saved, he thought he was part of God's kingdom, but Jesus looked him in the eye and in essence said, "Nicodemus, you need to start over afresh (be born again)". Nicodemus had a great spiritual heritage (he was Jew and a Pharisee no less). He knew the Scrptures (Jesus referred to Him as "the teacher of Israel"). He kept the law, observed the feasts and offered the ritual sacrifices that God required. If anyone was fit for the kingdom of God Nicodemus was. But Jesus told him he needed to be "born again" or born from above to become a true 'child' of God (see John 1:12-13).

You certainly don't need to say a 'sinner's prayer' to be saved but you do need to acknowledge that YOU are a sinner who needs to be saved from God's wrath. Furthermore you need come to the reaslization that nothing you can do can save you, but only what Christ has done on your behalf. If you don't know that you have been "born again" by the Spirit of God, then more than likely you haven't, and are therefore still lost in your sin.

Being born again is not about feelings, it's a radical change (180 degrees) in our thoughts and behaviour facilitated by the Spirit of God dwelling personally in our hearts.

I'm sure when Nicodemus came to Jesus he wanted to ask Him, "Rabbi, how do I enter the kingdom of God" or "How do I inherit eternal life". Jesus answered his question before he could even get it out.

So may I ask you a question? How do you get to heaven?

Cheers
Leigh

**danm** · Jul 16th 2009, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by TEITZY

From what you have told us, I think your assurance or trust lies in your spiritual heritage, baptism, confirmation etc., rather than in Christ alone.

Perhaps you can relate to Nicodemus? He thought he was saved, he thought he was part of God's kingdom, but Jesus looked him in the eye and in essence said, "Nicodemus, you need to start over afresh (be born again)". Nicodemus had a great spiritual heritage (he was Jew and a Pharisee no less). He knew the Scrptures (Jesus referred to Him as "the teacher of Israel"). He kept the law, observed the feasts and offered the ritual sacrifices that God required. If anyone was fit for the kingdom of God Nicodemus was. But Jesus told him he needed to be "born again" or born from above to become a true 'child' of God (see John 1:12-13).

You certainly don't need to say a 'sinner's prayer' to be saved but you do need to acknowledge that YOU are a sinner who needs to be saved from God's wrath. Furthermore you need come to the reaslization that nothing you can do can save you, but only what Christ has done on your behalf. If you don't know that you have been "born again" by the Spirit of God, then more than likely you haven't, and are therefore still lost in your sin.

Being born again is not about feelings, it's a radical change (180 degrees) in our thoughts and behaviour facilitated by the Spirit of God dwelling personally in our hearts.

I'm sure when Nicodemus came to Jesus he wanted to ask Him, "Rabbi, how do I enter the kingdom of God" or "How do I inherit eternal life". Jesus answered his question before he could even get it out.

So may I ask you a question? How do you get to heaven?

Cheers
Leigh

I understand what you're saying Leigh about Nicodemus but I CAN and always have personally related to Jesus as my Saviour. If I did a 180 degree turn it would be moving away from Jesus as my Saviour and converting to Judaism or something if you see what I mean.
I pray each morning and night and always admit my sins to God.

God bless.
DanM.

**danm** · Jul 16th 2009, 01:08 PM

Thanks watchinginawe for kindly taking the time to post that lengthy but helpful reply.I agree entirely with it's contents.
You say "why not consider being baptised now to affirm your faith?"
I consider I do this when I take Holy Communion at Eucharist.
I've always considered this as affirmation of my love and faith in Jesus but I 'spose it could also be considered as being born again.

What do you reckon ?

God bless.
DanM.

**Matt14** · Jul 16th 2009, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by danm

Hi All,
I understand that born again refers to a spiritual and metaphorical rebirth, accepting Jesus as the Messiah and receiving the Holy Spirit. In John 3:3 it is stated that Jesus said "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again".
I've always been a believer for as long as I can remember and was brought up within a Christian family and attended a Christian school, so I don't think I've been born again.
Does that mean I will not enter the Kingdom of God ?

DanM.

Dan, perhaps this article will have some helpful info for you.

http://www.christiancourier.com/arti...nd-composition

May God bless you in all things,

Matt

**waslostnowfound** · Jul 16th 2009, 01:57 PM

Hi Dan!

I am a firm believer that baptism is representative of Christ being resurrected. He died on the cross and was raised and received a new glorified body. In Romans chapter 6 verses 4 and 5 Paul says:

"Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection"

The chapter goes on to say living in Christ we should no longer be slaves to sin.

I think it is unnecessary to doubt your baptism. It sounds like you believe in Christ and trust in Him. That is It! No more than that!

Remember that baptism is a work of God and not of man!

I have no doubt that you are already born again. Satan wants us to continually doubt our salvation and to undermine th power of God.

Trust in God that he will finish the good work He has started in you in His own time!

God Bless you!!!!

Craig

**waslostnowfound** · Jul 16th 2009, 02:10 PM

Me again Dan!

Forgot to add that Christ was only crucified and died once.

Likewise, you only need to be reborn once. We are being transformed daily and will not be perfected in this lifetime. The fact that you are concerned and want to keep learning ( my own wretched self included ) is a testament to the fact that you are being led by the Holy Spirit inside of you!

Craig

***jesuslover1968*** · Jul 16th 2009, 02:12 PM

1 John is a good place to start. Paul told us to test ourselves...2 Corinthians. 1 John tells us how we do that.
You do seem to be questioning your salvation. Growing up a "Christian" and going to "Christian" schools and even going to a "Christian" Church does not necessarily mean you are really a true born again Christian.
(John 3:3-8)

***RollTide21*** · Jul 16th 2009, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by danm

Thanks watchinginawe for kindly taking the time to post that lengthy but helpful reply.I agree entirely with it's contents.
You say "why not consider being baptised now to affirm your faith?"
I consider I do this when I take Holy Communion at Eucharist.
I've always considered this as affirmation of my love and faith in Jesus but I 'spose it could also be considered as being born again.

What do you reckon ?

God bless.
DanM.

"Born again" simply means that you have decided to put your faith and trust in Christ as the Messiah and the pathway to God and Heaven. If throughout your life you have honestly prayed and meditated on God while calling on Christ as your Savior, then I would definitely say you are born again. Perhaps there wasn't a sudden conversion experience that was hugely overwhelming as it happens for some.

You should only question this if you do not feel convicted to live according to Scripture. If a person is truly "born again", or "saved", or whatever you want to call it, that person will not be ABLE to comfortably live as one who has not had this experience. The Holy Spirit will always tug at you to act in the manner that Christ would have you act.

Taking Communion would be more of a renewal of the Spirit, I'd say. Being "born again" is a one time deal.