What Do You Mean, Born Again?
By Irvin Baxter
The term “Born Again” is one of the most used phrases among present day religious people. Yet, if asked what the term “Born Again” means, ninety percent of the world’s church members could not give a clear explanation. The vital importance of this study is shown in that Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Here Jesus is saying that TO BE BORN AGAIN IS TO BE SAVED. Being born again is the plan of salvation that Jesus authored at Calvary. It is imperative that we understand what is required for us to be born again!
All agree that when Jesus went to the cross, he brought in the means of salvation for everyone who will accept it. But what really happened at Calvary? What can it do for me? How do I accept what was done there in my own personal life?!
Death, Burial and Resurrection
Let us first consider what really happened at Calvary. There were three steps to the work of Christ-death, burial, and resurrection. It is very easy to see that these three steps make up the act of being born again spoken of by Jesus. To die, to be buried, and to rise again-that’s to be born again. So we see that Jesus through his death, burial, and resurrection bought for us the plan of being born again spoken of in John 3:3, whereby we receive salvation.
The fact that Jesus purchased a plan of salvation for us is the greatest news the world has ever received. The thing we must understand is that not only was it necessary for Jesus to do something, but also it is absolutely essential for us to act upon what he did. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Ye MUST be born again” (John 3:7).
Now the astonishing thing is that Nicodemus was a religious leader of his day; yet, he had no conception of what it meant to be born again! We find that the very same thing is true in the day in which we live. Many men who fill positions of spiritual leadership in our world have no real understanding of the “Born Again” experience. Nicodemus inquired of Jesus in John 3:4, “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, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus, you can’t be born again of a woman. The second birth is a spiritual birth.
What Must We Do?
Notice that Jesus said without being born again we cannot see or enter the kingdom of God. In other words, we cannot be saved. On the day of Pentecost when Peter preached the first message after Calvary, the men cried out, “What must we do?”
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).
Here Peter was giving to them the plan of salvation-repentance, baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. If being born again is to be saved, Peter was evidently talking to them about being born again.
Remember, there were three steps to Calvary death, burial, and resurrection. The way to accept Calvary in our individual life is to accept the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. We don’t have to literally die, literally be buried, and literally rise again. Jesus was our substitute and did this for us. All we must do is accept what he did by spiritually dying, symbolically being buried, and spiritually rising again.
We take on His death by repentance which is spiritual death. When a person truly repents, he dies out to his own will, renounces it forever, and vows to live from that time on according to the will of Jesus Christ.
We take on his burial by baptism in water, by immersion into His name. Romans 6:4 says, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism”. Baptism MUST be done by immersion; for something cannot be buried by sprinkling a little dirt on the top of it. That burial after a few days would certainly prove to be insufficient! Furthermore, EVERY baptism of which we have Biblical record was administered by immersion. That alone should determine our course of action on this matter.
Finally, we partake of the resurrection of Jesus Christ by the infilling of the Holy Ghost. This is the new life that enables us to live as a Christian should.
Spirit, Water and Blood
We see then that being born again means to spiritually die-repent, symbolically be buried-baptism, and spiritually rise again-receive the Holy Ghost. Thus, in plain language an individual must repent of his sins, be baptized into the name of Jesus Christ by immersion, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. IJohn 5:8 tells us,
“And there are three that bear witness in the earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”
What is the one thing in which the spirit, water, and blood agree? Is it not the new birth? Blood covers our sins at repentance; the waters of baptism wash them away, thus making us clean for the spirit to come into our lives to dwell. When the Roman soldiers thrust the spear into Jesus’ side after he died, the scripture tells us that there came forth blood and water (John 19:34). This was for cleansing of the nations. It takes blood and water to eradicate sin. Blood is the cleansing agent, and water is the flushing agent. When a jar is washed for canning, soap AND water are necessary to cleanse that jar so that it might be filled with good fruit. Likewise, blood and water are necessary to cleanse the human soul so that it may receive the spirit of Christ which is the Holy Ghost. This teaching was verified by Peter when he said, “Repent and be baptized FOR the REMISSION of SINS” (Acts 2:38). Repentance and baptism are both absolutely essential for the remission of sins!
Paul taught that the three steps of Calvary was the gospel that we should preach. In I Corinthians 15:1-4 he tells us,
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the GOSPEL which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I have preached unto you, unless ye have BELIEVED IN VAIN. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ DIED for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was BURIED, and that he ROSE AGAIN the third day according to the scriptures:”.
Obey the Gospel
Paul went on the say in II Thessalonians 1:7-8,
“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul told us that the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. How can we OBEY the death, burial, and resurrection? by repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost as we have previously explained. Notice that the Lord Jesus is to appear “in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel.” It is absolutely necessary for every human being to obey the gospel by being BORN AGAIN. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Ye MUST be BORN AGAIN” (John 3:7).
Old Testament Speaks of Born Again Plan
Let us consider another Biblical lesson given to us concerning this subject. The Bible teaches us that the things of the Old Testament were types and shadows of the things to come. When the priests of the law ministered by offering sacrifices, there were three major steps to their duties.
Repentance
First they slew the animal to be offered on the brazen altar. The blood here was shed and caught in a container for use in the Holy Place. The flesh of the animal was to be consumed by fire. This teaches us of the first step of salvation-repentance. When we repent, we present our bodies a living sacrifice, and our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus.
Water Baptism
After the shedding of blood, the priests were ordered to wash at the laver and to cleanse themselves with water in preparation for entering the Holy Place. The laver, a round fountain-like structure, was overlaid in the bottom with a looking glass. When the priests bent over to wash, he was able to see himself so that he could be sure that he was clean. When an individual is baptized, he should examine himself to be sure that he is leaving the world behind once and for all. We see then that the second step of the tabernacle ministration plainly teaches us of water baptism. Blood and water cleansed them to prepare them for entry into the Holy Place, even as blood and water cleanses us in preparation of receiving the Holy One into our lives!
The Holy Ghost and Fire
After cleansing, the priest would then take the fire from off of the brazen altar and would enter through the veil into the Holy Place. The Holy Place had no doors or windows through which light could come. The only light to be provided here was to come from the golden candlesticks. These candlesticks consisted of seven wicks fed by oil from seven bowls. The wicks had to be lit with the fire brought by the priest from the brazen altar. The uniting at the candlesticks of the oil and fire to produce light is a perfect type of the Holy Ghost and fire promised to New Testament believers (Matthew 3:11). Without the light of the Holy Ghost, we could not see to live in the Holy Place which is where every Christian should live. God spoke of His great plan of redemption in the Old Testament in types and shadows; and then in the New Testament He spoke plainly to us so that we would have no doubt of His will! Once again we recall the words of 1 John 5:8, “There are three that bear witness in the earth, the SPIRIT, the WATER, and the BLOOD; and these three agree in one”. This Old Testament lesson beautifully reaffirms to us the absolute necessity of the full Born Again plan in each life for salvation!
Some Common Misconceptions
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ
Acts 16:30-31 reads this way, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Many have taken this scripture to teach that all that is required for salvation is to believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world; and from that point on, the individual is saved. It is definitely true that an individual must believe that Jesus is the Savior in order to be saved. However, Paul, who spoke these words in Acts 16, has some further teaching on the subject in Romans 10:13-15. Let’s consider the text: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him OF WHOM they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” If we wanted to be absurd, we could take this thirteenth verse to teach that all an individual must do for salvation is to call out the name of Jesus one time and he has received salvation. Paul tells us they can’t call on him in whom they have not believed. Furthermore, he said that they can’t believe in him OF WHOM they have not heard. We cannot merely believe. We must believe SOMETHING about Christ. When Paul told the jailer in Acts 16 to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, he went on to speak unto him the word of the Lord (verse 32). The word which Paul spake was apparently the GOSPEL; for the result in verse 33 was that the jailer and all his house were baptized at midnight. That’s how essential baptism is for salvation. Paul took all these people out AT MIDNIGHT and baptized them!
Faith Made Perfect
Some would object here by saying that we are saved by faith alone. It is true that we are saved by faith, but it is also true that true faith always produces action on the part of the believer. Let’s study from James 2:14-22 to verify this point.
“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or a sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works IS DEAD? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thus how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?”
When an individual believes on the Lord Jesus Christ, what do they believe about him? They believe the gospel, which is the death, burial, and resurrection (I Corinthians 15:1-4). James teaches us that faith without action is dead, or it is not really faith at all. When a sinner hears the true gospel and truly believes, he will obey the gospel. An individual obeys the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ by repentance, baptism, in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking with other tongues. (Write for our free booklet “Tongues-Devilish or Divine”). This is the salvation of Calvary! “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” (or complete).
Not By Works
If you are still having trouble conceding to this teaching because of the element of works involved, let’s reason concerning one more point. Being born again-repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost is not considered by God to be a work. In Titus 3:5 we are taught, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost;”. This scripture tells us that regeneration which is being born again is NOT a work of righteousness.
Concluding this matter, we will cite a familiar Biblical example. In the great revival at Samaria in Acts 8:5-23, a sorcerer named Simon heard the preaching of Philip. He believed and was baptized and continued with Philip beholding the signs and miracles which were done. Many people would say that because Simon believed, he was saved. Yet the Apostle Peter said of him in Acts 8:23, “For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.”
It is impossible for anyone in the bond of iniquity to be saved; for the scriptures tell us, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). Simon believed and was baptized, but he had not received the Holy Ghost; therefore, he was not born again. We cannot be half-born and survive. The entire work of Calvary is necessary for our salvation.
The Thief on the Cross
Many have asked, “If an individual must repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost for salvation, how was the thief on the cross with Jesus saved?” (Luke 23:38-43). First of all, it was impossible for anyone to be born again at this time, for the born again plan was not yet complete. Jesus had not died, been buried, and risen again. God has always had a plan of salvation for each dispensation of time. In Noah’s day the only way of salvation was to get in the ark. In Moses’ day the only plan was the law. In the church dispensation, the only way to be saved is to be born again. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Ye MUST be Born Again.”
Conclusion
May we point out as we conclude this study that we have been given the first church and the Apostles after which to pattern our teaching and practices. In each recorded account of conversions under the Apostles’ ministries, the three steps of being born again are evident. In Acts 2:38, it was repentance, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. In Acts 8:12, Acts 10:44-48, and Acts 19:1-6, we find the born again experience taught and received. Why should we vary from this practice when we are to be built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone? Do not allow anything to turn you aside from this truth-You must be BORN AGAIN. If you haven’t as yet, you should do so TODAY!
43 Responses to “What Do You Mean, Born Again?”
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October 9th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
thank you very much for giving us the explanation of how to be born again.i really appreciated everything and i pray to god that through your web site we can learn more about god revelation.
October 13th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Excellent article. It is so rare that God’s plan for salvation is properly taught, even within christian churches.
” Blessed are they who, placing their trust in the cross, have gone down into the water… We indeed descend into the water full of sins and defilement. However, we come up, bearing fruit in our heart, having the fear of God and the trust in Jesus in our spirit. ”
Barnabas 70-130 A.D.
November 12th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Thanks Brother Baxter for all your in depth study of Gods word. I have really learned so much the last three years listening to your radio archives. Today’s study. Is there life after life was the most detailed study on that subject I have ever heard. I am going to send it to ever one I know.
In Christ
Cheryl in California
April 1st, 2011 at 4:58 am
THANKS BROTHER BAXTER FOR YOUR IN DEPTH REVELATION ON THE BIBLICAL STEPS IN GETTING BORN AGAIN.GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU.I WOULD LIKE TO ASK,CAN A BELIEVER RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHOUT BAPTISM? I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.
May 6th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
The Bible records people receiving the Holy Ghost before being baptized so it is possible. However both of these things are essential to salvation.
December 3rd, 2010 at 7:07 am
December 3rd, 2010 at 2:01 am
Thank Brother Baxter for allowing yourself to be used of God to such great magnitude. I appreciate the fact that you and Endtime Ministry Team are doing the Work of God and in such unity and one accord. However, I now the Bible saids, not compare ourselves. It would be nice if and a huge blessing to have Endtime Ministry blossom here in New England.
So many people have religion but enough relationship with Jesus Christ.
I hope to teach along with Bible studies some Endtime studies too.
God Bless and Thank you
January 4th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
This is good article. I meet a lot of people who would ask if am born again and yet they do not understand the meaning of that. Most people take it as state that those who claim to be followers of Christ are. They think just by singing what they call a gospel song or attend a church service they are born again. I think this means beyond what our little imagination.This means having a personal relationship with God that leads to total salvation. But most people who claim to be born again are actually living a contrary life to what is required.
God Bless and Thank you
March 9th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
Sir, Jesus cannot lie, when the word of God states that Jesus told the thief after he asked him to remember him when he comes into his kingdom, that on that day he would be with him in paradise, I believe he WAS with him in paradise. Also, look at the many people that Jesus saved and then told them that their faith had saved them and to go and sin no more, where was the mention of baptism? I don’t disagree with submersion baptism as I am a born again Christian and have been baptized by full water immersion. I feel that this does two things, first it is a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ and it is following the example that Jesus showed mankind by example that once you are saved and then baptized, you are identified with the Christian faith as opposed to Judaism. When God made the covenant with Abram, the sign of the covenant was for all males to be circumcised. When Jesus made himself known to John the Baptist through his baptism, this is like the covenant that God made originally with Abram and Jewish nation. It identifies us with Christ. I believe that once you realize that you are a sinner and then REPENT and ask Jesus into your heart and life, that you are born again, not until after baptism. Thank you for reading this. God bless you all.
April 12th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
I believe that the thief was saved as well. There have been different dispensations throughout history. For example, at the time of the flood salvation for those people was the ark. For us now it is the gospel. 1 Corithians 15:1-4 tells us that we are saved by the gospel which is the death, burial, and resurrection. People who lived during the time of Jesus could not have been saved this way since Jesus was alive. Romans 6:3-4 and Colossians 2:12 teach that we are buried with Jesus in baptism. Mark 16:16 teaches that he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Other verses that teach on salvation are Acts 2:38, John 3:3-5, and Titus 3:5. If you have any questions feel free to contact us by going to http://www.endtime.com/contact-us/.
May 19th, 2011 at 3:45 am
The thief on the cross, as well as those who Jesus told “thy sins be forgiven thee” or “go and sin no more” were saved unto the teaching of John the Baptist. It is very important to know that this was prior to pentecost. The church ‘age’ started after pentecost. Remember Acts 19:3 – These desciples that Paul encountered were baptised “Unto John’s baptism” a different ‘dispensation’. They heard of pentecost and were then born of water and of the Spirit. Please note one thing, nothing mentioned above is something that I think – it is pure bible. We can get in a lot of trouble when we start our biblical conversation with “I think”. There are too manny people that think too many things. Also, when I am looking for an interpretation of the gospel I look to the disciples for the interpretation. For example, if I need a better understanding of Matthew 28:19 or Mark 16:15-16 I will go to God’s spokesperson (Peter, with the other apostles) in Acts 2:38. Here Peter is direct, simple and to the point when asked, “what shall we do.” Many people have opinions, the apostles gave us the ‘word’.
July 9th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
The thief made it to heaven only because Jesus hadn’t died yet. The testator of the new testament had not died, therefore He could not invoke the salvation plan on the thief. He gave Peter the keys to the kingdom. On the day of Pentecost(the birthday of the church). Peter stood up and said, ” Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission sins and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost.
December 20th, 2011 at 5:26 am
MY DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTER’S, HE THAT HATH AN EAR LET HIM HEAR, YES JOHN 3:5 SAYS WE MUST BE BORN OF WATER AND OF SPIRIT TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. NOW THESE ARE TWO SEPERATE EXPERIENCES. AND THE ONLY REASON I KNOW THAT IT IS ONLY BECAUSE I HAVE BEAR WITNESSED TO THIS IN MY OWN LIFE. NOW TO THE GENTELMAN ON THE CROSS NEXT TO JESUS, IS HE IN PARADISE? YES HE IS BECAUSE THE WORD OF GOD NEVER RETURNS VOID. AS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST DO WE NEED TO BE BAPTISED? YES , WHY DID JESUS EMANUEL (GOD WITH US) GET BAPTISED, AS AN EXAMPLE FOR US TO FOLLOW. CLAIM ME BEFORE MAN AND I’LL CLAIM YOU BEFORE MY FATHER, DENY ME AND I’LL DENY YOU BEFORE MY FATHER. NOW WHO MADE THE DECISION ON THAT GENTELMAN BEING IN PARADISE, JESUS CHRIST DID, SO IT IS NOT FOR US TO TELL OTHERS NOT TO BE BAPTISED, THAT WAS A GOD DECISION NOT A MAN’S PLEASE DON’T TRY TO BE GOD FOR THERE IS ONLY ONE. FOR THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY MERRY CHRISTMAS
March 12th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
I love this Bible Study!!! It explains how to be born again in such a clear way. Praise the Lord.
March 19th, 2011 at 6:22 am
TRUTH, PEOPLE DON’T EXPLAIN THE WORD THIS WAY. DID NOT OUR HEART BURN AS WE READ YOUR EXPLAINATION OF GODS WORD.THE TRUE PLAN OF SALVATION.I REALLY WAS BLESSED BY THE EXPLAINATION OF THE DEATH BURIAL RESURECTION PIECE FOR CHRIST AND THE BELIEVER. GOD BLESS YOU. PLEASE KEEP TEACHING. WE LOVE YOUR MINISTRY.
March 28th, 2011 at 11:25 am
Hello Brother Irvin Baxter, Thanks for the wonderful teaching on this subject. Kindly help me further with Mark 16: 15 – 18 in context of your teaching. Yours in Christ,Stephen.
May 6th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
This is a passage that lets us know the importance of baptism. Baptism appears to be essential for salvation in Mark 16:16. Also we see here that actions will follow our belief. This fits with what James talked about in James 2. If you have other questions please contact us by going to http://www.endtime.com/contact-us/.
March 28th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
Thanks brother Baxter. How about Romans 10: 9 to 10, that thanks only of believing and confessing as the only criterial to be saved ?
March 28th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Thanks brother Baxter. How about Romans 10: 9 to 10, that talks only of believing and confessing Jesus as our Lord and saviour as the only criterial to be saved ?
March 28th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
We have to take into account all scripture because it is all given from God for our benefit(2 Timothy 3:16). If a passage tells us we have to confess Jesus to be saved and another passage tells us if we are baptized we are saved, which is correct? We do not choose one or the other but we choose both.
James taught that our faith or belief should be accompanied by works. James 2 teaches the principle of faith being dead if there are no works to show for your faith. For example, if you believe the store your in is on fire but you do not try to escape the store, did you really believe? It would seem that you did not. If you truly believed the store was on fire you would’ve done everything you could have to escape the store. So with faith comes action. This is why Mark 16:17-18 gives us signs that will follow those who believe. So when we truly believe, we will obey the word and apply it to our lives. Action will always follow true belief.
April 7th, 2011 at 12:18 am
YES!!!! Faith without works is Dead….is what scripture tells us. AMEN!!! In order to be saved you must repent, be born again (baptised)in JESUS NAME, and be filled with the HolyGhost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues as the spirit gives the utterance! Then the work starts
and you apply HIS WORD to your life and follow it.
September 30th, 2011 at 11:30 am
The book of Romans is writen to the Roman church that Paul started , not to the sinner of today to be saved , it is for the roman church to remind them of their salvation and how they obtained it. By being born again jn.3:3-8.the acts 2:38 that peter preached. is the same message paul preached.
November 5th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
2nd Timothy 3 verse 16 says ALL Scripture (key words) is given by inspiration of God, and it profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
so that means even though he was talking to roman church back then “his word” GODS WORD is still the same yesterday, today, and forever.
The Bible was inspired by God, and if it says to do this or to do that? how do you sappose you go about showing your love for him without applying his word to your life.
April 16th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
What about if you are baptized in Jesus name only????? what about in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit? does this count???
May 5th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
Look through the New Testament and see how many baptisms were done in the name of Jesus and how many were done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. If you still would like to discuss this with someone please contact us by going to http://www.endtime.com/contact-us/.
April 20th, 2011 at 2:19 am
Yes,the bible makes it very clear;you must be born again,fully believing Christ is the Son of God-(God our Father who shows us the way and proved His love for us through Jesus),who was tortured,nailed to a cross,then WITH HIS BREATH, TOOK AWAY DEATH.(death of our souls.)What was done for us is beatiful beyond words and all we must do to be saved isBELIEVE Jesus is the Son of God and our only salvation,be BAPTIZED with His Holy Spirit and REPENT;in(John14:6)Jesus said “I an the way,the truth and the life.No one comes to the Father except through Me.”(John 3:16,Acts16:31andMANY more verses)tell usthis.Baptizing-(Mark 1:8)John says,”indeed I baptized with water,but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”Jesus and repenting-(Luke13:3, Matthew11:20and more.)If we truely repent,God said,..”I WILL NOT remember your sins.”-(Isiaih43:25).It’s important!God will bring EVERY work into judgment,including every secretthing,wheather good or evil.-(Ecclesiastes 12:14)So,do this and “..lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”(Matthew6:19-21)and remember,Eye has not seen nor ear heard nor has entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who loveHim.-(1 Corinthians2:9).That’s how great heaven is,so followHim and it will be your eternal home.
April 27th, 2011 at 2:32 am
I really love this….what happens to a man who at the point of death accepted christ
May 6th, 2011 at 11:10 am
We know that God’s word is forever settled in heaven. God will go by his word and this is why we have to teach exactly what the Bible says. Ultimately we are not the judge and God will have the final say. If you have other questions feel free to contact us by going to http://www.endtime.com/contact-us/.
May 12th, 2011 at 12:33 am
God is eternal light and love. As each person is born, God imparts a piece of that light on your soul. As we age, the cares of this world diminish that light. God asks us not to put that light under a bushel, but let it shine for all men, that they may know the Lord. When we are born again, when we accept the truth of God’s salvation thru the work of the cross, thru Jesus the Christ, that light is renewed. We are born into eternal salvation and it is that light that draws others to us, it is that light that draws us to Him. Those who have died and come back have seen that light and overwhelming love and accepance, and are sad, even angry that they must return to this world. One day all will be In The Light or separated from it eternally. The wonderful truth is: God gave us that choice. Amen and come Lord Jesus.
May 21st, 2011 at 7:57 am
Thanx for this bit of information. I myself had some concern about being born again and u av enlightened me. I thank you.Amen
May 25th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Great Truth, I was raised in a religious atomosphere and it was not until I broke loose from from man’s “I think ” that I found the truth of the Scriptures. One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism…… Marvel not that I say you must be born again, the wind bloweth where it listeth and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst tell whether it cometh or it goeth and so is everyone that is born of the Spirit. So many people do not understand that Nicodemus did not understand what Jesus was telling him. Read it and see the Word will prove it. He finally told him as you would a child when you are getting no response from the child when telling the child how to tie his shoes. The only way you will understand Nicodemus is to believe and hold on for a promise is coming. There were a great number of disciples and followers who only saw the physical but could not understand the Spiritual, start at John chapter 1 and read all the way to chapte 6. They understood the physical healing but could not understand the Spiritual healing that was to come. There was a great falling away in John chapter 6. Jesus asked the twelve will you also leave. Basically they said we don’t understand, but we know that you have the words of salvation. If John 3:16 would have completed the process, why would they still be waiting. In Luke 24:45 just before Jesus ascended to Heaven, the word says he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures. When this happened, it clicked. Peter went from denying Jesus to preching with power and authority after Jesus opened their understanding in the book of Acts. Also look at John 7:38-39. In the great day of the feast, out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water(but spake he of the spirit for it was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified). The book of John was written some time later approximately 60 years give or take. When John penned the word that Jesus said 60 years later, he realized what Jesus was talking about on the great day of the feast, WHY? Because he had recieved the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost and he put it into the scriptures giving explantion in verse 39. The mattter of the thief on the cross; the dispensation of grace had not begun. Hebrews say without the death of a testator a will in testament is of non effect. Your dad must die before you inherit the will(promise)(promise of the father). He had to die for the dispensation of grace to begin. Jesus had all authority to forgive or do anything He wanted because He was God manifest in the flesh while on this earth. The word says believe on Me as the scripture sayeth, not some positive thinker. You can’t think your way into heaven. Its only by His Spirt being born again (Acts 2:38)and then you get the power(Acts 1:8). The people who hung Jesus believed as Peter preached because I read where they were pricked in their heart and they asked the question; What must we do? They believed! Acts 2:38. I only responded to this is because I was one who once thought all I had to do was believe. James states, thou believe there is one God thou doest well, the devil’s also believe and tremble. I don’t believe it will do them much good. Man you have got to know! Don’t trust someone who JUST teaches you out of the letters written to the church’s. Use the whole Bible. You never see an expample of one person being saved in the letters to the Church’s, not saying that no one was saved at this time but it does not show me an example. Lo, I have come in the volume of the Book. Take religon and throw it out the window and study to show thyself approved! To Believe is only the start of a relationship.
December 5th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
Greg,
Well said my brother
May 27th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
I get confussed about the rapture, some people belive in a pre-tribe, and some say not untill the end and Christ returns. Does that mean that most of us and going to die off in the great war which is coming soon?
May 31st, 2011 at 9:49 am
The Bible is very clear about the timing of the rapture. If you would like to read a good scriptural explanation you can follow this link: http://www.endtime.com/urgent-questions/when-will-the-rapture-take-place/. The Bible does teach in Revelation 9 that 1/3 of mankind will die in the 6th trumpet war. The Bible also teaches that people will die during the tribulation for the cause of Christ. However we should have nothing to fear if we are born again because if we die we will go on to be with the Lord. If you have any questions regarding salvation feel free to contact us by going to http://www.endtime.com/contact-us/.
June 22nd, 2011 at 10:30 am
To be born again is spiriual and no man can be born again until he repent and choose God and truly knows God you can than and only than Once the new kingdom comes and truely comes to know God can be born of his spirit and thus becoming part of the God family.
People dont understand that God’s purpose for us is to be like him and the ones who make it and comes to really know God; will be like him, your body will grow into spirit not physical just as Jesus did
September 14th, 2011 at 7:26 am
In order to be born again, you need to be baptized in Jesus name. Says Peter in the Bible. Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized in Jesus Name for your sins. We die daily when we repent in his name. When we get baptized, we die like Jesus did and we come back up a new man and woman. That is the circumcisn which is the for the new testiment. In the old testiment we had to circumcise the men when they were 8 days old. Now we just have to be submerged in water and have Jesus Christ claim.
September 24th, 2011 at 8:10 am
I may be misunderstanding you, so forgive me if so. Being born again is more than just water baptism according to Scripture(John3:5).
(John 3:8)The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Jesus is continuing one line of thought or one message here to Nicodemus. Jesus is talking about receiving the Holy Ghost. As you pointed out in Acts 2:38, Peter declared repentance and baptism, but to finish he said “and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
In 2:39 he continued his message -(Acts 2:39)For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
The promise he spoke of is the same experience(promise) the prophets of the OT said would happen, and the same “wind” that Jesus spoke about. (Isaiah 28:11-12, Joel 2:28, John 3:8, Acts 2:2-4)
After reading John 3:5 you can see that according to Jesus, being born again is not only water, but also Spirit. Peter preached the message of salvation to the Jews, then later to the Gentiles, they all received the same promise of salvation and the same experience for salvation. Acts 2(Jews), Acts 10:44-47(Gentiles)
God bless
December 8th, 2011 at 11:27 am
You guys are really confusing the Gospel.Galations 1:8 “But if even we or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” The gospel is John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life” I agree Jesus died was buried and rose again. Simply put we do not have to die be buried and rise ,symbolically or literally. We have to believe. Period. Jesus did that so we would not have to. Please do not be fooled. If you teach anything different you see what Paul said above.
December 9th, 2011 at 9:28 am
Praise the Lord!
I agree with Galatians 1:8, we should not preach anything but what the apostles preached. In Acts 18:24-26 we find Apollos teaching about Jesus, but knowing only John’s baptism. Aquila & Priscilla heard him, but realized immediately that he needed more than what he already had and was teaching. We know that he believed, but apparently he was still missing something of vital importance that pertained to the gospel. The Bible says, “whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”
Does that show us what they taught him, more than just believing?
No, so let’s continue on to the very next
chapter, to where Paul encountered others that also believed & knew only of John’s baptism.
At the start of chapter 19 we see this account taking place, followed by what Paul actually preached.
Acts 19:1-6 “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”
Immediately Paul asks them, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?”
Furthermore, He goes on to ask, “Unto what then were ye baptized?”
Now, you have to ask yourself, “If none of this was important, or essential, and it ONLY took believing, why did Paul waste his time, breath, and energy preaching this to them?”
Let’s go back to John 3:16 really quick; I think this may shine some light on the situation here.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
There is one word in this passage that tells us why Paul, an apostle commissioned by Christ, felt it was so important to preach this message to them. “Should”
If I gave my son $50, he “should” put it in the bank. However, since I am his father I know that he probably “would” not.
Just because we “should” have done something, doesn’t mean we “would” have.
Let’s go to another Scripture in the book of John that talks about believing.
Joh 7:38 “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
Again, Jesus speaking here, He opens our understanding more to His words spoken previously in 3:16. Well, what does all of this mean? The very next Scripture gives us a fuller understanding, let’s look.
Joh 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Uh oh, there’s that word again. “Should” It does not say, “…that believe would receive…” bur rather, “…should receive.”
You are correct that we must believe, because without belief in Him we would never have the opportunity to be saved. According to what Paul preached, belief is a prerequisite of salvation. Jesus Himself testifying that without belief we can’t be saved(John 3:18).
The thief on the cross was able to be saved through His belief in Christ only because “…Jesus was not yet glorified.” The Holy Ghost had not yet been given, and they were still under “law”, while we are blessed to be under “grace.” All accounts of salvation after Jesus’ resurrection & ascension are exactly the same as what Peter preached on the day of Pentecost. Jesus told Peter, “I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven..,” that is why Peter was the apostle to preach on the day of Pentecost.
Let’s look one more time at what Jesus told Nicodemus about being born again.
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
Now look with me at Jesus speaking to the apostles.
Act 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
Act 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
When did He promise them the Holy Ghost?
John 7:38-39
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Act 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Jesus said “All power is given unto me..,” then later He tells His disciples, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…”
2Timothy 3:1-5 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers,incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Paul says that in the end time, people will have a “form of godliness” but deny the power thereof. We know according to previous Scripture that the “power” is the Holy Ghost. According to Paul, believing on Jesus is not the same as receiving the Holy Ghost. We also know from Jesus, that if we “believe…as the Scripture hath said…” we will receive the Holy Ghost. Without the Holy Ghost we lack power, but only believing does not give us the Holy Ghost. Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:37-40
Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?
God bless,
Steve