What Makes an Individual a Christian - Part 4

Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God:”

Who are non-Christians or Christians in name only, and why:

There is a difference between knowing who Jesus is and believing in Jesus. There is knowledge and belief in the brain (head knowledge) and knowing and believing within the spiritual heart (heart knowledge). There is a difference and it all centers around faith.

Biblically, those who are not Christians are those who are not “born again.” The only two people who know the truth about one’s salvation are the person and God. Those who are born again have been forgiven all their sins and have the gift of eternal life. Those who have not been born again have not been forgiven and will suffer eternal death, unless they put their faith in Jesus Christ, the object of saving faith, for forgiveness and salvation. The who are not born again are referred to as "lost." Those who are born again are also referred to as being "saved."

Biblically, a person must be born again to be a Christian:

John 3:3  “...Verily {amen}, verily {amen}, I say unto thee, Except {unless} a man be born again {spiritually; from above}, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

• The term “born again” is unique to the Apostle John; it is a new beginning where one “dies to sin” (is forgiven and turns from sin) and is “raised to life” in Christ:  2 Corinthians 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.”

John 3:7  “Marvel not {don’t be surprised} that I {Jesus} said unto thee, Ye must {non-negotiable} be born again.”

“Born again” means “from above” and refers to a spiritual birth; one must have or have had a spiritual birth to go to Heaven:  John 1:13 “Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Salvation has one requirement: ~ FAITH ~

Through faith a person becomes a “Born-Again” Christian:

Ephesians 2:8-10  “For by grace {unmerited favor} are you saved through faith {act of believing}; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God:" 9 "Not of works {effort}, lest any man should boast {glory}." 10 "For we are his workmanship {creation}, created in Christ Jesus unto {for} good works, which God hath before ordained {prepared} that we should walk in them.” (My emphasis)

• “Grace” is undeserved; it is the unmerited favor by the kindness of God; Acrostic: God's Riches At Christ's Expense
• “Salvation” (eternal life) is a gift of God: Romans 6:23b  “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” 
• Saved through faith:  Titus 3:5a  “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us;” Romans 4:16 “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace;”
• Gift of God:  John 6:44  “No man can come to me {Jesus}, except the Father {God} which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
• Not of works:  Romans 3:20  “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
• His workmanship:  Isaiah 19:25  “Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed by Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.”; Titus 2:14  “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
• God hath before ordained: Ephesians 1:4  “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”

Why faith (saving faith) is so imperative:

Hebrews 11:6  “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

• John 3:18  “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
• John 3:36  “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

Romans 3:28  “Therefore we can conclude that a man is justified {declared righteous; saved} by faith without {apart from} the deeds of the law.”

• Justification: Legal term; act of God changing our sin “legal” status from guilty to righteous because of the shed blood of Christ; Christ satisfied the debt
• Galatians 2:16  “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
• Titus 3:5  “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”

James 2:18  “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without {apart from} thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”

• After being saved (born again) one’s response to God should be gratitude, joy, and praise to Him; the result of salvation is working for God by finding your gift(s) (singing, teaching, preaching, helping others, etc.) and serving Him by working to build up His Church (Body of Christ - the universal church of all born-again Believers)
• Ephesians 4:12 “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” 

More Scripture Referencing Faith / Believing:

Romans 10:17  "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Luke 7:50  “And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”

Luke 18:42  “And Jesus said unto him, Receive they sight: thy faith hath saved thee.”

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:”

Who Can Be Saved / Born Again:

ANYONE who will believe on Jesus Christ

John 3:16-17  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever {anyone} believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” 17 “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn {judge} the world {mankind}; but that the world through him {Jesus Christ} might be saved {born again}.”

• Romans 5:8  “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
• 1 John 4:9  “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”

John 5:24  “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation {judgment}; but is passed from death {symbolic of unbelief} unto life {saving faith}.”

• John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
• John 3:18  “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
• John 6:47  “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”
• But is passed from death unto life: 1 John 3:14 “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” (Was lost and now saved)

Acts 16:30, 31  “…Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house¹ [household].” 

• John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
• John 3:36  “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
• John 6:47  “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”
• Acts 13:38-39  “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:” 39 “And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”
• Romans 10:9-11  “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.” 10 “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” 11 “For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”
• 1 John 5:10 “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.”
• ¹“Thy house” does not conclude that when one person in the household is saved that all are by default saved, each individual person must come to Christ of their own volition (free will). In this particular verse, we must take in consideration the time of this particular event (the prison shook and unchained all the prisoners); the guard took the disciples home with him; the entire family heard the Gospel and each individual believed for themselves; in this particular case, they all accepted Christ and were saved 

John 3:15  “That whosoever believeth {faith} in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

• John 6:47  “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”
• John 3:36  “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

1 Peter 1:23-25  “Being born again, not of corruptible {perishable} seed, but of incorruptible {nonperishable}, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." 24 "For all flesh is as grass, and all glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth {dries up}, and the flower thereof falleth away:" 25 "But the word {spoken word} of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached to you.” 

• John 1:13  “Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
• 1 Thessalonians 2:13  “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”
• John 1:1  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
• Isaiah 40:6-8  “The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:” 7 “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.” 8 “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

QUIZ

1. What does it mean to be born again?

2. What is the one requirement for salvation?

3. Can God be pleased without faith?

4. Who or what is the object of saving faith?

5. What is grace?

6. Who can be saved?

7. Who will not be in Heaven?

8. What happens to those who do not believe on the Son?

9. Are you born again?

10. What must or did you do to be born again?

What it Means to be "Born Again"

What it Means to be “Born Again”

When are born into this world by a ‘water birth.’ We were conceived and grew inside of our mother’s womb in a sack containing amniotic fluid (or ‘water’). The sack broke open; we were delivered out of that “hidden world” into the world outside. That was our first birth. Sadly, for most souls, it is the only birthdate they can claim. We entered this world corrupt and sinful, “lost” and headed to the dreadful, ever-tormenting, endlessly fiery place called Hell full of those eternally dying.

Being born again is the work of the Holy Spirit of God and a supernatural birth “from above” referred to as being “born of the Spirit” of God. It is the action of regeneration and a born-again believer will have a new nature with new principles, affections, and aims in this life ¹(Matthew Henry). It is a turning away from sin with a turning to God by agreeing with Him that we (and I include myself) are by nature sinners – we are sinners. It is the Holy Spirit Whose presence is in all the earth and you feel a “tug” on your heart while being exposed to the Gospel, you are experiencing the Holy Spirit drawing you to God.

Being born again does not mean you stop being a sinner; however, God sees you differently – not “not guilty” of sins because of Christ’s blood atonement, for He suffered our guilt and punishment. The daily battle continues against that sinful nature until the day of physical death. The difference in the life of a born-again believer is of having a personal relationship with God, available only through Christ Jesus, which affords the privilege of immediate access to Him through prayer and forgiveness all day every day. Christian liberty is another topic study; however, to be born again does not give “liberty” to sin freely and at will. God expects refrain from sin to the utmost of our ability. Though we may slip – He will catch us when we repent. One who is born again can know that all past sin has been forgiven, present and future will be as He is faithful and just to forgive.

Adam and Eve were coerced by Satan to go against God’s (their Creator and Father) command. They “fell” out of fellowship with God through their action of disobedience; hence the “fallen nature of man.” We are descendants of the same Adam and Eve. Like our greatest grandparents, God has also given us free will. We are free to make our own decisions – be they right or wrong. We are also born with that nature to go against God and commit sin against Him. Therefore, we must be reconciled (born again) to Him if we want to see, let alone enter, the kingdom of Heaven. Being born again is also referred to the act of reconciliation or restoration. It is each individual’s choice to remain lost (unsaved) or born again (saved). The Holy Spirit will gradually change a person from the heart out.

So, What must you do to be born again?

~ Get personal with and agree with God about your sins by admitting to Him you are a sinner and guilty of it:

Romans 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.”

Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God:”

You must be sorrowful and truly repent!

~ Grasp the reality that punishment is eternal separation from God in Hell and the Lake of Fire:

Romans 6:23a “For the wages of sin is death;”

Revelation 21:8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

“Second death” ~ banishment by God into Hell, eternally separated from Him and Heaven with no way of escape. It is everlasting and unending torture.

~ Realize God’s Son Jesus Christ paid your sin debt in full:

Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

~ Know that it is only through Jesus Christ that the free gift of salvation can be yours:

Romans 6:23b “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

~ You must believe in Christ and ask Him to be your Saviour:

Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Romans 10:10 “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

~ You must truly repent and believe:

Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

It is vital to repent. God, Who is omniscient, knows your heart and your motives. He cannot be fooled.

If you choose to be “born again” you can say a simple “sinner’s prayer” to ask Jesus Christ for your free gift of salvation:

Dear God,

I admit I am a sinner, sincerely repent of my sins, and ask for Your forgiveness please. I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died for me and ask You, Jesus, to be my Savior.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

If you indeed have been "born again" you now have a "spiritual birthday" - it is the date and time you sincerely repented and believed. 

Word Study ~ "Regeneration"

“Regeneration” is the act/experience of being spiritually restored to God. The most common terms used are “saved” and “born again.” Regeneration is a gift of God. It is an extremely personal occurrence between an individual and the living God of Creation.

Other terminology: New birth, restoration, renewed, reborn

The act of “regeneration” cannot be obtained through that of bloodlines, union of parents, or of a wealthy or powerful ancestry, nor does ascribing to any religion. It is not an entitlement. Man does not have the power through his own fleshly will to bring salvation (regeneration) to himself or give it to another. Man must of his own free will desire to be born of God (“born again”). Man’s heart is and “enemy of the spirit” and throughout the Holy Scriptures is shamefully and naturally corrupt. There is absolutely nothing man can do of his own accord that can merit the gift of salvation or “new birth.” All men are of one blood (descendants of Adam) being tainted with sin, having no influence on regeneration. Man’s blood is of no value for salvation. It is only through the blood of Christ, which cleanses of all sin that regeneration happens. God, through prescribing salvation by Christ Jesus alone, gifts this new birth “through His will, His own unlimited power, and boundless mercy!”

All that believe in the name of Christ are regenerated [born again/saved] and quickened [given life] by the Spirit [Holy Spirit] and grace of God [favor/blessing] partaking of divine nature and are made “new creatures.” This is the evidence of being a son of God [adopted by God through restoration/regeneration].

Therefore, those who have believed on the name of Jesus Christ have not become sons of God (born again) by the blood of their ancestry, nor by the will of a man and woman in sexual relations, nor by the desire to adopt a child; Nor, is it just knowing Him in their mind, but that of knowing Him in their heart – the most inner part of a person’s soul – and, that of God knowing that man or woman personally through adoption into the family of God through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ who paid for their adoption on Calvary.

Scripture Passages:

John 3:1 “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:”

John 3:2 “The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.”

John 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.” (my emphasis)

John 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?”

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.” (my emphasis)

John 3:6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

John 3:7 “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (my emphasis)

We are spiritual beings. One of the great mysteries is that of having a physical body with a spirit living in it. Your body is not your soul or spirit – they are separate. The body will die, the spirit lives for eternity.

The result of sin has every person estranged from God from the moment of conception. We are not born innocent, but guilty. Adam and Eve were created in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26a “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…”) and enjoyed a free and sinless life, actually walking with God in their presence in the Garden. But, because of Adam’s sin of disobedience (he also took of the fruit to eat) in the Garden of Eden (Adam sinned, Eve was beguiled), all descendants (everyone soul who has or will be born) are tainted with Adam’s likeness (Genesis 5:3 “And Adam…begat a son in his own likeness, after his image,” – a sinful nature, also referred to as the “Adamic” nature). We are all guilty of sin and having our backs naturally turned to the living God and remain that way (*“lost” and dying) until we choose of our own free will to be restored to God. We must do this on His terms - His way. All roads may lead to Rome – but there is only ONE Way to have the privilege of seeing or entering the kingdom of God. “Regeneration” is of utmost necessity if one desires to enter and see the kingdom of God.

*“Lost” is a term to be understood in order to understand why “regeneration” is required.

~ Other terminology: Misplaced, disoriented, confused, missing, gone astray, wasted

Prior to spiritual regeneration man is misplaced from God, disoriented and confused regarding salvation, are missing and will remain absent from His presence, are gone astray regarding the need of their eternal soul for salvation, and will be wasted for all eternity if they do not exercise their free will and accept God’s gift of salvation purchased through the blood of His Son, at the urging (feeling that heart tug) of the Holy Spirit.

Christ Jesus was born into this world for one reason – to die – for you. He came to seek you out and to save you from an eternity in the Lake of Fire.

~ Luke 19:10 “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”