What is salvation?

[Ian Gentles]

What does it mean to be born again? Did Jesus really just mean a trip to the alter? Seems to me we have simplified the whole matter over much and it confuses folks. Many go through born again procedure who dont really change thus making it all seem so insignificant. Maybe we watered down salvation too much? Or is salvation a slower process of spiritual growth a maturing in spiritual things?

[Ryan Scott]

I think this is an articulation of what I've been trying to interject in a number of conversations. We care too much about people "getting saved" than living saved. I'm sure God is quite happy when people pray and commit themselves to obedience, but I'm pretty sure God's a lot happier when they actually do it.

I think you got it right on, Ian.

[Barb Bouldrey]

John preaches, "I was saved. I am being saved. I will finally be eternally saved."

Barb

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

Maybe the Christians in the church are not setting a good example for the new converts, in order to lead them into deeper walks with God. God, many times uses us to help shed light on someone's path. And, we don't get to old for Him to show us things, also.

[Glenda Harvey]

John 3:16 says that "whosoever believes on him will not perish but have everlasting life". It isn't what we do, it is who we are trusting in for our salvation. If a person never says the sinners payer, never goes to the altar, never uses the term "born again" but they are trusting in Jesus for their salvation and have a relationship with him then I believe they are saved.

[Zandra Henderson]

Born again is meaning to be a new creation. I do think it is important to be saved...why would Jesus have to die if we had no reason to actually be saved by what he did? Jesus took on the sins we have committed on himself and died. But then he rose so that we don't have to die too. But it is so important that people actually believe in this and are changed by it, otherwise it is all for not. If we as Christians don't believe this, then how can it change the world? The born again experience is turning from what you have done in the past and embracing the forgiveness that Christ gave to us. But then we believe in Sanctification as well which is a heart cleansing. Our hearts can want only what God wants for us. What a message. I do believe that it is important that people get saved and live saved. You can't live saved if you don't know what Christ did for you and accept it.

[Glenda Harvey]

Born again is meaning to be a new creation. I do think it is important to be saved...why would Jesus have to die if we had no reason to actually be saved by what he did? Jesus took on the sins we have committed on himself and died. But then he rose so that we don't have to die too. But it is so important that people actually believe in this and are changed by it, otherwise it is all for not. If we as Christians don't believe this, then how can it change the world? The born again experience is turning from what you have done in the past and embracing the forgiveness that Christ gave to us. But then we believe in Sanctification as well which is a heart cleansing. Our hearts can want only what God wants for us. What a message. I do believe that it is important that people get saved and live saved. You can't live saved if you don't know what Christ did for you and accept it.

Zandra,

I think you misunderstood me. I believe there are people who have the experience but do no use the same language we do to describe it. I am saying that they do not have to use the term "born again" or say a prescribed prayer to have Christ in their lives. Remember I said "if they are trusting in Him and have a relationship with Him."

[Tami Martin]

No passage of Scripture outlines a "Sinner's Prayer."

There is no direction from Christ or any of the Apostles to "walk down an aisle and kneel at the altar."

But we have watered down what salvation is. Or more like separated it from that "living saved" that Ryan spoke about.

[Ian Gentles]

Alters were is, But maybe not God!

[Zandra Henderson]

Zandra,

I think you misunderstood me. I believe there are people who have the experience but do no use the same language we do to describe it. I am saying that they do not have to use the term "born again" or say a prescribed prayer to have Christ in their lives. Remember I said "if they are trusting in Him and have a relationship with Him."

I agreed with you...I was just making my own remarks...not trying to refer to anyone inparticular...sorry about that.:basic01

[John Kennedy]

John preaches, "I was saved. I am being saved. I will finally be eternally saved."

Barb


Sounds like what Greathouse had to say about sanctification. Agree wholeheartedly. It's a journey.