Born Again?
I Think I am. What does that mean? I'd
like to make sure and What does the Bible say?
A great ruler of the Jews named Nicodemus came to Jesus in the
night asking him questions. Jesus told him "... Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of Heaven." (John 3:3) Jesus goes on to say much more and also, "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." (v7).
I cannot find anywhere else in the Bible where Jesus makes such a
definite statement that "ye must" concerning salvation. It's not written anywhere that we must be baptized as a baby. Although baptism of water and baptism of the spirit is in there. Neither of which, by the way, include the statements from Jesus that must be done in order to see the Kingdom of Heaven. Not that neither is not there or not important.
I have learned a long time ago and I'm still learning that if I
have to change what I have been taught or change what I believe because I cannot find it in the Bible, then that is what I have done and must continue to do. Complete doctrines and religions have been established by man's teachings alone, many of which contradict the Bible and many, good, wonderful people remain confused and the division between different faiths is made worse. If we truly want to know the Lord, to know that we are going to Heaven, to experience Heaven here on earth, walk in His presence, hear His voice. YES! even Hear his voice. In John 10:27, Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" Then we must judge and measure all things by His word, rather than what we "think" we believe and what we have been taught.
The experience of being born again is simple. The experience is
also called being saved or converted. When one prays, what is often called the sinner's prayer, to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, receiving His work on the cross in a very personal way, they are then welcomed
into the family of God. Their names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, and they then become a believer, often referred to as a Christian or Born-Again Christian.
The sinner's prayer below is based on the four scriptures below
it. There are others but for space, we only included these first four.
Romans 10:9-10. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Rev. 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white
raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will
confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I
do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Dear Jesus,
I believe that you died for me and rose again on the third day. I confess I am a sinner. Please forgive me of all my sins. Please come into my heart now that I may receive your forgiveness and eternal life. I confess and receive you as my Lord and Savior and I thank you that my name is now in the Lamb's book of Life and that I am Born Again!
In Jesus Name I pray.
We hope that you prayed that prayer aloud and experienced that
wonderful blessing in your heart! Share your confession to a family member or
friend that Jesus is the Lord of your life. Regardless of which church you attend or what denomination you'd like to join, it is also important to ask the Lord of his direction and will for your life. He will lead you to the church that is best for you and your family. You will feel His peace and you will know by the Spirit (in your heart), the right church for you that will best help you grow stronger and learn more of Him and His word. Pray for wisdom each time you read the Bible. For Bible reading, we suggest you first begin with the book of John, then Matthew, Mark and Luke, followed by the rest of the New Testament.
Other denominations have trouble understanding why the statement, "I confess and receive you as my Lord and Savior", is used. For it is true, Jesus is Lord and Savior, regardless if anyone believes or confesses this aloud or not. It does not change the fact either way. However, confessing and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior declares that you receive his redemptive work on the cross for you, in a personal way and that you declare Him, and receive Him as Lord over your life ".. with
the mouth, confession is made unto salvation." (Roman 10:10)
Enjoy your new life now and all that God has for you. He has awesome things in store for you! Feel free to read any of the other articles on this website to help you in your Christian walk.
Abundant Blessings!
www.hstreasures.com
Helpful Links:
Bible Crosswalk - Includes Bible search, Strongs Concordance and many other resources.
Bible Search - look up any word in the Bible. OT and NT options. Also includes version options.
Bible Online - Schedule to read the Bible in one year. Read online or printout. Includes the Strongs Concordance- Hebrew & Greek Dictionary and the Hebrew and Greek alphabet.
Christian Links.com - Locate a Church. Listing by Denominations and other information.
MorningStar Ministries - Rick Joyner. They a great free newsletter every week via email. His area of expertise is Church History.
The Wisdom Center - Mike Murdock. Good teaching and Nuggets of Wisdom.
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