BORN AGAIN By the BIBLE and TRADITION OF MEN.

BORN AGAIN By the BIBLE and TRADITION OF MEN. What is it to be “born again”? It depends in what religion the term is used. Surprisingly it is not only used in Christianity; but also in Buddism and Hinduism. In those it is known as “Arhat or 'arhant',” the Buddhist conception which succeeds the earlier Dvija concept in the Dharmic tradition. “Dvija,” the concept of being "twice-born" prominent in Hinduism since classical times. In Christianity it refers to spiritual rebirth and salvation. In this study I will only focus on the Christian usage and whether it is accurate. The term comes from three verses in the New Testament. Mainly the first. Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 1Pet 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. However, like most of today’s Christian understanding or misunderstanding of bible verses, this one comes from its origins traced to 1738, with various theological streams contributing to its foundation. Here I will only mention John Wesley and other early Methodists were at the root of sparking this new movement during the First Great Awakening. Today, evangelicals are found across many Protestant branches, as well as in various denominations not subsumed to a specific branch. Hence the widespread belief in and adoption of the term. The movement has long had a presence in the Anglosphere before spreading further afield in the 19th, 20th and early 21st centuries. The movement gained great momentum during the 18th and 19th centuries with the Great Awakenings in Great Britain and the United States. Simply, today’s denominations i.e. of Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal etc were all cut from the same cloth and, though may hold variations of some other doctrines, all subscribe to the “born again” interpretation of a change in heart or intentions. Generally the change of heart is not from the world towards God’s bible commandments; but their denominations theology. Is not a permanent change of heart where “1John3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” is satisfied; but one of which a believer can “backslide”, and be “born again” more than once. Even getting re-baptised. Remember verses relating to from a good tree comes good fruit and a bad or corrupt tree comes bad fruits? (Mat 3:10, Mat 7:17, Mat 7:18, Mat 7:19, Mat 12:33, Luk 3:9, Luk 6:43). Such does not conform to John’s “born again” not of corruptible seed; but of uncorruptible. Born of God means cannot sin, cannot backslide etc. They do not have the choice as humans. The devil and a third of the angels sinned by disobeying God. They were not born of God; but created “Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made”. Israel the nation as many individuals were given a new lease of life; but this did not lead to a permanent state in mind nor physical actions. Israel was taken out of Egypt to a Promised Land of milk and honey, yet they sinned repeatedly. The same with many individuals in the bible as Joh 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Simon the sorcerer of Acts 8:22 and Ananias of Act 5:3. Today many get baptised, attend church etc; but have not adopted a true permanent change of mind nor actions acceptable to God. They bring the faith of the bible to suit them rather than visa versa. Their belief is no different from those of Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Even after baptism Judas, Peter and Paul were not exempt from the temptations of the devil in Mat 16:23 and Rom 7:19. A truly “born again” character is not possible in this world; but is possible in the spiritual which is not of this earth. “Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE, they shall deceive the very elect”. It is not possible; because the very elect “cannot sin” nor be touched by the devil 1John 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. Compared to humans who are of Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jer 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his DOINGS. Anyway, let us turn to the Bible’s use and try and understand the term. Whether it relates to this human earthly life or after the new heaven and earth life after judgment day of “Rev 20:12-15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their WORKS….”. The book of Revelations speaks in a few places of a “second death” (Rev 2:11, Rev 20:6, Rev 20:14, Rev 21:8). A death coming after a birth? Thus does two deaths necessitates two births? The first of a body of flesh which is judged and dies the first death “Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”. Then to those who repent and endure to the end a second “born again” life for those rewarded with a second birth that has no second death (Rev 2:11, 20:6)? Many of Yahshua’s teachings were by way of parables not meant to be understood before their time even by his 12 disciples. God did similar in the Old Testament i.e. with Daniel 2 and 9:22-23. This confirms verses as Psa 111:10 … a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: Psa 119:99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. Psa 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding:.. Act 5:32 … the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. My point is that a good understanding of God’s word and the bible comes from knowing God and KEEPING HIS word; his commandments (1Jn 2:3, 1Jn 2:4, 1Jn 3:22, 1Jn 3:24, 1Jn 5:2, 1Jn 5:3). Not from following inherited theologies. With those verses in mind let us look at the three “born again” verses in their context. Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Joh 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Joh 3:5 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. Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit…. Joh 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. .. Joh 3:11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. Joh 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? Joh 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. Joh 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: Joh 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 17:3). Though the Bible also uses “spirit” in the context of one's character i.e. "spirit of" Jacob, wisdom, jealousy, Cyrus, Elijah and other humans, or of nations as Egypt, Philistines and of an emotion as fear, we should see from below it does not refer to a change in earthly character. Points to note from the John 3 verses are: i) When one is “born again” the kingdom of God can be seen and entered (v3, 5). ii) ii) It is a kingdom of God and not of man (See Dan 2:44, and entry is only by being born of water and “of the Spirit”. Is the water of baptism or the placebo at human child birth? Most probably the former. Rev 12:10 together with 22:14 stipulates the means of entry into the heavenly kingdom. Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. iii) The “born of the spirit” is not born of flesh. Thus has not a body of flesh i.e. of this world. iv) The birth is not visible as the coming and going of the wind is not visible (v8). v) It is a heavenly birth not an “earthly thing” (v12). Meaning not something that happens on earth as the changing of a living person’s character or mind. vi) It is something that happens in heaven where no man has been (v13). vii) Through the “born again” one gets the belief that leads to “eternal life”. Many verses elsewhere in the bible tells us in whom we are to believe and how to get eternal life. “Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,… Joh 17:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. Joh 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent”. Simply, Yahshua was the manifested Word of God into human flesh so we can learn His (God’s) way and return to him to get His eternal life by being “born again” in His due time at the resurrection of Rev 20:12. See also 1Cor 15:50 … flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. In other teachings I have shown God, His word in flesh and written law are the same. Hence the answer given in Mat 19:17 … if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. In summary Psa 40:7-8 “Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart”. Jesus was heading to His father in heaven by doing His will, using the laws and commandments as His guide. Jesus confirmed He had not come to destroy or change the “Law”. In fact, He came to magnify it. Show how it is to be kept. Shine a light on it and make it clear through clarification and examples. Isa 42:21 “The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable”. Jesus was the living Law. Scripture speaks of their attributes in the same way. TRUTH (Joh 14:6, Psalm 119:142), HOLY (Acts 4:27, Rom 7:12), PERFECT (Heb 5:9, Psalm 19:7) RIGHTEOUS (1 Cor 1:30, Psa119:172), LIGHT (Joh 8:12, Pro 6:23), JUST (Acts 22:14, Rom 7:12), ABIDE IN FOREVER (Joh 8:35, Psa 111:7-8), should be in the heart (Eph 3:17, Psa 40:8), gives freedom, no condemnation and liberty (Rom 8:1, James 2:12). Rejecting the Law is rejecting Jesus (and visa versa), which brings wrath (Joh 3:36, Neh 13:18). Jesus was pure; in Him was no sin. 1 Joh 3:4 defines sin as transgression of the Law, going against Jesus; “whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for SIN IS TRANSGRESSION OF THE LAW”. Therefore, how can any Christian professing to follow Christ think they are no longer under the law; under Jesus’ directive? That they are now free to commit sin against God and man (Rom 7:7)? Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: Psa 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. Psa 19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. (See Psa 119:18, 97-8, 115, 165) Psa 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. As God, His son and the law are the same, adherence to any coincides with Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. “1Pet 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever”. This epistle is written to baptised persons of the scattered Israelites living in gentile nations (verse 1-2). They were believers, yet Peter is telling them about being “BORN AGAIN” not “been”. They are called “unto obedience” (v2). Obedience unto what if not the commandments and laws of God? Which most Christians teach and believe were nailed to the cross, works cannot save, etc. In short do not have to be kept because are under “grace”. Peter goes unto wish them “Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied”. I will identify some wording of the verses for your attention which hopefully would need little explanation. Read the whole verse for yourself in the KJV and observe my highlighted words. 1Pe 1:3 … “unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”. A future event of “hope” to be considered with Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. “1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you”. Not an early event as when baptised nor come to faith. “1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time”. Again showing a “last time” judgement day salvation event. “1Pe 1:7 … might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen,..”. “Might be” and “at the appearing of Jesus” are future judgment day events. “1Pet … 1:10 grace that should come unto you:” meaning the grace has not yet been received. Thus you are not yet “saved by grace” as most misinterpret Eph 2:8 by editing out the rest of the verse. “1Pe 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”. “1Pe 1:14 As obedient children,… 1Pe 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy.. 1Pe 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy”. Remember Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Rom 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? ABSOLUTELY NOT. 1Pe 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work,. In short, “1Pe 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” is yet another warning not to follow traditions and theology of men who corrupt the word of God. His word abideth forever and can be found in both the man made divisions of the Bible called the Old and New testaments. True faith in God’s son from THE WORD OF GOD not teachings of men. Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD OF GOD. Peter speaks of a future time as Yahshua did in “Joh 8:21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. Joh 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. Joh 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I AM , ye shall die in your sins”. Yahshua, Peter and Paul spoke of a world in which 1Cor 15:50 … flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Some people may rely on “2Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” to justify being born again in this life. A new creature is not the same as being born again. The founders of the “born again” theology also used the couple of verses referring to “regeneration” and linked them together. See the appended “Regeneration” part of this study. In any event, to be a “new creature” “in Christ” is covered in another study https://www.forwardtoyahweh.com/articles/235-in-christ Yahshua gave another parable about this flesh world and that of another in “Luk 20:33 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife. Luk 20:34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: Luk 20:35 But they which shall be accounted WORTHY TO OBTAIN that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Luk 20:36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection”. In my opinion he here speaks of a heavenly world inhabited by spirits who cannot die. Not flesh. “That world” comes at the resurrection. Just as Eve believed a lie of the devil in Gen 3:6 over God’s command, so did Israel. We are warned by such historical events i.e. Jer 16:19 O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit. Christianity has inherited mostly lies which most practice year in and out. Keeping Xmas, Easter, Mother’s day, Sunday church attendance etc. In addition to believing they are saved at baptism and are born again. I suggest studying what the apostles studied in order to be saved. It was the Old Testament as there was no New Testament. No epistles of Paul to be misinterpreted by the unlearned of 2 Pet 3:16. It is the same instruction Paul gave Timothy 2Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2Tim 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the HOLY SCRIPTURES, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. YOU ARE NEITHER SAVED NOR BORN AGAIN AND WILL NOT BE UNLESS YOU KEEP ALL THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD. REPENT FOR THOSE YOU BREAK AND OVERCOME TEMPTATION TO BREAK THEM. ESPECIALLY LEVITICUS 23. Mat24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. “Shall be” being a future tense not past nor present. When YHWH brought his “my people” out of Egypt, he fed them with his bread, giving them a double portion on the sixth day so that they can appreciate his goodness on the seventh and reflect on him. The unfaithful still went working and looking for food on His Sabbath day. John records Yahshua telling their descendants Joh 6:49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. “Joh 6:50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world”. John further adds “1John 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that DOETH righteousness is BORN of him”. This birth is not to be of a corruptible seed; of a sinner. 1Cor 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Act 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and WORKETH righteousness, is accepted with him. REGENERATION: while sometimes perceived to be a step in the Ordo salutis ('order of salvation'), is generally understood in Christian theology to be the objective work of God in a believer's life. Spiritually, it means that God brings a person to new life (that they are "born again") from a previous state of separation from God and subjection to the decay of death (Ephesians 2:5). Thus, in Lutheran and Roman Catholic theology, it generally means that which takes place during baptism. In Calvinism (Reformed theology) and Arminian theology, baptism is recognized as an outward sign of an inward reality which is to follow regeneration as a sign of obedience to the New Testament; as such, the Methodist Churches teach that regeneration occurs during the new birth. While the exact Greek noun "rebirth" or "regeneration" (Ancient Greek: παλιγγενεσία, romanized: palingenesia) appears just twice in the New Testament (Matthew 19:28 and Titus 3:5), regeneration represents a wider theme of re-creation and spiritual rebirth. Furthermore, there is the sense in which regeneration includes the concept "being born again" (John 3:3-8 and 1 Peter 1:3). Regeneration is also called the "second birth". When Christians believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation, they are then born of God, "begotten of him" (1 John 5:1). As a result of becoming part of God's family, man believes to become a different and new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). DO NOT INHERIT THE LIES OR INTERPRETATIONS OF CHRISTIAN FATHERS that lead you think you have arrived. Are safe in a saved, born again state. That leads you not to seek out your misundersatandings and correct them. By the time you realise on judgement day. IT WOULD BE TOO LATE (Mat 7:23). STICK TO THE WORD OF GOD.

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