Born Again?

[true_believer]

Hey Everybody,

So, at my university, there is a good mix of different religions. Many people are Catholic, but for the first time in my life, I truly am surrounded by many Protestants. For the most part, I don’t think you can tell much difference between the two denominations, and we have many ecuemenical events on campus.

But one thing that I just cringe at is when a protestant says that they were “born again.” What do they mean by this? How do they feel that this works? Why do they use such a term? And what do they feel the consequences (either good or bad) of being “born again” are?

These are just a few questions that I had about the concept, because as a “cradle Catholic” I have very little to no clue about Protestantism.

Thanks for your help.

 

[DebChris]

The way I have generally answered the question is by saying “I was born again at Baptism.” Of course my baptism, like yours was as a baby. Very often they are asking when you personally made a committment to follow Christ.
The answer is “I was born again at Baptism which I received while still an infant. If you are asking when I received my ‘Baptism in the Holy Spirit’ (which for Catholics is not a new Sacrament, but a release of the gifts already received), that occured in (year).”
If you have not experienced Baptism in the Holy Spirit, you can also use your confirmation date. That is when you personally committed to follow Christ. It is the day you spoke for yourself in becoming fully initiated in the Catholic Church.
As Catholics we do not see salvation as a one time event, but a continuing process of growing in our relationship with Jesus Christ. We were saved when Christ died for our sins on the cross. We continue to be saved each and every time the Eucharist is celebrated anywhere in the world until the end of time.
This should help.

 

[strngrnrth]

The most appropriate response would be to name the year you became old enough to know what you personally believed, whether that was as a small child or later.

 

[allischalmers]

Baptist are born again when we are baptized into Jesus Christ, But you must understand that this is not water baptiism,

 

[onmywayagain]

Baptist are born again when we are baptized into Jesus Christ, But you must understand that this is not water baptiism,

Then how are you Baptized, if you are not Baptized by water?

 

[Mannyfit75]

Baptist are born again when we are baptized into Jesus Christ, But you must understand that this is not water baptiism,

From a Catholic understanding, you are born again. Why else did Jesus say "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit**, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven."**

In baptism we are born again. Baptism also saves. Peter said in his letter 1 Peter 3:21

Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience.

or Rom. 6:3-4

Do you not know that all of us have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism of death, so as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

or Heb. 10:22

"…let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts **sprinkled clean **from evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Or Act Acts 22:16

When Ananias told Saul the following:

“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.”

 

[bengal_fan]

Then how are you Baptized, if you are not Baptized by water?

he is talking of being baptized by the Spirit

(you must be born of water and the Spirit is what Jesus says)

i have heard an interpretation of this passage that says Jesus is using “born of water” to represent our natural birth (water breaking, lots of fluid involved, etc.) and “born of the Spirit” as the time when the Spirit enters into us (our lives, etc). it’s an interesting thought. i don’t adhere to it though.

 

[Rocky]

he is talking of being baptized by the Spirit

(you must be born of water and the Spirit is what Jesus says)

i have heard an interpretation of this passage that says Jesus is using “born of water” to represent our natural birth (water breaking, lots of fluid involved, etc.) and “born of the Spirit” as the time when the Spirit enters into us (our lives, etc). it’s an interesting thought. i don’t adhere to it though.

I have heard this explanation also, and it seems to me to be a very foolish thought. It just doesn’t make much sense! How could one be anything, let alone born of the Spirit, if one had never been born? It seems not only nonsensical, it almost seems that one would have to be an idiot or insane to make such a statement using this meaning of natural birth.

Our Lord is neither an idiot nor insane.

 

[GregoryPalamas]

We know from the Bible and Church teaching that we are born again at baptism. There is no question about it. One must be born again to be able to receive Justifying Grace. The New Birth is the work of the Holy Spirit just as is the Justifying work of God. Every good Catholic should read the canons on Justification from the Council of Trent. Generally Protestants have it backwards.

BTW The Catholic Church is NOT a denomination.

CDL

 

[RedSoxFan]

Hey Everybody,

So, at my university, there is a good mix of different religions. Many people are Catholic, but for the first time in my life, I truly am surrounded by many Protestants. For the most part, I don’t think you can tell much difference between the two denominations, and we have many ecuemenical events on campus.

But one thing that I just cringe at is when a protestant says that they were “born again.” What do they mean by this? How do they feel that this works? Why do they use such a term? And what do they feel the consequences (either good or bad) of being “born again” are?

These are just a few questions that I had about the concept, because as a “cradle Catholic” I have very little to no clue about Protestantism.

Thanks for your help.

I think a good anaology is when a Catholic “Comes Home”. It’s a similar concept when we return back to the church from whatever we were doing before. Bascally, it’s comming back to the church to “live right” by God. This is what I did about 2 years ago after my mid twenties self gratification period. I’m better off for comming back.

 

[Mannyfit75]

he is talking of being baptized by the Spirit

(you must be born of water and the Spirit is what Jesus says)

i have heard an interpretation of this passage that says Jesus is using “born of water” to represent our natural birth (water breaking, lots of fluid involved, etc.) and “born of the Spirit” as the time when the Spirit enters into us (our lives, etc). it’s an interesting thought. i don’t adhere to it though.

Actually that interpretation is erroneous. There no mention of born of water implies natural birth. If you read the entire verses before that it reads:

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus and said to them, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say unless one is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it came from or where it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit."

This verse says, **“you must be born anew.” **This implies that we must be baptized. This goes fully with Jesus commanding his Apostles, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit…"

 

[sphilomena]

From a Catholic understanding, you are born again. Why else did Jesus say "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit****, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven."

In baptism we are born again. Baptism also saves. Peter said in his letter 1 Peter 3:21

Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience.

or Rom. 6:3-4

Do you not know that all of us have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism of death, so as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

or Heb. 10:22

"…let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts **sprinkled clean **from evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Or Act Acts 22:16

When Ananias told Saul the following:

“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.”

true believer, please read this post I have quoted. It is the scripture non-Catholics refer to regarding being born again. Being “born of water and the spirit” means to be baptized; that has always been Church teaching. Check out the Catholic catechism.

 

[bengal_fan]

I have heard this explanation also, and it seems to me to be a very foolish thought. It just doesn’t make much sense! How could one be anything, let alone born of the Spirit, if one had never been born? It seems not only nonsensical, it almost seems that one would have to be an idiot or insane to make such a statement using this meaning of natural birth.

Our Lord is neither an idiot nor insane.

now, now, let’s be charitable. i agree that this probably isn’t what Jesus was saying, but if you read the passage you see that Nicodemus asks the question how can we be born again? he actually says can i re-enter my mother’s womb? then Jesus says, unless you are born of water and the Spirit (etc.). it could be read that he is addressing the question of being born, then being born again by saying being born of water then born of the Spirit. i agree that this is not historically what the church has taught and it’s not what i believe but you can’t call those who interpret it this way idiots or insane.

Actually that interpretation is erroneous. There no mention of born of water implies natural birth. If you read the entire verses before that it reads:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus and said to them, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say unless one is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it came from or where it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit.”

This verse says, “you must be born anew.” This implies that we must be baptized. This goes fully with Jesus commanding his Apostles, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit…”

Manny, did you read my post where i said that i didn’t hold to this interpretation? it doesn’t feel like you did. it feels like you are attacking me for putting out what i have heard others say. the question was asked what do protestants mean by born again. i was giving one answer.

 

[ralphinal]

I ahve always understood the term as meaning when they come to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. If baptism is involved in their denomination, so be it. If not, it is an internal acceptance that without Christ, they have no hope. From my view, it is not entirely a bad concept. True, as Catholics, we understand that we are made new at baptism and that is when we are born again.

 

[paarsurrey]

Hi

I think the Protestant mean that they have got their faith renewed spiritually or corrected.

Thanks

 

[Jestocost]

Hey Everybody,

So, at my university, there is a good mix of different religions. Many people are Catholic, but for the first time in my life, I truly am surrounded by many Protestants. For the most part, I don’t think you can tell much difference between the two denominations, and we have many ecuemenical events on campus.

But one thing that I just cringe at is when a protestant says that they were “born again.” **What do they mean by this? How do they feel that this works? Why do they use such a term? And what do they feel the consequences (either good or bad) of being “born again” are? **
These are just a few questions that I had about the concept, because as a “cradle Catholic” I have very little to no clue about Protestantism.

Thanks for your help.

Generally, the people who say this most frequently and belligerently mean that you answered an alter call and said the sinners prayer. The phrase comes from Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus that others have discussed. Generally they believe that once you do this, as long as you really meant it, you are going straight to heaven when you die(unless the rapture comes first, in which case you won’t die). If you don’t do this you’re going straight to hell.

The Catholic understanding of this, which is rooted in 2000 years of history, going back to apostolic times, is what they call a “tradition of men.” Their understanding, which goes back less than 200 years, they don’t call a tradition at all. They call it “letting Jesus into your heart”

I say “generally” throughout this because no protestant group has a comprehensive statement of beliefs like the catechism and what they believe varies greatly from denomination to denomination and from person to person.

 

[b_justb]

Being Born Again in the Evangelical Christian Community is a reference to a time when the person had a profound conversion experience. This experience is a life changing event where the person finds Christ and in the realization of that finding his life is altered for the better.

You should ask some of your mates there about their experience. Ask them to share what it was and meant to them. I think you will be astonished by the variety of responses you come across. There will be stories about people being freed from additions to drugs and or alcohol or being freed from sinful sexual addictions. There are all sorts of fantastic conversion stories from people that were finally open to the Spirit of God and said yes to Christ.

I know there are all sorts of skeptical responses to these stories and theological digs at the experience, but just ask the people to share with you and they will. Take it at face value because that is their experience with Christ.

Take those stories for what they are, the Spirit of God working in the lives of people to better them for the Kingdom of Heaven.

I find them to be most faith building, I hope you will too.

true_believer:

But one thing that I just cringe at is when a protestant says that they were “born again.” What do they mean by this? How do they feel that this works? Why do they use such a term? And what do they feel the consequences (either good or bad) of being “born again” are?

These are just a few questions that I had about the concept, because as a “cradle Catholic” I have very little to no clue about Protestantism.

Thanks for your help.

 

[DebChris]

Being Born Again in the Evangelical Christian Community is a reference to a time when the person had a profound conversion experience. This experience is a life changing event where the person finds Christ and in the realization of that finding his life is altered for the better.

You should ask some of your mates there about their experience. Ask them to share what it was and meant to them. I think you will be astonished by the variety of responses you come across. There will be stories about people being freed from additions to drugs and or alcohol or being freed from sinful sexual addictions. There are all sorts of fantastic conversion stories from people that were finally open to the Spirit of God and said yes to Christ.

I know there are all sorts of skeptical responses to these stories and theological digs at the experience, but just ask the people to share with you and they will. Take it at face value because that is their experience with Christ.

Take those stories for what they are, the Spirit of God working in the lives of people to better them for the Kingdom of Heaven.

I find them to be most faith building, I hope you will too.

This is basically a restatement of my first response (#2).
When asked when I became a Christian, or when I was born again, I say when I was two weeks old, when I was baptized. At Confirmation, we make an adult decision to follow Christ as we become fully initiated into the Church which is the Body of Christ.
Other posts have mentioned the sinner’s prayer in which an individual asks Jesus Christ to enter his heart and become his personal Lord and Savior. Some non-Catholics (Assembly of God, and other Pentecostals) will focus on the external manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit (tongues, prophecy, etc.).
The Born Again experience as described in the quoted post is the Baptism of the Spirit to which I referred. Often it is accompanied by these outward signs. It knows no denominational bounds and is well accepted by the Catholic Church. Members of the Catholic Church who have undergone this profound conversion experience are often called Charismatic. For me, as a Catholic, this experience regardless of how dramatic, was one more step in my journey toward the Father. For those who have never been taught about Christ, it is their first experience of the Love God has for each of us, in knowing that God is real and all powerful.

 

[zerocrossing]

he is talking of being baptized by the Spirit

A Baptist? They are dispensationalists. They don’t believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit beyond the age of the Apostles - at least not in the sense that charismatics refer to Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

I think he’s referring to the fact that they do not consider baptism by water to be regenerative. They consider it symbolic. For them, “accepting Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior” means being born again. After they do this, they obey the Lord and get baptised as a symbol of their commitment to Christ.

 

[DebChris]

Being Born Again in the Evangelical Christian Community is a reference to a time when the person had a profound conversion experience. This experience is a life changing event where the person finds Christ and in the realization of that finding his life is altered for the better.

You should ask some of your mates there about their experience. Ask them to share what it was and meant to them. I think you will be astonished by the variety of responses you come across. There will be stories about people being freed from additions to drugs and or alcohol or being freed from sinful sexual addictions. There are all sorts of fantastic conversion stories from people that were finally open to the Spirit of God and said yes to Christ.

I know there are all sorts of skeptical responses to these stories and theological digs at the experience, but just ask the people to share with you and they will. Take it at face value because that is their experience with Christ.

Take those stories for what they are, the Spirit of God working in the lives of people to better them for the Kingdom of Heaven.

I find them to be most faith building, I hope you will too.

An Amen rerun showed this in a very simplistic manner. The reverand was in jail where the only person to whom he preached was his cellmate, Icepick. Jailhouse conversions are common. It was a Time (I think) article that showed the difference between Angola Prison today and the same prison, considered the most dangerous in the country, twenty years ago.
When I first became part of the Charismatic Renewal, I heard the testimony of a young man who converted while in prison for marijuana. His wife was the only person who continued to think he was “worth it.” After getting out of prison he found work as a roofer where, “God could keep [him] on [his] knees all day.”