Born Again - Saved - Born Again Christians...

Born Again - Saved - Born Again Christians: All make reference to the status of a person who has achieved the "New Creature" status. Meaning that the person has been anointed by the Holy Spirit of God and has changed in mind, spirit and thought. "Begotten" is a term I use to explain the difference and my attempt to help understanding.

Once we are "born again" or "saved," the Holy Spirit's influence is within us. Our values change, our feeling towards God and other people will change.

This page concerns the term "born-again" that Jesus taught, John 3:3 "Ye must be born again to enter the kingdom."

I believe that the phrase describes a spiritual state of being while in the flesh as well as the newly acquired, resurrected spiritual body needed to enter the Kingdom that awaits those who are resurrected and received into the Kingdom of God... after physical death.

The context to which today's evangelicals refer means a rebirth (or birth?) of the spirit while in this earthly body.

John 3:3... The way I read it, the scripture could be interpreted two different ways and one does not hinder the definition of the other.

A) A person is "Born-Again" of the spirit while in this flesh body. A transformation takes place that makes you a "New Creature." A New Spiritual Creation. Along with this born again status, a new understanding seems to replace the "old being" that lacked in matters of spiritual things.

Another interpretation...

B) Jesus was making reference to the spiritual resurrection after physical death, which is required to enter the Kingdom. Flesh cannot enter the Kingdom. It makes sense that to enter the Spiritual Kingdom of God or Heaven, we will travel vast distances and be omnipresent. We will have new bodies of a spiritual nature. This spiritual world is not restricted by time or distance and the worldly, lustful needs of the old flesh body are no more! We are then perfect. "YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN" in a new PERFECT spiritual body!

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.

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 use the terms "begotten" "saved" and "born-again," in the same context.

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. For example; Jesus said to the thief who was being crucified next to Him, "Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." Jesus said "today" you shall be with me in paradise... That means, to me, that they would pass directly into paradise upon death.

Most Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers teach that the "begotten" or "saved" experience in the flesh is the "Born Again" experience.

Once we are "born again" or "saved," the Holy Spirit's influence is within us. Our values change, our feeling towards God and other people will change.

Compare the King James Version with the English Standard Version... below... you will see I have highlighted (in red) the verses to which I make reference.

Verse 5 - The only way I can interpret "born of water".... refers to the natural, human birth... not baptism! If HE were referring 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 proclamation publicly known. I am sure there will be many souls in the Kingdom who were "saved" or "born again" 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 "born again" 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 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 it out and not allow it to grow.

You are now a spiritual 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 "born again" spirit in conflict with the natural (earthly) human.

Just because you have been "born again" 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...

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. Many of us 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 that they are different... they know they are a new creation!

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 "saved." Many have fallen away and returned! I don't recommend it! It may not happen, you may not be able to return... Be careful!

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)." That reinforces the other explanation for "born again." (Born again of the spirit, upon our resurrection) As long as we are in this human body we can sin... therefore, only when we are in our new resurrected, spiritual body are we not able to sin. This is a matter of interpretation.

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. Because HE was born of "flesh" HE was capable of sin 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 committed murder and adultery and returned to God. I fell away and came back... Just because somebody (wrongly) said it, does not make it so.

MUST YOU SPEAK IN "TONGUES" TO SHOW THAT YOU ARE "BORN AGAIN?"
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 uttering 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 "BORN AGAIN" WHO SAY THEY ARE?

No. Many people are misled 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?"

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?"

No. Every body's name is not written in the "Book Of Life," some people will never be "born again," "saved" 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 "Born Again" 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" 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 "born again" 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 "BORN AGAIN" THEN WHAT?

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." (paraphrased)

Your Friend,

John

P.S. This website is not in any way intended to be regarded as a doctrine! It is simply the way I see things and my interpretation of God's word as applied to everyday life. Hope it helped! I do not accept donations.