Results 1 - 6 of 6
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | "Born-again Christian" redundant? | John 3:3 | Hank | 6202 | ||
Every so often one hears the term "born-again Christian" even on news broadcasts. Isn't "born-again Christian" a redundancy? Aren't all Christians, by definition, born again? | ||||||
2 | "Born-again Christian" redundant? | John 3:3 | zach† | 32854 | ||
I personally believe there are TRUE born-again Christian's, and then there are those people who claim to be Christian, who have not been born-again, and have some false conception of what born-again means. For instance: some people think that if your water baptized, then that constitutes that you are born-again. But I believe they fail to see the difference between being baptized which is a type of burial. Being born-again is not a burial, but rather is a birth. There is a big difference between a burial and a birth. In John Chapter 3 being born of the water refers to ones physical birth. We were in our mother's watery womb and then the water broke and you came forth born physically from that watery womb. Secondly being born of the Spirit refers to our spiritual birth. Only God can give us spiritual life. We cannot give ourselves spiritual life, because we were dead spiritually, and a dead spiritual corpse cannot do anything to produce life in itself. The life giving source must come from outside of us. The same way we had no say in our physically birth, we likewise play no role or part in our spiritual birth. | ||||||
3 | "Born-again Christian" redundant? | John 3:3 | Hank | 32886 | ||
Zach, soteriologically (pertaining to the doctrine of salvation) the New Testament recognizes only two categories of people: those who are in Christ and those who are not. (See John 3:18; 1 John 5:12). Therefore, the terms "true Christian" and "born-again Christian" are redundant. "Water" in John 3:5 is more than likely referring not to literal water or natural birth. Jesus is probably using an Old Testament metaphor here. Water in the OT was commonly used figuratively to mean renewal or spiritual cleansing. This is especially true when the word "water" is used in conjunction with "spirit." (See Num.19:17-19; Joel 2:28,29; Psalm 51:9,10; Jer.2:13; Isa.55:1-3). Look also at Titus 3:5 which speaks of the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit. To be "born again" -- or born from above -- means to be regenerated and cleansed by the Holy Spirit, which entitles a man to enter the kingdom of God...... Zach, the exegesis is flawed that sees "water" in this context as the physical water of physical birth for this reason: It is unlikely that Jesus would present this as a requirement for Nicodemus' salvation. --Hank | ||||||
4 | "Born-again Christian" redundant? | John 3:3 | Hecameforu | 32914 | ||
Hello Hank, You make good points. I tend to disagree with you on what being "born of water" is though. I do believe it means born of woman, the natural birth. Jesus was born of woman also. Jesus also states that ye must be born of water first, then be born from above or of the Spirit. Well you can't have a spritual cleansing until one is born from above, until one accepts Jesus into their heart as their saviour. Consider this..... ye must be born of water. Unfortunately science is now into cloning . If it comes a time where there is a complete person from cloning, no matter how much intelligence, personality and whatever other makeup these cloned people have, they cannot be saved due to not having been born of water. Also, Angels cannot be born again. That which is born of flesh is flesh ( our natural birth ) and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit ( our asking and acceptance of Jesus into our hearts, in which our spirit is quickened) Born of the Spirit: to regenerate, be delivered of Born of water: to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); :--bear, beget, be born, bring forth, conceive, , gender, make, spring). Love in Christ!! Barry |
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5 | "Born-again Christian" redundant? | John 3:3 | Hank | 32917 | ||
Barry, the problem with the "water" interpretation being seen as referring to the watery birth in the womb, i.e, natural, physical birth, is that it has Jesus stating the obvious to Nicodemus. Jesus is not telling Nicodemus anything that the Jewish leader doesn't already know. Nicodemus already knew that he had been born of woman (John 3:4). So obviously Jesus was not saying to him, "Now, Nicodemus, your first step in being able to see the kingdom of God is that you've got to be born of woman." How is Nicodemus supposed to reply to that? By saying, "But, Lord, you can see for yourself that I've already been born of woman; otherwise, I wouldn't be standing here before you." .... Barry, please note how the Amplified Bible handles John 3:5: "Jesus answered, I assure you most solemnly I tell you, unless a man is born of of water and (even) the Spirit, he cannot (ever) enter the kingdom of God." "Water", used in conjunction with "Spirit," strongly suggests the idea of cleansing, of regeneration. This interpretation more closely fits the immediate context here and the broader context of other passages, some of which I cited in my previous post. --Hank | ||||||
6 | "Born-again Christian" redundant? | John 3:3 | Morant61 | 32955 | ||
Greetings Hank! I agree that John 3:5 is not referring to baptism. However, I think that a strong case can be made for "water" as a reference to physical birth. The "evidence" could be stated as follows: 1) The Jews thought that they were basically right with God because of their birth. Thus, Jesus wouldn't just be stating the obvious, but pushing Nicodemus beyond the current thought. Not only must you be born, but you must be born of the Spirit. 2) Jesus' answer would be consistent with Nicodemus' questions: How can a man be born again? Can he enter again into his mother's womb? 3) John 3:6 would fit well with this interpretation. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but Spirit gives birth to Spirit. I don't think we will ever know for sure, but it is pretty clear that baptism is not the subject. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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