Evangelical View on Born Again:
The term “born again” is commonly understood in evangelical Christianity as a spiritual transformation that occurs when an individual accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Evangelicals believe that this experience is a crucial step in attaining salvation and entering into a personal relationship with God.
According to the evangelical view, being born again means experiencing a radical change in one’s heart and nature. It involves repenting of one’s sins, confessing faith in Jesus, and surrendering one’s life to him. This transformative encounter with God’s grace results in a new birth, where the Holy Spirit regenerates the believer, making them a new creation in Christ.
The evangelical perspective emphasizes the importance of faith alone in obtaining salvation. It teaches that individuals cannot earn their salvation through good deeds or religious rituals but must rely solely on the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Being born again is seen as the moment of accepting and receiving this grace and beginning a lifelong journey of transformation and discipleship.
Seventh-day Adventist View on Born Again:
The Seventh-day Adventist Church also believes in the concept of being born again; however, their understanding of it may differ slightly from the evangelical view. Adventists place a strong emphasis on the holistic nature of salvation, which includes spiritual, mental, physical, and social dimensions.
For Seventh-day Adventists, being born again involves a multi-faceted process that encompasses the entirety of a person’s being. It begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, accepting His atoning sacrifice, and surrendering to His lordship. Adventists believe that becoming born again is not merely a one-time event but an ongoing experience of growth and transformation, facilitated by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
Adventists also emphasize the importance of obedience to God’s commandments as an expression of faith and love for Jesus. They see the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, as a special sign of loyalty to God and a marker of the final stages of the born-again experience. Observing the Sabbath is seen as a symbol of wholehearted dedication to God and His plan for salvation.
In summary, while both evangelical Christians and Seventh-day Adventists hold the belief in being born again, the emphasis and understanding may vary slightly. Evangelicals emphasize a personal encounter with Jesus Christ through faith alone, while Adventists highlight the holistic nature of salvation that involves ongoing growth, obedience, and a distinctive observance of the Sabbath. Both views ultimately seek to foster a deep and transformative relationship with God.
