Grace Thompson
The term born again is understood differently by Catholics and Evangelicals. Evangelicals believe that one is born again at the first moment of faith in Christ, and that this faith produces regeneration. Catholics, on the other hand, believe that the action of faith is a continuing action and that good works are works of faith. For Catholics, baptism is the spiritual rebirth, and it is necessary for being born again. This is supported by Christ's statement in John 3:5: Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Catholic understanding of "born again" | Refers to the necessity of being born again |
| Evangelical understanding of "born again" | Occurs at the first moment of faith in Christ; saying the "sinner's prayer" is enough to be born again |
| Calvinist understanding of "born again" | God "secretly" regenerates people, causing them to place their faith in Christ |
| Catholic response to Evangelicals and Calvinists | Baptism is God's action toward humans, not a "good work" |
| Catholic belief about "once saved, always saved" | One can lose their state of grace by falling into mortal sin and must repent to return to God |
| Catholic belief about faith | Faith is a continuing action and a commitment to a new way of life |
| Catholic belief about baptism | Baptism is a spiritual rebirth and an outward expression of an inward transformation |
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What You'll Learn
Catholics believe in being born again
Evangelicals, on the other hand, believe that one is born again at the first moment of faith in Christ. This theory, known as regeneration, suggests that faith in Christ is what produces spiritual rebirth. Calvinists, some of whom also identify as Evangelicals, hold the reverse view: that God secretly regenerates individuals, causing them to place their faith in Christ. They argue that water baptism is not necessary for salvation, despite its explicit mention in biblical passages such as Acts 2:38 and John 3:5.
Catholics, however, emphasize the necessity of baptism as an outward expression of inward transformation. They view it as a continuation of their faith journey, requiring ongoing commitment and good works. For Catholics, baptism is not a one-time decision but a step towards a more intimate relationship with God.
Furthermore, Catholics do not subscribe to the idea of once saved, always saved. They believe that even after being born again, one can fall into mortal sin and lose their state of grace, requiring repentance and reconciliation with God.
In summary, Catholics believe in being born again, but their interpretation differs from that of Evangelicals. They see baptism as the sacrament of spiritual rebirth, a transformative step in their ongoing faith journey, and recognize the possibility of falling away from grace even after being born again.
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Evangelicals' definition of being born again
The term "born again" is understood differently by Catholics and Evangelicals. For Evangelicals, being "born again" is often associated with a personal conversion experience and the first moment of faith in Christ. This faith in Christ, marked by the "sinner's prayer", is believed to be sufficient for salvation and does not necessitate any additional actions, such as baptism.
Evangelicals believe that an individual is "born again" when they repent of their sins and turn to Jesus Christ for salvation. This is reflected in the "sinner's prayer", where one acknowledges their sins and accepts Christ's gift of forgiveness and salvation. This prayer is seen as a ticket to heaven, with nothing further required. Evangelicals generally believe that salvation is secured in the present, but they acknowledge their ongoing struggle with sin and strive to become more Christlike.
In contrast to the Catholic perspective, Evangelicals tend to emphasise the singularity of this moment of conversion and the assurance of salvation that follows. They distance themselves from the idea of "salvation by works", emphasising that salvation is not earned but is a free gift of God's grace. This perspective highlights the importance of faith and the belief that salvation is secured through a personal relationship with Christ.
While the term "born again" is not explicitly found in the Bible, the concept of regeneration is present. The Greek phrase "gennatha anothen", found in John 3:3 and 3:7, is translated as "born again" in the King James Version. However, the word "anothen" can also be translated as "from above", indicating a heavenly origin for this transformation.
The Evangelical understanding of being "born again" is closely tied to the idea of regeneration, where faith in Christ leads to a new life. This regeneration is seen as a transformative process, moving an individual from a state of sin to a state of grace through the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Baptism as a rebirth
Baptism is a significant aspect of the Catholic faith, and it is considered a spiritual rebirth. Catholics believe in the necessity of being born again, even if they do not use that exact term. This rebirth is described in the Bible, where Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). This rebirth takes place during baptism, where a repentant sinner is transformed from a state of sin to a state of grace.
In the Catholic faith, baptism is not just a symbolic act but an outward expression of an inward transformation. It is a sacrament, a sacred ritual, that signifies a person's acceptance of Jesus Christ as their saviour and their commitment to following his teachings. During the baptism ceremony, the priest will pour water over the person's head or immerse them in water, symbolising the washing away of sins and a spiritual rebirth.
The Catholic Church teaches that baptism is necessary for salvation. This belief is based on Jesus' words in Mark 16:16, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." However, Catholics also believe that baptism alone does not guarantee salvation. While it is a crucial step in a person's spiritual journey, it must be followed by a continuing faith and good works.
For Catholics, faith is an ongoing commitment and a way of life. It involves continually working to become more Christ-like and striving to live a holy life. This is in contrast to some Protestant beliefs, where "once saved, always saved" is a common idea. Catholics believe that even after baptism, a person can lose their state of grace through mortal sin and must repent and return to God.
In conclusion, for Catholics, baptism is a significant ritual that signifies a person's spiritual rebirth and their entry into a covenant with God. It is an essential step on the path to salvation, but it is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and commitment to God.
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The role of faith
Faith plays a pivotal role in the journey of a Catholic seeking to be born again. It is through faith that an individual embarks on a transformative path, surrendering their life to Jesus Christ and inviting Him to be their personal Lord and Saviour. This act of faith is a cornerstone of the born-again experience, where a Catholic, by grace through faith, accepts the redemption found in Christ and commits to following Him.
At the heart of this faith-filled journey is a recognition of one's sinfulness and the need for salvation. Through faith, a Catholic acknowledges their sinful nature and the grace offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. This faith-filled realisation prompts a desire for repentance and a turning away from sin, marking a decisive step towards being born again.
The born-again experience is often characterised by a profound personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Through faith, a Catholic enters into a covenant relationship with God, where they are adopted into His family and granted the gift of the Holy Spirit. This indwelling of the Spirit brings about a transformation, empowering the individual to live a life pleasing to God and bearing spiritual fruit.
Faith also provides the foundation for a Catholic's new identity in Christ. Through faith, they are justified, sanctified, and made righteous in God's sight. This new identity is rooted in their faith in Christ's finished work on the cross, and it empowers them to live with boldness and confidence as children of God. Their faith becomes the lens through which they view themselves, the world, and their purpose in life.
Furthermore, faith is instrumental in sustaining a Catholic's walk with Christ after being born again. It involves a daily reliance on God, a trust in His providence, and a commitment to persevere in faith. Through faith, a born-again Catholic continues to grow in their understanding of God's Word, develops a deeper prayer life, and actively participates in fellowship with other believers, nurturing their newfound faith.
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Salvation and good works
The term “born again” is understood differently by Catholics and Evangelicals. Evangelicals believe that being "born again" or "getting saved" is a personal conversion experience where an individual repents of their sins and turns to Jesus Christ for salvation. This is often marked by reciting the "sinner's prayer". For Catholics, the action of faith is ongoing, and "good works" are seen as a continuation of their faith. They believe that faith is a commitment to a new way of life.
Catholics believe that baptism is a necessary step towards salvation, as it is an outward expression of an inward transformation. This is supported by Bible verses such as Acts 2:38, where people are exhorted to "be baptized... in the name of Jesus Christ". However, Evangelicals argue that baptism is not a requirement for salvation and that it is a result of their faith in Christ, not a work that they must do to earn it.
The Bible verse John 3:5 is also relevant to the discussion of salvation and good works: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God". This verse is interpreted differently, with some seeing it as referring to two births—one of water and one of the Spirit—while others understand it as a single birth of water and Spirit.
The concept of "once saved, always saved" is also debated. Some Protestants believe that once someone is saved, they are assured heaven, even if they later backslide. However, Catholics believe that one can lose their state of grace by falling into mortal sin and would need to repent to return to God. This belief aligns with the Catholic teaching that justification comes from the infusion of righteousness, which qualifies one to be accepted by God.
Ultimately, the question of salvation and good works is complex and depends on one's interpretation of Scripture and religious tradition. While Evangelicals focus on a personal conversion experience and see baptism as a result of faith, Catholics view baptism as a necessary sacrament for salvation and emphasize the ongoing nature of faith and good works.
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Frequently asked questions
Being "born again" refers to a spiritual rebirth, achieved through baptism, which Christ speaks of in John 3:5 as being "born of water and the Spirit".
Evangelicals believe that one is born again at the first moment of faith in Christ, and that this faith produces regeneration. Catholics, on the other hand, believe that the action of faith is a continuing action and that faith must be combined with the sacrament of baptism.
Catholics become "born again" through baptism. If baptised as an infant, the sacrament of Confirmation is when one deliberately steps into a more intimate relationship with God.
Being "born again" is significant for Catholics as it represents a transformation from a state of sin to a state of grace. It is also seen as a commitment to Christ and a call to live a holy life.
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