Evangelical View on Being Born Again:
Evangelicals believe in the concept of being “born again” as an important and transformative experience in a person’s spiritual life. They base their beliefs on the teachings of Jesus Christ, specifically his conversation with Nicodemus as recorded in the Bible’s Gospel of John (John 3:3).
Evangelicals view being “born again” as a profound spiritual rebirth or transformation that occurs when an individual accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. They believe that through faith in Jesus, one’s sins are forgiven, and a new life in Christ begins. This personal encounter with Christ leads to a change of heart, a desire to follow God’s commandments, and a commitment to live a life dedicated to God’s purposes.
Evangelicals emphasize that this experience is not merely a ritual or a one-time event but rather an ongoing process of spiritual growth. It involves surrendering one’s life to God, seeking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. This transformation is seen as essential for salvation and eternal life in heaven.
Jehovah’s Witness View on Being Born Again:
Jehovah’s Witnesses have a different understanding of the term “born again” compared to Evangelicals. They believe that the phrase refers to a specific group of individuals, namely the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation (Revelation 7:4).
According to Jehovah’s Witnesses, the 144,000 are chosen by God to become spiritual rulers in heaven and will reign alongside Jesus Christ in his heavenly kingdom. They understand being “born again” as a spiritual resurrection, where those chosen will receive a new, heavenly, and immortal existence. This group is seen as distinct from the broader body of believers.
Jehovah’s Witnesses also believe in the concept of a spiritual rebirth or transformation for all individuals who choose to follow their teachings. They refer to this process as being “born anew” or “born from above.” However, they do not associate this experience with salvation or eternal life in heaven. Instead, they believe that only the 144,000 will experience the fullness of being “born again” as described in the Bible.
They teach that the majority of faithful Jehovah’s Witnesses will have the opportunity to live forever on a restored paradise earth instead of going to heaven. They believe that through their obedience to God’s commands and diligent study of scripture, individuals can gain a better understanding of God’s will and live their lives in harmony with his purposes.
Key Differences:
1. Interpretation of the Term: Evangelicals understand being “born again” as a personal experience of salvation and a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ. Jehovah’s Witnesses interpret it as a heavenly calling limited to a specific group of 144,000 individuals.
2. Salvation and Eternal Life: Evangelicals believe that being “born again” is necessary for salvation and guarantees eternal life in heaven. Jehovah’s Witnesses focus on earthly life and view the majority of faithful believers as having the opportunity to live forever on a restored paradise earth rather than going to heaven.
In conclusion, while both Evangelicals and Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize the concept of being “born again,” they differ significantly in their interpretations and implications of the term. These differences stem from varying theological beliefs and understandings of scripture. It is important to respect and understand these different perspectives as we seek to engage in meaningful dialogue and discussions on matters of faith.
