What does born again mean?

[us2are1]

The words "born again" are bantered about quite regularly in today's world, and this at a time when we see less and less power in the lives of those who profess this new birth.

Is there something missing from our understanding of what it means to be born again (born of the Spirit, born from above)?

The ingredient that is missing is "asking God for His Spirit". In faith.

Matthew 7
7 "Keep asking, and it will be given to you; keep seeking, and you will find; keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
11 So if you, even though you are bad, know how to give your children gifts that are good, how much more will your Father in heaven keep giving good things to those who keep asking him!

James 1
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Luke 11
13 So if you, even though you are bad, know how to give your children gifts that are good, how much more will the Father keep giving the Holy Spirit from heaven to those who keep asking him!"

 

[Perspectives]

The words "born again" are bantered about quite regularly in today's world, and this at a time when we see less and less power in the lives of those who profess this new birth.

Is there something missing from our understanding of what it means to be born again (born of the Spirit, born from above)?

Jh.3 is the classic passage regarding the born again experience. Question, If Nicodemus was already a ruler (church man in a sense) and obviously believed in God, why would Jesus tell him you must be born again? Nic didn't come to Jesus at night because he feared those he ruled over, it was probably the only time available to see the Master. When a natural birth occures we get a glimpse as to what being born anew is. The characteristics are plane to see, the babe is new except for the sin in his body derived from his natural father. The reentry of the womb is impossible in the natural, yet Jesus eludes to that. Nic is perplexed by such a statement. In reality we must take the narrow way as Mat. 7:14 declares. The word narrow means tribulation among other things.New Birth takes place by taking the narrow way back into a womb like existance, where you and I have lost our resistance through tribulation, in a state of perfect peace, warmth and love. And after a set time are given to the world at large through new birth. Saying a prayer that you my not even understand at the foot of an alter saves your spirit, but that is only the beginning.

 

[[email protected]]

Christians use the term "born again experience" to describe a scriptural christian experience. Problematically in the New Testament only Paul uses this term the way most Christians do. Remember Paul did not sit at Jesus feet the way the other apostles did. Consequently he developed his own "lingo" to describe the faith. Whereas those who were taught by Jesus in the flesh tend to use the lingo he used.

This is the scriptural experience we call "born again." John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said, Receive the Holy Ghost: John records the cause, Luke then records the effect: Luke 24: 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, In other words Gods gives us some divine enlightenment. As the old song says "Once I was blind but now I see."

Now since this is the common experiance of new Christians, we might use the term to describe them as "baby" Christians. Paul in fact uses terms like babe and teenager ect ect to describe Christian growth in grace.

However Jesus, John and Peter use the term "born again" or "from above" to describe a mature Christian instead of a new christian experience. This is why John says a number of times in a number of ways: 1 John 5: 18 We know that whosoever is born of God does not sin; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. In other words the truth planted in a heart via the Holy Spirit and properly nurtured will in time give birth to real righteousness and real love.

Do you see how it could be confusing? If every time you see the term or similar terms you think the all the writers are talking about the same exact thing?
Could spend allot of time on this but that is it in a nut shell. Hope it helps someone.

 

[Angelina]

Hi Dan!

Welcome to CB!

Interesting theory... thanks for the post...it does make logical sense. Food for thought...

Blessings!!!

 

[Prentis]

Neat post, Dan, some good thoughts.

I think the fact Paul more often directs his words to gentiles, and the fact that he must make it understood to them, might also have to with the 'lingo' difference.

Welcome here!

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks Angelina and Prentis.

Yea Prentis that thought occurred to me to after I posted that. I thought gee maybe it would be offensive to call a Jewish elder who just became a believer a "baby."

 

[Angelina]

Amen!
I was thinking on this last night and I honestly don't think there was much of a difference here. The Jews were more learned in the Torah but they and the Gentile believers were really at the same point of receiving salvation through Jesus work on the cross, by faith and eternal life. :huh:

Blessings!!!

 

[rockytopva]

To start out simple the bible says...

[sup]9[/sup]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.
[sup]10[/sup]For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. - Romans 10: 9-10


For a little more complicated answer referencing Plato's Republic...

The Three Children of "The Good" (God the Father)

1. Matter - Material form. The sun is E / c2 in the form of
plasma and is the visible form of "The Good."

2. Spirituality - Spiritual form. Spiritual warmth, love, faith,
joy, and hope set in a heart to do creative things.

3. Intelligence - Intellectual form. What directed the plasma
to cool into the respective elements.


In his Republic, Plato illustrates the doctrine of the divided line through an allegory of a cave in which Socrates describes a group of people who have lived chained to the wall of a cave all of their lives. The people watch shadows projected on the wall by things passing in front of a fire behind them, and begin to ascribe forms to these shadows, which are the closest they get in viewing reality.


Having a prisoner released and journeying upward through the cave into the actual outdoors reflects the gaining of knowledge. Upon gazing at the sun he beholds the chief good and the purest form of light and energy. Having seen these things he then feels the responsibility of liberating his friends from their imprisoned minds. To become enlightened means to pass from opinion to enlightenment. To progress from what seems real to what is actually real.

To become born again means to escape the clutches of the den, journey outdoors, and catch the reality of the three children of the good... Spiritually, intellectually, and finally materially. Which journey is available to us through Jesus Christ our Lord. And finally, after beholding the Father's most magnificent light through Jesus Christ our Lord, we must not remain in the upper levels but take the journey back down to the cave and do our part to spread light to this darkened world. Jesus Christ links us back to the Abba Father where we can enjoy communion with the source of all light and energy. If any one has any ideas for this video they would be appreciated by the way.

 

[rockytopva]

So then... Being born again you would think that this life would be better.... But many times it is worse. For we by the Spirit are driven back to the den where we give testimony to those of this earth of the things of Jesus. These things are necessary for the furtherance of the Gospel. These thoughts are also highlighted in Plato's Republic as...

The business of we who are founders of the State is to compel the best
minds to attain knowledge and continue to ascend until they arrive at the
good; after they have ascended and seen enough we must not allow
them to remain in the upper world. They must be made to descend again
among the prisoners in the den, partaking of their labors, and judging
their works, whether they are worth having or not. Is this not unjust?
Ought we to give them a worse life when they might have a better?

Have you forgotten, my friend, the intention of the legislator? Who did
not aim at making any one class in the State happy above the rest; the
happiness was to be in the whole State, and he held the citizens together
by persuasion and necessity, making them benefactors of the State, and
therefore of one another; to this end he created them, not to please
themselves, but to be his instruments in binding up the State. Wherefore
each of you, when his turn comes, must go down to the underground
abode, and get the habit of seeing in the dark. When you have acquired
the habit you will see ten thousand times better than the inhabitants of
the den, and you know what the several images are, and what they
represent, because you have seen the beautiful and just and good in
their truth. - Plato's Republic

 

[Prentis]

Amen!
I was thinking on this last night and I honestly don't think there was much of a difference here. The Jews were more learned in the Torah but they and the Gentile believers were really at the same point of receiving salvation through Jesus work on the cross, by faith and eternal life. :huh:

Blessings!!!

We all start at the same point, we all have a road ahed of us... But we come with different baggage, and we've learnt different things. Knowing the Torah and the law changes how the gospel must come across to be understood properly.

Good thoughts!

 

[Insight]

The words "born again" are bantered about quite regularly in today's world, and this at a time when we see less and less power in the lives of those who profess this new birth.

Is there something missing from our understanding of what it means to be born again (born of the Spirit, born from above)?

James 1:18 "Begat He (Yahweh) us with the word of truth"

Peter used a similar expression….we are begotten "not of corruptible seed (Word), but of incorruptible (Word), by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" (1 Pet 1:23).

He contrasts the incorruptible word with transient flesh which, like the grass, soon withers and is gone.

The Lord told Nicodemus, "Except a man be born again (or from above AV mg - also see above Scriptures), he cannot see the Kingdom of God" (John 3:3).

Important subject one would think!

 

[Insight]

This thread asks an important question, one which if understood will save!

Cont...with James 1:18 & 1 Peter 1:23

To become a citizen of the Kingdom one must be the subject of three "births" in order to enter in.

You will notice Jesus Christ also went through the same process!

He is first born a child of flesh
He must then be "born of water" through knowledge, faith and baptism;
Finally He must be "born of the spirit" or “changed” into a spirit body (1 Cor 15:44).

Every birth follows a threefold development:

1. Conception
2. Quickening
3. Birth.

Conception takes place when the Word of God is implanted in the mind (James 1:21,2,23,24,25); quickening follows when the believer is alerted to its significance; and birth of water takes place when he submits to baptism.

As far as the birth of Spirit is concerned, a similar process takes place.

Baptism speaks to the "conception" for it has been brought about by the spirit-word (See Rom 6:17); the development of the Christ-like life is the quickening for it is the outward manifestation of an inward conviction (Col 1:27); and this shall be followed by the full birth of the resurrection when the believer will be changed into spirit nature (1 Cor 15:44,46,51,52,53; Phil. 2:10-14).

 

[Insight]

Of course Matt 13:19 comes to light!

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one (fleshly lusts), and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

The implanted Word (of the Kingdom) must grow in us if we are to be born again to a spiritual birth!

Insight

 

[Prentis]

This new birth is indeed a spiritual reality, where one is truly born into the Spirit, the kingdom of God, and now can draw his life and strength there.

 

[WISDOM CALLED]

The verse 'He who is born from above does not sin' (1 John 3) begs a few questions!!!

You are correct to question it young one.

Now read about the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus when he talks about being born again of the Spirit. Nicodemus was wishing to understand how Sons of God are born. Ultimately, Jesus told Nicodemus that if he couldn't accept what he said about earthly realities, then he would not accept what he said about heavenly ones.

Jesus knew that how Sons of God are born had been buried in the mists of time. Hence, why it was refreshing when the Dead Sea Scrolls surfaced because it also confirms that 'Sons of God' are plural and so is 'Holy Spirits' plural.

Being born again as nothing to do with Baptism. It is a spiritual reality that comes to be once one has moved through the different realities and become one with the LORD. Hence why Psalm 82 mentions 'Sons of God" as well.

One has to live in complete detachment of earthly realities to truly follow him home to the LORD. Those that are willing to do that are very rare indeed. Especially amongst Christians because like other religionists they are attached to their books, and it can be like an anchor that keeps them anchored to the earth and its realities.
Hence why he story of the rich man that was not willing to give up everything to follow him. It wasn't just about money either. You have to lose your earthly life to gain your heavenly one.

That is why scripture tells you that it is the Angels that are the harvesters in the last days of the end times.

 

[us2are1]

Born again means you have understood "The Gospel of Christ" in it's entirety which begins with "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand" .

It means You have accepted Christs gospel and have started following His example and teachings.




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[WISDOM CALLED]

Born again means you have understood "The Gospel of Christ" in it's entirety which begins with "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand" .

It means You have accepted Christs gospel and have started following His example and teachings.




.

No

The word was translated as 'repent'.

Its original meaning in Hebrew was to return to the sacred.

TESHUVAH

MONDAY, 6 APRIL 2009




CREATION IS CALLING YOU 100 MONTHS !!!!!



The message was sent out around the world by email on Monday, April 6, 2009 03:16
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwGvfdtI2c0&feature=player_embedded

Every person has the opportunity to return to the sacred. Those that do not return to the sacred now will face the consequences. If people do not do a U turn fast civilization will be wiped out and currency/global agenda will be the least of anyone’s problems.

It is a matter of great urgency and it is far beyond the comprehension of the governments. The Native Americans understand and so do many other indigenous peoples. As Jesus said in the Essene Gospel of Peace. ‘Let the dark vision of the future not come to be”

However, he said that if people did not return to Mother Earth the inevitable would happen. Some people in America are contracting and preparing for survival instead of walking hand in hand, side by side to help humanity make a U turn. Abba called out “Humanity needs you now” in 2004 before the Asian Disaster, in 2006 Abba called SOS...

It really is that serious now.

God also said ‘You must be living ecologically and self-sustainably by 2012!”.

Prince Charles is now telling people they have 100 months!

The final countdown

"Time is fast running out to stop irreversible climate change, a group of global warming experts warns today. We have only 100 months to avoid disaster. Andrew Simms explains why we must act now - and where to begin". [1]

100 MONTHS



http://www.onehundredmonths.org

I met an ecologist on the plane back from Israel in 2007, and I asked her how was it going? She replied "It will take a lot more ecological disasters before they will shift" She works with the corporates trying to get them to shift!

Stephen Hawkings is saying there will be no more humanity on planet earth in 100 years.

However, Jesus said 'The Meek shall inherit the earth". They are the ones that never left the sacred of mother earth. Now humanity have a choice return to the sacred or wave bye bye to Mother Earth.

Many souls of the spiritual are leaving because human self is not getting on with the job of why they incarnated at this crucial time!

The other day God said “I have stopped the clock to give the people the chance to catch up!". He did not say for how long the clock will be stopped!

We have already told you that the worst to come will be after 2012 and then your preparations will not help any of you; unless you are placed where God or your souls guide you to go. I do not like to sing the blues but we are now going beyond the tipping point!

Do your best to move away from the coastlines, move away from any ley lines or fault lines. Move away from volcanic areas....

God help us all

Sadly, during the night there was an earthquake in Italy and at least 100 people have been killed.

04:29 GMT, Monday, 6 April 2009 05:29 UK Powerful earthquake strikes Italy

"Television images showed a collapsed building in the city of L'Aquila. At least two people have been killed in a powerful earthquake that struck central Italy, local media reports say. The magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck at 0332 (0132 GMT) about 95km (60 miles) north-east of the capital, Rome, at a depth of 10km. Television reports say two people died in the city of L'Aquila, where a number of buildings are said to have collapsed. Television images showed rubble on the streets and a collapsed house. A university residence and a church tower had also been damaged, Reuters news agency said. Rescue workers were reported to be on the scene. L'Aquila is a medieval town with a number of old buildings.Italian journalist Paulo Pacitti told the BBC that the city centre had been hard hit. "All the people are now on the road, queuing - trying to reach a safety area," he said. The earthquake was also felt in Rome; the BBC correspondent there said he was woken up by the shaking." [2]




Let us light a candle and say a prayer for those souls that have left planet earth.


1. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/aug/01/climatechange.carbonemissions
2. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7984867.stm

This is post 8 in April = CHET see Chet Vision.

Post 134 in 2009, 134 = To burn, to flame.
http://www.billheidrick.com/works/hgm2/hg0130.htm#134

 

[goodshepard55]

God's wrath was poured out on Jesus, God is not judging the world now, only one more judgement of God..The Great White Throne Room...satan sure has a lot of people fooled...No more wrath to pour out on earth...If God poured out all His wrath on Jesus...all is gone..no more wrath on the nations....

 

[us2are1]

No

The word was translated as 'repent'.

Its original meaning in Hebrew was to return to the sacred.

TESHUVAH

It means repent. Just like it says. The words following are just as Important "Believe the Gospel".

That would be the gospel of God. Brought by Christ.

It is a simple thing and in plain English. Not to be finagled so that those who love their sin can fit in.

If you want to know the truth you can not be leaning on the antichrist Masoretes Hebrew lexicons for it because they by nature wanted you to perish with them.





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[WISDOM CALLED]

It is the USA that is perishing currently and yes judgement is upon all of the nations.

Being born again is nothing to do with reading a book of scripture.