Born again?

[McCulloch]

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

Jesus said

• Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.
  Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
  Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

In what sense do Christians claim to have become born anew? Do the foolish become wise? Does the person get a new personality? What?

[Vanguard]

1) In what sense do Christians claim to have become born anew?

There would probably be too many explanations! To torture the cliche even further I would say I'm born again because I believe Christianity's claim as to the purpose of the Savior for all mankind.

2) Do the foolish become wise?

Yes, there is some wisdom gained. Many are still knotheads however.

3) Does the person get a new personality? What?

Yes, they do. They now believe in the atoning sacrifice of the Savior. That has to change anyone's personality to some degree.

[OnceConvinced]

2) Do the foolish become wise?

Yes, there is some wisdom gained. Many are still knotheads however.

So do you believe it's automatically given by God or is it from those who have led that person to Christ? Or perhaps you consider they have gained a portion of wisdom because they have come over to your way of thinking?

3) Does the person get a new personality? What?

Yes, they do. They now believe in the atoning sacrifice of the Savior. That has to change anyone's personality to some degree.

I can't see how it changes a person's personality. I can see how it would change their way of thinking. They may behave differently due to their new look on life, but I don't believe it changes their personality. To change one's personality, takes time if it is possible at all.

[AB]

In what sense Born Again? - Spiritually into an eternal life and walk with God. I was "dead" before receiving Christ and was "born" new. It's tough to put into concrete words. But hopefully you get my drift.

Foolish Become Wise? - I look at it in terms of being able to see above the daily issues/problems/machinations and know the ultimate authority. Still, daily live isn't easy. But Christ provides peace and I suppose wisdom in terms of knowing He is the author.

New Personality? - Through time and the walk with Jesus. I believe my personality would be different today, if I didn't receive Christ 17 years ago. I still have issues. But it is a work in progress.

[Vanguard]

2) Do the foolish become wise?

Yes, there is some wisdom gained. Many are still knotheads however.

So do you believe it's automatically given by God or is it from those who have led that person to Christ? Or perhaps you consider they have gained a portion of wisdom because they have come over to your way of thinking?

It automatically happens though I'm sure it can be accentuated by those who may have been instrumental in the conversion. Any approximation to the "divine" will bring wisdom.

3) Does the person get a new personality? What?

Yes, they do. They now believe in the atoning sacrifice of the Savior. That has to change anyone's personality to some degree.

I can't see how it changes a person's personality. I can see how it would change their way of thinking. They may behave differently due to their new look on life, but I don't believe it changes their personality. To change one's personality, takes time if it is possible at all.

Well, now there's a question for the ages. It remains to be seen whether accepting the Savior constitutes a change in personality or just a new way to look on life. How would one go about proving that either way?

[Goat]

It automatically happens though I'm sure it can be accentuated by those who may have been instrumental in the conversion. Any approximation to the "divine" will bring wisdom.

One must wonder why many of the people who claim to have the closest connection to the divine are the least wise then. I see that as a repeating pattern. The people I see that seem the most spiritual are often those who don't think about being 'born again'

[Vanguard]

It automatically happens though I'm sure it can be accentuated by those who may have been instrumental in the conversion. Any approximation to the "divine" will bring wisdom.

One must wonder why many of the people who claim to have the closest connection to the divine are the least wise then. I see that as a repeating pattern. The people I see that seem the most spiritual are often those who don't think about being 'born again'

Ahh, but you're confusing the question. I don't believe it was whether becoming a Christian or otherwise made one wiser (or less stupid as it were) than the rest but whether wisdom was gained. And besides, you enter tricky waters when you go about deciding who is the least wise and such.

[twobitsmedia]

In what sense do Christians claim to have become born anew?

Anyone can make the claim

Do the foolish become wise?

Yes, no eventually..all of the above. The wisdom of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, though. It is where Rom 12:1-2 begins.

Rom 12:1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Does the person get a new personality? What?

It's an internal rebirth. It doesn't always have to show in the personality, but uslly does.

[twobitsmedia]

I can't see how it changes a person's personality. I can see how it would change their way of thinking. They may behave differently due to their new look on life, but I don't believe it changes their personality. To change one's personality, takes time if it is possible at all.

I don't mean to beat a dead horse, and hopefully can say this respectfully, but I guess when you ask this, it is one of the reasons I wonder about your past "Christian" experience. ("Unless a man be born again......). True Christianity depends on this rebirth.

[twobitsmedia]

It automatically happens though I'm sure it can be accentuated by those who may have been instrumental in the conversion. Any approximation to the "divine" will bring wisdom.

One must wonder why many of the people who claim to have the closest connection to the divine are the least wise then. I see that as a repeating pattern. The people I see that seem the most spiritual are often those who don't think about being 'born again'

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. I Cor 1:18