PHGentleman007
Forum Expert
The Bible’s answer
The term “born again” refers to a new beginning in the relationship between God and the person who is born again. (You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.) God adopts those born again as his children. (You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.) Similar to those who are legally adopted, they experience a change of status, becoming part of God’s family.—You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now..Why is a person born again?
Jesus said: “Unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.) So being born again prepares a person to rule with Christ in God’s Kingdom. This Kingdom rules from heaven, so the Bible describes the “new birth” as providing an inheritance that is “reserved in the heavens.” (You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.) Those who are born again are given the conviction that they will “rule together as kings” with Christ.—You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now..How is a person born again?
When Jesus discussed the subject, he said that those born again would be “born from water and spirit.” (You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.) This E×ρréššion refers to You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now. followed by baptism with holy spirit.—You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now..Jesus was the first person to be born again. He was baptized in the Jordan River, after which God anointed (or, baptized) him with holy spirit. Jesus was thus born again by holy spirit as a son of God with the hope of returning to life in heaven. (You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.) God fulfilled this hope by resurrecting Jesus as a spirit creature.—You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now..
Others who are born again are also baptized in water before they receive the holy spirit. You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now. (You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.) They then have the sure hope of life in heaven, which God will fulfill in the resurrection.—You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now..
Misconceptions about being born again
Misconception: A person must be born again to gain salvation or to be a Christian.Fact: Christ’s sacrifice provides salvation not only for those who are born again as the ones who will rule with Christ in heaven but also for the earthly subjects of You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.. (You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.) That second group of Christians have the opportunity to live forever in Paradise on earth.—You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now..
Misconception: A person can choose to be born again.
Fact: The opportunity to have a relationship with God and gain You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now. is open to all. (You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.) However, God chooses those who will be born again, or anointed with holy spirit. According to the Bible, being born again “depends, not on a person’s desire or on his effort, but on God.” (You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.) The E×ρréššion “born again” can also be rendered “born from above,” confirming that the selection of those who are born again comes “from above,” or from God.—You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now., footnote.
You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now. One exception was the case of Cornelius and those with him.—You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now..