Wayne in Maine wrote: ↑Tue Sep 07, 2021 1:51 pm
Sudsy wrote: ↑Tue Sep 07, 2021 12:59 pm
Jesus first used the term "born again" - '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.' Then He went on to explain this term to Nicodemus who was confused by the term - John 3.
Jesus used the term born again in a very specific way. I’m not sure that being born of the Spirit is actually within our control. I wold link the statement you cite with someone discovering that treasure in a field,?or pearl of great price. Only those whom the Spirit Himself has give a spiritual birth will see so and know it’s value. It’s nothing that one can obtain from a prayer on a tract or an emotional catharsis at revival meeting.
I don't think you mean it as such but it reads to me like Calvinism.
I agree that the spiritual birth comes via the Holy Spirit but it takes co-operation of the recipient. A gift means nothing if it is not received. We don't use means of prayer, tracts, preaching or anything els and believe this is what saves them. They are but means to point people to Christ and God uses them in His saving. Romans 10:13 and the Great Commission speaks of a believer's role in evangelism. Evangelism is us partnering with God in the Salvation of the lost. Many have been saved through using the means of a Gospel tract that was just handed to them or they found someone had thrown away.
When one has personally witnessed seeing the saving power of God in the worst of sinners, like my parents, they see how God has used various means to draw them to Himself. Sadly, some have lived so far removed from the world, that they have not seen these miraculous conversions and their churches are missing out on the great blessings this brings.
When it comes to obedience I think it is very selective in most Anabaptist churches. We all are drawing the line and saying this was just said to that audience and this was to all believers. The Great Commission is one of these. If total obedience is required to be saved, then none of us qualify. Christ lived total obedience to the Father and it is on His perfect obedience I rest my salvation. However, to live the abundant life He provided being obedient to the Holy Spirit's guidance is our path to this victorious life.