A question most of us are probably familiar with.
Unfortunately, without the right understanding of this question, it cannot be correctly answered.
I have noticed that this is a very sensitive topic among Cameroonians. Primarily because the term "born-again" has for a long time now been associated with churches of the Pentecostal movement. That is, the non-traditional (non Catholic or Protestant) ones. Therefore for most people "being born-again" refers to being part of a particular kind of Christian denomination. A common and very harmful misconception. I have spoken about this several times, but I thought it necessary to address it officially here.
The Bible, having authority as God's own Word, sure has something to say about this.
The third chapter of John's gospel begins with Nicodemus' story. He was a Pharisee convinced of Jesus' divine anointing, so he discreetly sought to meet with Jesus. During that meeting, Jesus clearly said to him:
John 3:3 "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born-again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." NKJV
Most contemporary translations of the Bible have probably replaced the phrase "born-again" with something else or taken it out completely. However, King James is the undisputed oldest English translation being used today. It is therefore safe to say that it is the least tampered with and the most identical to original Scripture.
The verses that follow in John 3 go ahead to explain what "being born-again" means as our Lord Jesus broke it down for a confounded Nicodemus.
Thus, the Bible tells us "being born-again" is a state of being. A rebirth that is not physically visible but clearly evident in its effects. Just like the wind (John 3:8). This "rebirth" is essential for the inheritance of God's promise of eternal life. This "rebirth" does not happen just because one fellowships in a particular kind of church. Therefore anyone who identifies as "Christian" should be born-again right?
To be born-again is to die to sin and be raised with Christ. To experience this rebirth means having new life (an inward transformation that is expressed outwardly). This new life is the same one referred to in Paul's letter to the Romans. Life after salvation. The book of Romans describes in detail why we need salvation, how we receive salvation and what it means to have received salvation (to be saved). I encourage you to read, study and meditate on it if you have not done so already.
Romans 10:9-10 "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
This newness of life is therefore synonymous to being saved. That is why "Are you saved?" is the version of the born-again question most likely to be used in the U.S.
To experience this rebirth is also often referred to as having an intimate relationship with Christ. You know, for most of us who grew up in Christian societies, Christianity for a long time meant nothing more than "law". A list of do's and dont's we adhered to mostly at our convenience. Our experience of Christianity was more mechanical than emotional. But that is not how it ought to be. That is not what Christ died for. Let me illustrate.
When I say "I know Barack Obama" and Michelle Obama says "I know Barack Obama", do we mean the same thing?
Of course not.
Before salvation (being born-again) we know Jesus like I know Barack. When saved/born-again then we know Jesus like Michelle knows Barack.
Permit me to ask one more time: Are you born-again? Are you saved?
Unfortunately, without the right understanding of this question, it cannot be correctly answered.
I have noticed that this is a very sensitive topic among Cameroonians. Primarily because the term "born-again" has for a long time now been associated with churches of the Pentecostal movement. That is, the non-traditional (non Catholic or Protestant) ones. Therefore for most people "being born-again" refers to being part of a particular kind of Christian denomination. A common and very harmful misconception. I have spoken about this several times, but I thought it necessary to address it officially here.
The Bible, having authority as God's own Word, sure has something to say about this.
The third chapter of John's gospel begins with Nicodemus' story. He was a Pharisee convinced of Jesus' divine anointing, so he discreetly sought to meet with Jesus. During that meeting, Jesus clearly said to him:
John 3:3 "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born-again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." NKJV
Most contemporary translations of the Bible have probably replaced the phrase "born-again" with something else or taken it out completely. However, King James is the undisputed oldest English translation being used today. It is therefore safe to say that it is the least tampered with and the most identical to original Scripture.
The verses that follow in John 3 go ahead to explain what "being born-again" means as our Lord Jesus broke it down for a confounded Nicodemus.
Thus, the Bible tells us "being born-again" is a state of being. A rebirth that is not physically visible but clearly evident in its effects. Just like the wind (John 3:8). This "rebirth" is essential for the inheritance of God's promise of eternal life. This "rebirth" does not happen just because one fellowships in a particular kind of church. Therefore anyone who identifies as "Christian" should be born-again right?
To be born-again is to die to sin and be raised with Christ. To experience this rebirth means having new life (an inward transformation that is expressed outwardly). This new life is the same one referred to in Paul's letter to the Romans. Life after salvation. The book of Romans describes in detail why we need salvation, how we receive salvation and what it means to have received salvation (to be saved). I encourage you to read, study and meditate on it if you have not done so already.
Romans 10:9-10 "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
This newness of life is therefore synonymous to being saved. That is why "Are you saved?" is the version of the born-again question most likely to be used in the U.S.
To experience this rebirth is also often referred to as having an intimate relationship with Christ. You know, for most of us who grew up in Christian societies, Christianity for a long time meant nothing more than "law". A list of do's and dont's we adhered to mostly at our convenience. Our experience of Christianity was more mechanical than emotional. But that is not how it ought to be. That is not what Christ died for. Let me illustrate.
When I say "I know Barack Obama" and Michelle Obama says "I know Barack Obama", do we mean the same thing?
Of course not.
Before salvation (being born-again) we know Jesus like I know Barack. When saved/born-again then we know Jesus like Michelle knows Barack.
Permit me to ask one more time: Are you born-again? Are you saved?
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