The discussion
topic below is according to my own experiences
and understanding... addressing the topic of
being born again of the spirit. You may see them
another way. It is good to explore these topics
and learn from other's experiences and
understanding. Please remember... your fellowship
with God is a personal thing and means different
outcome/results for each of us. But the common
trait is a kinder, loving, understanding spirit
that yields to the wisdom and leadership of the
Holy Spirit of God.
The
"born again" experience while in our
earthly body is as the scriptures teach us; we
are a new creation or a new
creature.
To
be "born again" is not merely a
professed state of being that happens only
because you "say" it is so. It is the
infusion of the Holy Spirit of God and spiritual
transformation into a "new creature"...
Not to be taken lightly. There are millions of
Christians today who claim to be BORN AGAIN
CHRISTIANS. I'm sure some of them truly are
"born again" but I am afraid that the
large majority have simply proclaimed it.
I
will use the term "begotten" in place
of the two terms, "saved" and
"born-again." This will make it easier
to understand.
The
"Born-Again" or "Saved"
experience (as it is used) is to be more
accurately described as "BEGOTTEN"... I
believe the true "Born Again"
experience is when we are resurrected after our
"physical death." Our spirit is
resurrected and at that time we are BORN AGAIN OF
THE SPIRIT. From that time we are unable to sin
as the scriptures declare (1John 3:9). Our new
bodies are of a spiritual type, like that which
Jesus had when He was seen after His
resurrection... remember? He walked through a
closed door! Although HE ate food! There's a lot
we don't know and understand.
NOTE:
It is not stated in the scriptures but there is
ample evidence to suggest that we are transformed
at the instant we die. While this makes perfect
sense and seems to be supported by biblical
passages, I won't spend a great deal of time here
on that subject.
The
"BEGOTTEN" experience in the flesh,
while we are living, is necessary to achieve the
final act of "BEING BORN AGAIN OF THE
SPIRIT" upon resurrection.
Most
Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers teach that the
"begotten" or "saved"
experience in the flesh is the "Born
Again" experience. I see nothing wrong with
thinking of yourself as a "Born Again
Christian" but, the way
I see it ... this is not the
same as explained in the scripture, John 3:3.
Once
we are "begotten" the Holy Spirit's
influence is upon us. Our values change, our
feeling towards God and other people will change.
We are now ready to begin the road to
"salvation" and the possibility of
becoming "born-again" of the spirit.
(John 3.3)
A
"begotten" person may not have truly
experienced the infusion of the Holy Spirit or
the complete transformation into a "new
creation" or a "new
creature."
Refer
to John 3:3.... the born again experience after
our physical death...
Jesus said, (paraphrased) "You must be born
again to enter the kingdom." He seems
to be saying that you cannot enter the kingdom in
your earthly body. We will be resurrected in a
spiritual body, after death, that is, those who
are worthy to enter the Kingdom.
It
makes sense that to enter the Spiritual Kingdom
of God we must be prepared to travel vast
distances, be omnipresent and meet the
requirements to serve God, we must have new
bodies of a spiritual nature? This spiritual
world is not restricted by time, distance,
pain... or... worldly, lustful needs of the old
flesh body. "YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN" in
a new PERFECT spiritual body!
....................................................................................
Compare
the King James Version with the English Standard
Version... Excerpts below... you will see I have
highlighted (in red) the verses about which I
would like to write.
John
3 (King James Version)
John 3
1
There was a man of the Pharisees, named
Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2
The same came to Jesus by night, and said
unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a
teacher come from God: for no man can do
these miracles that thou doest, except
God be with him.
3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily,
verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be
born again, he cannot see the kingdom of
God.
4
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man
be born when he is old? can he enter the
second time into his mother's womb, and
be born?
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.
7
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must
be born again.
8
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and
thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst
not tell whence it cometh, and whither it
goeth: so is every one that is born of
the Spirit.
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John
3 (English Standard Version)
John 3
1
Now there was a man of the Pharisees
named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
2
This man came to Jesus by night and said
to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are
a teacher come from God, for no one can
do these signs that you do unless God is
with him."
3 Jesus answered
him, "Truly, truly, I say to you,
unless one is born again he cannot see
the kingdom of God."
4
Nicodemus said to him, "How can a
man be born when he is old? Can he enter
a second time into his mother’s womb
and be born?"
5
Jesus answered, "Truly,
truly, I say to you, unless one is born
of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter
the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born
of the flesh is flesh, and that which is
born of the Spirit is spirit.
7
Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You
must be born
again.' 8 The
wind blows where it wishes, and you hear
its sound, but you do not know where it
comes from or where it goes. So it is
with everyone who is born of the
Spirit."
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"BORN
AGAIN" - WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Answer:
To be born of the Spirit. When we are resurrected
with our "born-again" spiritual bodies.
At this time we no longer are controlled by our
flawed, imperfect flesh, earthly bodies which
lead us into sin. We are now fully resurrected
and of the same spirit of God and His Son Jesus.
We
are then born again of the
spirit. (Compare this
answer with verse 5 in the comparison above)
Another point... many people do not understand
the term in chapter 5 - "Except a man be
born of water and of the Spirit." Simply
put; "born of water" refers to the
natural, human birth... not baptism! If HE was
refering to baptism, that would mean that we
cannot enter the Kingdom unless we were baptized
while living. Baptism is a ritual performed to
make our proclaimation publicly known. I am sure
there will be many souls in the Kingdom who were
"saved" but died before they performed
the ritual of baptism. That's the only way I can
see it!
The
natural spirit (and body) of man is of this
world. Greed, lust, different faults that make
some people more (or less) worldly and evil (evil
by nature) than others. When you are
"begotten" all of that changes. You
have an awareness of right and wrong and you want
to do the "right thing." You see things
differently than before and you have a different,
kinder nature... a more caring and loving nature.
It is quite obvious that you are a changed
person. You above all will know it. Others will
see a difference in you too.
You
are now on your way to becoming a son or daughter
of God. You are now led and taught by the Holy
Spirit of God. You now know the difference
between "right" and
"wrong"... it is written in your mind
and heart. That is... If you don't choke out it
and not allow it to grow.
It
is possible that many times people are talked out
of their inheritance by ignorant, worldly,
people. These person(s) may have impressive
credentials from worldly institutions - they
still don't understand the "begotten"
experience. Be very aware of false doctrine that
is not based in scripture. They may not mean harm
but they have been taught doctrine that is not
based in scriptural truth and many times they do
not know it! There is a difference
between scriptural truth
and doctrine
of various denominations.
After
you are "begotten" of God your journey
to the full "born-again" experience is
in progress. You are now an embryo. Pray for
guidance and strength to endure your most
exciting trip into eternity.
You
still have temptations but your heart says
"NO." That's the "begotten"
spirit in conflict with the natural (earthly)
human.
Just
because you have been "saved" or
"begotten" does not mean you are
guaranteed the "Kingdom." You have to
endure... walk-the-walk... honor God and Jesus,
Love them with all your heart and mind AND love
your neighbor as yourself...
This
may be a real challenge unless the person is
truly endowed with the infusion of the Holy
Spirit of God! Does that make sense? To
walk-the-walk it is in direct conflict with
"natural man." The nature of
"man" is one of greed, lust, power and
all of the other things that drive us to be
materialistic. The need of "natural
man" is not the same as a person who has
been changed by infusion of the Holy Spirit. The
"worldly," natural "man" look
upon us as failures! The drive for the material
things of this world have become less important
because we are a new creature.
I
have observed that some of us are more akin to
the "new creature" from childhood. I'm
not sure how to explain that! I have theories and
thoughts on that but I think I will remain silent
until I better understand "why." I can
tell you that many of us are not
driven to become wealthy or "fat" with
material possessions. Once again; we are thought
to be failures! It is true... we are failures as
the materialistic world gages us. Now don't
misinterpret that and think that I don't like
wealthy folk! I thank God for those who are
wealthy. However, there is a difference between
wealth and greedy accumulation. BIG DIFFERENCE!
HOW
IMPORTANT IS IT TO BE "BORN AGAIN" OR
"BEGOTTEN?"
(I'm
preaching now, just a little)
Your
eternal soul and spirit are at stake. Jesus said; "I
tell you this, unless you are born again, you can
never enter the Kingdom of God." (John 3:3 )
If
you are to make it to heaven you must be born
again. Those who are truly born-again (begotten
or saved) really know the difference.
HOW
DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE "BEGOTTEN"
As
far as I know, you will know the moment it
happens! This is according to my own experiences
and understanding. For years I could remember the
hour and date that it happened. Over the years I
can only remember the month and year but I will
always remember the experience. There was no
doubt! I knew I was a new creature! From that
moment I was a different person. I saw things
differently. I had a "different" love
for God and others. Had I not been aware I would
have been confused. I had been reading the Gospel
Of Matthew and praying for months before it
happened. I was ready but I did not know for
"what."
THE
HORROR STORY
(Be careful - Satan is powerful)
After
several years I "back-slid" and became
a sinful person and lived a sin-filled life. I
was in rebellion... mad at God. For ten years I
rebelled and lived in hell! This was a test and I
(temporarily) failed. It was hard coming out of
it but thank God I did come out of it and
returned to God. I have been punished and brought
to my knees by God but it has been a very
worthwhile learning experience. I am sure that I
am a stronger person and more faithful for having
been to hell and coming out of it. Pray that it
never happens to you though! It happened to King
David too! So please don't write to me and tell
me that I was never "saved."
Let
Me Make A Very Important Point Here...
Some
people may say that since I backslid I was never
born again, or more correctly,
"begotten." Perhaps the following
paragraph will explain that. This is taken from a
very good site.. Equipministry.com, after reading
this page take a look at their link, at the
bottom of this page, if you need more
understanding.
Read
this carefully...
"There
is a particular verse that has puzzled millions,
discouraged thousands who didn't understand, and
caused some to accuse the scriptures of
contradicting itself. Look at this verse! It says
and means, literally: "Whosoever is born of
Yahweh doth not commit sin; for His seed
remaineth in him: and he
cannot sin, because he is
born of Yahweh" (I John 3:9)." (Born
again of the spirit, upon our resurrection)
As
long as we are in this earthly body we CAN sin.
Only when we are resurrected in our new spiritual
bodies will it be impossible to sin. Jesus was capable
of sin before HE was resurrected in HIS new
"born Again" spiritual body that HE
referred to in the scripture, John 3:3. HE was
capable but HE remained innocent... sinless.
As
for those who say "If you are 'saved' or
'born again' you can't fall back into sin... King
David did... He comitted murder and adultery and returned
to God.
I
fell away and came back, I know of many cases who
have done the same. So, if you have believed that
anti-scriptural lie, quit believing it. Just
because somebody (wrongly) said it, does not make
it so. Even if that 'someone' happens to be your
pastor.
MUST
YOU SPEAK IN "TONGUES" TO SHOW THAT YOU
ARE "BEGOTTEN?"
NO!
(
1st Corinthians, Chapter 12 ~ Makes This Issue
pretty Clear )
Allow
Me To Spend A Few Minutes On The Tongues Issue...
"Tongues" is a gift of "The
Spirit" and "few" have this gift.
The tongues issue is grossly misunderstood. The
reason for the gift of tongues was and is for a
person to deliver a message to a person(s) of
another language. Incoherent, unintelligible
utterings are not the same thing as the true gift
of tongues.
The
nation of Israel had failed to heed God’s
message which HE gave through their own prophets,
so the Lord told them that at a future time they
will hear HIS message through tongues (languages)
other than their own.
To
sum it up in a few words, Christ
likeness is the
manifestation of being filled with the Spirit,
and the scriptures do not tell us that our Lord
ever spoke in tongues.
However,
there are congregations that teach their
followers that they must
speak in tongues to show "the evidence of
the Holy Spirit." These congregations
further teach that you are not of the "Holy
Spirit" unless you show evidence by speaking
in "tongues". "Tongues" is
indeed a gift from the Holy Spirit but in no way
is it scriptural that you must
speak in "tongues" to show evidence
that you are "born again" or filled
with the "Holy Spirit." In fact the
Apostle Paul said that it was one of the lesser
gifts of the Spirit. As far as I know - most
heaven-bound believers do not
speak in tongues! I'm not convinced that I know anybody
who genuinely speaks in tongues.
If
you belong to a church or group who encourage you
to speak in tongues or in any way try to teach
you to speak in tongues... Leave That Church!
They are teaching a false, man-made doctrine from
Hell.
Remember!
I said "tongues" is a gift of the Holy
Spirit and a few people have the gift.. YOU ARE
NOT TAUGHT
TO SPEAK IN TONGUES!
It
would be no different than teaching a person one
of the other gifts, such as, the gift of healing.
There are those who are gifted in the healing
gifts but it is brought about through prayer...
The gift of healing (usually) is through prayer,
it comes from God. The reason for tongues is to
benefit the church and is for a purpose... Not
some "club" of members who believe this
elevates them in the eyes of others.
Read
1st Corinthians and 2nd Corinthians in it's
entirety! You will plainly see that the Apostle
Paul was scolding
the church at Corinth for their immature
handling of the tongues issue.
Paul plainly explains that 'tongues' is a minor
gift and should not be misused. He was being as
kind as possible while trying to correct the
improper handling of the tongues issue.
ARE
ALL TRULY "BEGOTTEN" WHO SAY THEY ARE?
No.
Many people are mislead here. The claim to be
"born again" has become a fad and many
think that all they have to do is profess it.
That does not make it so. If you can't remember a
time in your life that you had a real experience
that you can identify... an experience that
changed you... you should take it to God in
prayer. Remember: It's a personal thing and
that's between you and God. "YOU WILL KNOW
THEM BY THE FRUIT THEY BEAR". If the person
professes to be "saved" or
"born-again" and they continue in a
life of sin and immorality that is calculated and
planned, I would say "OF COURSE THEY ARE NOT
SAVED!" OR - They may have been
"Saved" or "Begotten" but
they are backslidden - As King David did and as
I, myself did!
It's
even scriptural: On the day of judgment many will
say to Jesus, "I cast out demons in your
name" and Jesus will reply, "Depart
from me, I never knew you".
CAN
YOU SIMPLY SAY A PRAYER
AND THEN FEEL CONFIDENT YOU ARE "BORN
AGAIN" OR MORE CORRECTLY,
"BEGOTTEN."?
No...
One of my favorite T. V. Preachers teaches this
but I disagree. To be "born again" (OR
MORE CORRECTLY) "begotten," is a gift
from God, it may
be the result of a prayer but it is not
automatic! To simply say a string of words in the
form of a prayer and expect to be "born
again" or "begotten" is foolish.
It's a heart-felt thing that must come from the
heart and soul then granted and freely given to
you from God. When you are "begotten"
you will know it! It is not a mild "state of
being" that is simply achieved by uttering a
simple "lip" prayer and then professing
it. To be begotten of the spirit is felt! You
will have a change of heart and mind! You'll know
it! However, it does start with the simple
Sinner's Prayer or any
prayer to your Father In Heaven.
CAN
EVERYBODY BE "BORN AGAIN" OR
"BEGOTTEN"?
No.
Everybody's name is not written in the "Book
Of Life," some people will never be
"born again" or "begotten."
HOW
DO I BECOME "BORN AGAIN" OR
"BEGOTTEN"?
Of
course I can only offer what I know. God may see
fit to have that happen in many ways. But
according to what I know... You have to have a
genuine desire and "want" to become
different than you are. Perhaps there is a void
and you want to fill that void. Maybe you are
being led by the Spirit... nudging you... urging
you to find something that makes sense... a
relationship with HIM. If your
name is written in the "Lamb's Book of
Life"... You will lead a miserable existence
until you are "BEGOTTEN" and
spiritually united with your Spiritual Father.
My
advice: You should pray. You should read the
bible, not just any part of the bible but the
part that tells you about the "ONE" who
came to save you - that "ONE" is Jesus.
Don't
just read but study
any one of the four gospels: MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE
or JOHN. These short little books give you a
first hand count from these individuals about the
life of Christ, Jesus.
As
far I know and feel, reading the Old Testament
will not make you ready for The Holy Spirit.
Study The New Testament to ready yourself for The
Holy Spirit. Since it is sent from Jesus, you
should study JESUS... That's the NEW TESTAMENT.
Since
Jesus is the one who made it all possible you
should come to know him by reading and studying
his life. For me it was the Book of Matthew.
While "Matthew" is a very short book it
took me several days to complete it the first
time because I would read a few verses and pray
for understanding then read it again. When I was
through, I felt as though I knew
Jesus. I felt like he was an old friend. After
several months of prayer and "getting to
know him" I had a tremendous experience!
MY
"BORN AGAIN" (BEGOTTEN) EXPERIENCE
Lightening,
thunder and heavy rainfall, July, 1971, Hot
Springs, Arkansas, Central Avenue, just south of
Oaklawn Park Race Track: I was getting into my
car, I had just left a small corner grocery
store. The moment I got into the car I could feel
His presence. I knew He was in the car with me as
well as I knew my own name ~ I knew
Him ~ Jesus. I kept crying out to Him,
"You're Here" "I Can Feel
You".
Tears overwhelmed me and I began to cry
uncontrollably because I had never felt such love
as I felt at that moment. When the "Holy
Spirit" entered me It was as though an
electrical wire touched the back of my neck and
in a flash I was free of pain and could turn my
head. I was healed in that instant of a chronic
disorder that had been associated with a facial
paralysis. I had recovered from the paralysis
about 6 months prior but chronic neck pain had
"hung on" and was a constant reminder
that I was not completely well. In that
"flash" I was healed of that physical
condition and at that same moment I truly came to
know Him and love Him. In an instant I was
"born again"... Actually I was
"begotten" but I knew it to be
"born again".
I
hurried home and tried to explain to my wife what
had happened, she said she understood but I knew
then as I know now, she could not have
understood. Not her fault, until you've
experienced such a thing you simply can't
understand or perhaps even believe such an
experience in its fullness.
Years later she experienced an instant healing,
I'll tell more in the "Healing
Section".
DO
YOU WANT TO BE "BORN AGAIN?"
Do
you want to know if your name is written in the
"Book of Life?" Make yourself
"ready". Your heart must be in it...
you can't "fake it" it just won't work.
If and when you feel "the calling" ask
HIM in!
To
paraphrase the Son of God, "The road is
narrow and few will enter The Kingdom." The
more experiences I have with the world, the more
I realize "just how narrow the road must
be." As far as I know, all you can do to
make your heart "right" and
"ready" is read, study the gospel and
pray. A miracle from God himself would surely
help.
As
far as I know: All you can do is get
"ready" it is entirely up to God to
send the Holy Spirit. When The Holy Spirit comes,
receive HIM! HE may not come again.
Much
of the time we can't be ready to be
"begotten" until we have hit "rock
bottom," then you are more likely to reach
out and take the hand of God when the opportunity
comes. Remember what Jesus had to say: "It's
harder for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God
than for a camel to pass through the "Eye Of
The Needle". However, Jesus went on to say,
"All things are possible with God".
You see, a rich man (usually) trusts his riches
and not God. He or she doesn't feel a need for
anything more. It depends on the individual, many
are born again while at the peak of their success
but I'm sure many more are begotten when they
have no place else to turn. I give thanks daily
for the hardship and health condition that caused
me to seek HIM. Nobody else could help me. When
God came through and "saved" me I
became HIS disciple. I now had a personal
relationship with HIM. I was begotten of the
spirit, as HIS child. My body (flesh) was still
of this world with the same needs and temptations
but my Spirit was of God.
Two
Different Explanations Of "The Eye Of The
Needle"
One
explanation I have heard: "The Eye Of The
Needle" was some sort of passage into the
city, very small, very low and hard to pass
through. The camel had to actually get on it's
knees to get through. A measure to protect the
citizens from attack.
Here's
the other explanation: The word which was
translated to "camel" from Hebrew -
actually means - a heavy braid, almost like a
rope not a camel.
To
me it doesn't matter which is correct, I get the
idea! Don't you?
Maybe
a well-versed, well-read, knowledgeable person
will help us clear that up.
OK!
WHEN YOU KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN "BEGOTTEN"
THEN WHAT?
(Hold
On! Don't Leave - I've Gotta Preach a Little
More!)
Don't
be embarrassed or ashamed to witness and tell
others. Jesus said, "If we are ashamed of
him - he will be ashamed of us in front of the
Father where we are concerned". Be bold and
proclaim the GOOD NEWS! Pray that he will use
you. Let yourself be led by the Spirit to be a
witness for your Father in Heaven and his Son
Jesus.
I'm
sure we'll all learn a lot as we hear from those
with different points-of-view.
Why
not find out if YOUR NAME is written in the book
of life? Or do you care?
Your
Friend,
John
Here's
a good link  http://www.equipministry.com/studies/born.htm
Here's
another good link
for your consideration
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