Just an Honest Question

[mercyreigns]

As a Christian I have a question to "born again" Christians. How can a Christian be "born again"? Jesus never said that a Christian is born again. I think that this terminology is one of the errors "born again" people make that turns off people.

Jesus said the unregenerate man must be born again and then he becomes a Christian.

John 3:3 Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.

Jesus is addressing an unbeliever here. The reason I ask this is that I get weary of some of the arrogance in the "born again" community who put down simple Christian churches who do not use this terminology but most certainly have real Christians in them.

I am hoping that some will make a comment regarding this and not attack me for having an honest question. Thanks..

[duncwashburn]

Mercyreigns,

Good and fair question.

If I understand what "born agai" means, I would like to take a shot at your comments...

I thought of an illustration that helped me. First let me say none of us, this side of Heaven, have all the correct understanding!!! We are blind in more areas than we'd like to admit. As a blind person has no real understanding of what color hair he has, that doesn't mean he doesn't have hair.

What I'm saying is is that to be 'born again' does not take knowing or understanding the term; it takes relationship.

For a true believer to say 'born again Christian' is to be redundant. I think we do it to clarify because there are those who call themselves Christians that probably aren't.

I am tired of Christians putting down anyone else. In my opinion, that's as worldly as you can get (I think I just put down Christians who put down others - sorry). That's what the Pharisees did; maybe it is better put that those who put others down are religious (in the bad sense).

Sincerely in Christ,

Duncan

[mercyreigns]

Thank you Duncan. I agree on most points with everyone except to say that I would suspect there are many "born again" Christians who are not Christians either.

The Bible says to believe in one's heart and confess with one's mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord. Most Christians who don't use the term b.a. that I know believe the two requirements for salvation in their hearts, belief and confession.

There are many "born again" churches that are teaching falsities rampantly. There are many that are taking money falsely. There are many that are claiming miracles that were proven not to have happened.

Then there is this quiet Christian church I went to here in Fl where bornagain is not used at all. But these a true Christians, quiet, full of God's love, working diligently in the missionfield and they have a basket in the back of their meeting place for those who are led to give.

They preached Jesus, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, they love the Lord with all their hearts. They are quiet Christian in a small church with missionaries in several countries.

It is not a "born sgain" church. It is a simple Godly church with believers. What say you to this?

[freeindeed]

In the Deep South at the turn of the 20th century, the term "born again" was never used. People said they were "seized by the power of a great affection." Don't you just love that!
I never use the terms "born again" or "saved" anymore. How arrogant of me to think I could determine who is saved and who isn't !