Part III: What Does Born Again Mean?

To review Part I:, click here. To review Part II:, click this link. Now, the conclusion to our series on "What Does Born Again Mean?"

Two Ways of Translating

In one passage a chapter later, in I John 3, gennao is used and could possibly be translated correctly in two different ways. Let’s see.

God’s character will have already been perfected in those He “quickens” at the resurrection. At this time, they will no longer be able to sin: “Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for His seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (vs. 9).

This is a fascinating verse. It can literally be translated two different ways, both correct. Some translators render this verse as begotten instead of born, because they understand that Christians do not practice sin as a way of life. In other words, they do not habitually sin—they strive not to sin.

Now consider the second way to view this verse correctly. If one is born of God in the resurrection, then a very member of the God Family, he “cannot sin”—it is impossible! This is also true! This second explanation is almost certainly what God intended. Here is why.

Return to the beginning of the chapter and reread a verse examined earlier: “Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…Beloved, NOW are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (vs. 1-2).

As explained previously, a Christian is “now” a begotten “son of God.” Yet, in this life, it “does not yet appear what we shall be.” The Christian is not yet “like Him”—“as He is.”

The context in I John 3 is clearly talking about sons of God who are not yet born. By verse 9, it is apparent that what is being described is how Christians will be “like Him” at the resurrection.

In other sections, we have already covered what it means to be like God—born again!

When the Inheritance and When Born Again?

We repeat the question: When do Christians become inheritors—and no longer heirs? When is one truly born again?

Recall that Paul wrote, “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption” (I Cor. 15:50).

Fleshly human beings cannot enter the kingdom of God—the Family of God, ruling over the entire earth.

Christ told Nicodemus that, “Except a man be born again, he cannot SEE the kingdom of God.” When Nicodemus was confused, Christ said, “That which is born of the flesh IS flesh” and “that which is born of the Spirit IS spirit” (John 3:3-6).

God’s Word teaches that the dead in Christ are resurrected at His Return. Some will not believe this, preferring to believe the dead go to heaven after having been “born again” in this life, upon “professing” or “accepting” Jesus.

Paul explained: “Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.”

This is God’s answer to all those who will not believe in the resurrection of the dead—in being born again. Paul continues explaining, “For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; you are yet in your sins [understanding the resurrection becomes serious]. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished” (I Cor. 15:12-14, 16-18).

There are few scriptures stronger than these. If there is no resurrection, then Christianity is a vain religion! So says God!

Only through Christ, the firstborn, can others be born later. Christ comes first, with others appearing later in their own order. But when does this happen? When are others “born again”? “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming” (vs. 22-23).

Christians are born again “at His Coming”—not before!

Now here is what happens at the resurrection: “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump [the moment of Christ’s Return]: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [body from human birth] must put on immortality [divine body at spirit birth]” (vs. 51-53).

The flesh is changed to spirit only at the resurrection.

Let’s examine one more important verse from Paul to remove all doubt about when it occurs and what happens when it does: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep.” Most are ignorant about the resurrection—and them that are asleep—but they need not be. Now notice why Paul taught what he did: “that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope” (I Thes. 4:13).

Many are now “asleep in Christ.” They are sleeping in the grave, awaiting the resurrection and rebirth. Christians hope to be resurrected.

Here is exactly when the resurrection occurs: “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (vs. 16-17).

In John 14:3, Christ said, “I will come again.” Isaiah wrote, “Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him: behold, His reward is with Him” (40:10).

At that time, Daniel said, “many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake [from sleep]…to everlasting life” (12:2). The knowledge that the dead are asleep in the grave has been understood since long before the New Testament era.

Gospel of Kingdom Preached at the End

Christ taught the gospel of the kingdom of God. As with the truth of salvation, and being born again, the ministers of this world have created a substitute gospel about the Person of Jesus. But the truth is that Christ announced that a wonderful, world-ruling government would come to earth. It would be preceded by a time of terrible world trouble and confusion—our time NOW! The saints would receive their inheritance at His Return and the establishing of His government.

Christ’s disciples asked Him what would be the sign of His Coming and the end of the age (Matt. 24:3). He warned them of deception from many who would come “in His Name,” saying that “Christ is Christ” (vs. 5). He explained that they would put an emphasis on Christ’s Person instead of His message. But He also foretold that “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (vs. 14).

Remember, if the kingdom of God had been preached through the centuries, from the time of Christ to the present, proclaiming it today could not be a sign that the world has reached the end of the age. Impostors and false leaders suppressed the preaching of the true gospel to the world until the 20th century. Starting in 1934, Herbert W. Armstrong began the fulfillment of this prophecy. It continues in these final days.

We are now in the time of the end. The Restored Church of God is continuing to preach this gospel. We are teaching people how to “see” and “enter into” the kingdom of God—we are teaching them how to be BORN AGAIN!

It is astonishing that the enormous amount of New Testament proof revealing the staggering truth about being born again is so ignored and misunderstood. Christ, Paul, Peter and John taught it over and over again, in marvelous clarity for those who will examine their plain words!

Born at Resurrection

At the conclusion of Mr. Armstrong’s booklet Just what do you mean – BORN AGAIN?, he wrote the following, beginning under the subhead “Will You BELIEVE?”:

“Now will you believe what God says in the book of Hebrews?

“Why should God be concerned about human beings? From a small airplane we look like little ants down here. From a jet 5 to 6 miles high, people on the ground have shrunken so small they can’t be seen. How tiny must we look to God? Why should He have concern for us?

“The question is answered in Hebrews 2, beginning verse 6. God made man a little lower than angels, but, in God’s purpose and plan, He has crowned man, as He first has Christ, with glory and honor.

“What is the glory with which Christ is now crowned? A crown denotes kingship—rule—authority—power. Jesus Christ said, just before ascending to heaven, that all power in the universe—in heaven and in earth—had been given to Him.

“In Heb. 1:1-3, it is revealed that Christ now is the brightness of God’s glory!

“Yes, His eyes like flashing flames of fire—His face shining bright as the full-strength sun.

“Christ’s glory is such that now He sustains, upholds, controls, every force, energy, and power that exists everywhere—supreme power over the universe!

“Now believe what God says about US!—Hebrews 2:10, ‘For it became him...in bringing many sons unto GLORY, to make the captain [margin, Leader, or Predecessor, or Pioneer] of their salvation perfect through sufferings.’ And in verse 11 Jesus calls us His brothers.

“Oh, what matchless, transcendent glory God purposes for us—when we are born again! Revelation 1:13-17 gives a graphic description of that future glory.

WHY Not Now?

“But, as we read in Heb. 2:8, we do not see yet all this glory having been inherited by any but Christ. Why, then are we not yet born?

“Because, when we are, we are to be given such powers to guide, direct, and control, that we must first be trained and have the perfect spiritual CHARACTER developed in us so that we may safely be entrusted with such vast powers!

“God created this universe. He is the real Supreme Ruler! He is not going to turn over that power to rule to any except those who will rule His way, who will obey Him, obey His government, and carry out His government, under Him!

“So, it is only those that are led by God’s Holy Spirit in His ways who are the sons of God (Rom. 8:14). And we have to begin overcoming our own self-natures, the wrong ways of this world which have become fixed habit, and the devil. We must ‘grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’ (II Peter 3:18).

“Yes, even as the unborn, but begotten, human baby must grow from its beginning size no larger than a pinpoint, fed on physical food, so once we are impregnated by God’s Holy Spirit—His LIFE—we must GROW spiritually, fed on the spiritual food of God’s Word the Bible, and by prayer, and what fellowship is possible with truly begotten brethren in God’s truth.

“And unless we do continue to grow in spiritual character development, more and more like God, we become like the unborn babe that miscarries—or like an abortion! And such shall never be born of God!

Glorious World Tomorrow

“What wonderful, almost incomprehensible, GLORIOUS GOOD NEWS!

And the best news is, that the coming of Christ is now drawing very near! Just a very few more years! And then—the peaceful, happy, glorious WORLD TOMORROW!

“All who now are begotten sons of God shall then be born—elevated from mortal to immortal, from decaying flesh to spirit—from human to divine!

“And that TRUE born-again experience will be incomparably more glorious than the false, vague, meaningless, so-called ‘born-again experience’ that deceived thousands think they have had now.

“Can your mind grasp what an incredible, transcendent glory is the true potential of those who do believe, repent and obey?

“But, the scriptures that break before our eyes this glorious good news, also warn us to take heed, and to make our calling and election SURE!”