Evangelical View on Born Again:
In the Evangelical tradition, the concept of being “born again” holds a special place of significance. It refers to a transformative spiritual experience where an individual accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, leading to a profound change in their heart and life. Evangelicals believe that this rebirth is necessary for salvation and eternal life, as emphasized in the Bible, particularly in John 3:3 where Jesus tells Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Evangelicals view the born-again experience as a personal encounter with God’s grace, where individuals acknowledge their sinfulness, repent, and accept God’s forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ. This transformation is seen as a decisive moment in a person’s spiritual journey, leading to a personal relationship with God and a commitment to living according to His teachings. It involves a genuine change of heart, a new identity in Christ, and a desire to follow God’s will.
LDS/Mormon View on Born Again:
In the context of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also known as the Mormon Church, the concept of being “born again” is understood somewhat differently. Mormons believe in the importance of spiritual rebirth, but their understanding of this concept extends beyond a one-time event.
LDS teachings emphasize that all individuals are spiritual children of a Heavenly Father and have the potential to progress and become more like Him. In this framework, being “born again” is regarded as a process that leads to spiritual growth and development throughout one’s entire life. It involves accepting and following Jesus Christ, repenting of sins, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and making ongoing efforts to continually improve and align with God’s will.
Mormons believe that the born-again experience is not limited to a single moment, but rather an ongoing journey of discipleship and becoming more Christlike. They view it as a gradual transformation that occurs through faith in Jesus Christ, receiving divine guidance through the Holy Spirit, participating in temple ordinances, and striving to keep God’s commandments. This understanding aligns with the LDS belief in eternal progression and the potential to become gods and goddesses in the afterlife.
Both Evangelicals and Mormons embrace the concept of being born again, but their views differ in terms of the nature and timing of this spiritual rebirth. Evangelicals emphasize a singular, pivotal moment of accepting Christ’s salvation, while Mormons see it as an ongoing process of growth and development on the path toward godhood. Nevertheless, both perspectives ultimately aim to deepen an individual’s relationship with God and inspire them to live a life of devotion and righteousness.
