Born Again? What Does it Really Mean?
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Viewer Question (slightly edited): DOES WATER BAPTISM, SHAKING THE PASTOR'S HAND, AND CHURCH MEMBERSHIP MEAN A BORN AGAIN EXPERIENCE HAS TAKEN PLACE?
Water baptism without being born of the Spirit will not save you.
To be born again means to be born of the Spirit, and born of the water (John 3:4-6). A person is born of the Spirit when they commit their life to Christ (John 1:12). John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. The moment a person receives Christ, the Spirit enters their life, and they are made a child of God (Romans 8:9,14; John 1:12; Titus 3:5). Romans 8:9 Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Titus 3:5 according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. The person starts a new life in God through the work of the Spirit (2 Cor. 5:17).
John 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
Born of the water means to be baptized in water. It is a public demonstration of a change of life. The water itself does not save a person, but the baptism in water represents that the person has started a new life in Christ (Romans 6:4; 1 Peter 3:21).
A symbol of burying the old sinful man
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
A symbol of having a clear conscience by turning to God
1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
The baptism can take place anywhere, once the place does not overtly represent evil (Acts 8:36). Acts 8:36 See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? In the baptism, a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ emerges the person in the water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19). While water baptism, of itself, does not save a person, the refusal to baptize after learning of this Biblical command is evidence that the person may not have submitted to Christ. The true believer upon understanding the teaching on baptism will willingly get baptized.
What About Church Membership?
Shaking a pastor's hand and becoming a member of a church is not necessary to be born again. However, shaking a pastor's hand is just a good part of fellowshipping. The right hand of fellowship signals togetherness and acceptance of each other as together in the Lord. The apostle Paul speaks of receiving the right hand of fellowship from Peter, James and John as fellow-workers in the ministry (Galatians 2:9).
While church membership does not save you, becoming a local church member is good so that you can fully take part in the activities of the local church. Becoming a member is also a way of saying that you are willing to follow the leadership of the church in the work of building the church and the kingdom of God. Therefore, I would recommend becoming a member of a church, but it is not necessary for becoming born again. What is necessary is frequently attending a church and fellowship with the believers in a local assembly (Hebrews 10:24). God commands us as believers to assemble together regularly in a local church.
More About Being Born
Born from Above
John 8:23 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.
Those who are born again are born from above through their faith in Jesus Christ. Being born from above means:
Being Seated in Heavenly Places (Ephesians 2:6)
Being Risen with Christ (Colossians 3:1)
Seek the Things Above
Life Hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3-4)
Born of God’s Word
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Being born again means that we were born through believing and receiving the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the Word of God. This means the fruit of their life should be the application of God’s word.
Born of God’s Word
Cleans, John15
Converts the Soul Psalm 19:7-8 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes
Born of God
Born of God’s Will
John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
You are not born again by the will or decision of man, but by God. God has determined that those who truly trust in Christ will be made anew, and be his sons and daughters.
Does Not Practice Sin
I John 3:9 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.
The truly born again will not live a life of practicing sin because God’s seed in in him; he shares in God’s divine nature. Therefore he will practice righteous living, and resist sin.
Keeps Himself & Untouchable
1 John 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.