Quote:
Originally Posted by bearbear
I'm open to your point of view and I think I'm capable of nuance. This is a subject I haven't spent a long time studying and I think I can learn from you guys. But maybe it's not a subject worth delving into. The process of being born again does seem quite a bit controversial and it does seem like splitting hairs if you look at all the verses that talk about receiving the Holy Spirit, being born again, receiving a new heart and new spirit etc. Even Billy Graham lists some formulaic steps saying you have to repent of your sins, believe and try to obey the Lord. In my case, those all result from a desire for obeying and loving the Lord once convinced enough to trust in the message of the Gospel.
http://billygraham.org/story/how-to-be-born-again/
"Jesus Christ says that we must be born again. How do we become born again? By repenting of sin. That means we are willing to change our way of living. We say to God, “I’m a sinner, and I’m sorry.” It’s simple and childlike. Then by faith we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Master and Savior. We are willing to follow Him in a new life of obedience, in which the Holy Spirit helps us as we read the Bible and pray and witness."
I will say this however. Maybe it's all bit of a mystery and that's why Jesus left it at "the wind blows where it wills". But it still wouldn't hurt to make sure your heart is good earth via repentance and loving Jesus with all your heart in full surrender would it? Why take any chances? Shouldn't we encourage people to do so? |
Sam,
Billy Graham makes a key point: Its simple and child-like. I generally take Occum's Razor to the Scripture, through the lens of the central gospel.
I am sure that there are those (I know some) who abuse grace as license to sin. There are still others who sit on the laurels of their cultural faith (shared upbringing) and master a culture rather than pursue a faith (many in the LC). But most Christians who aren't usurping the CHristian message for their own agenda, are attempting, imperfectly, to follow Him.
This desire to follow Him, based on the revelation that He is God and Savior, is the foundation for a Christian life. It is born in humility and continues there. Sure, there is some fear. But, I don't believe God in Christ to use fear as a primary manipulator. That is just my experience. Christians pursue doing what is right because they are motivated by love to do so. But they also fail miserably. And God helps scoop them up, as soon as they return to a prayerful need for a Savior yet again. There is a process, to be sure. But my belief (credence) told God that I wanted to live my life together with Him. Personally, I take no account of my eternal state. Call me crazy. I pursue Christ as my Savior, because He has given me a rich life in Him, even as hard as it can be.
If you told me I had to deny Jesus in order to get into heaven, I'd likely say I don't care about your threat. I don't need the "carrot" to tell you to go pound salt. I won't deny Jesus because of the rich life I have in Him. Not because I might or might not get some future reward.
Thoughts?
Peter
P.S. I'll respond to your thoughtful post regarding Peter's denial soon. Thanks for it.