Posted on 03/13/2010 1:24:38 PM PST by NYer
**I have always had a negative reaction to the phrase “born again”. It suggests having been “born” once and then “born again” into a new religion.**
Then your issue is with jesus. He said it.
The concept of "born again" is not a man-made creation. Jesus is credited with those words in the bible.
Therefore, it is valid, and it should be respected by true followers of Jesus. That doesn't mean it isn't abused by some, but we don't jettison truth just because someone distorts it.
It is not about denomination. It's about Jesus' words.
Since Jesus said, "You must be born again.", then we must take it seriously.
Not in the context of the people who claim to be "born again".
I'm not asking you to turn Catholic, I'm just asking you to believe what Jesus HIMSELF said about Peter.
I have Jesus in my heart, I take a bite out of him every week.
Frankly I think these threads do more to tear apart Freepers than bind them together. It is almost as if we play into the hands of those revolutionaries who have changed America since 1930.
It is up to God to answer the question of who gets into heaven. It is up to us to live our lives to glorify Him.
Baptism and Confirmation are sufficient
(i.e., to be born “from above” according to the metaphor on St. John). All of the grace needed is there. How the person acts upon the grace and gifts of the Holy Spirit will vary from person to person as they mature. Since not everyone has mystical experiences or private revelations there is no requirement of that. A baptized infant goes to God in Heaven
regardless of any additional “born again” experience. To deny that would be heresy.
1 Cor 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. 16(I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
“...You are Peter (rock)...”
If you look carefully at the name ‘Peter’ you will find that it means “pebble, or small stone”. Not a foundational “Rock”. We are told in Scripture that Jesus is the Rock, and the cornerstone. Jesus, Yashua, Son of God is the foundation for all that God is doing on earth, and with his creation, including men, including what we call the church.
Does God lie?
See you in heaven, I hope.
Where is heaven? If being in heaven means being with my Lord and my Savior, then yes, I will be in heaven. I KNOW that I will be with Him, whereever he is. I have that hope...my ‘hope’ is guarenteed, by Him. He is with me now, in my heart.
I hope you know with the same hope that I have.
Again, blessings. May the Peace of the Lord always be with you.
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