Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: papertyger
Being "born again" is not a literal phrase; it is a metaphor for a spiritual action. Please see John 3:1-21.

You are not physically "born again"; you are born in the Holy Spirit. Nicodemus got it wrong, he misunderstood and took it literally. Not the figurative/illustrative way in which the Lord said it.

Perhaps that same mistake can be made with the phrase "this is My body given for you, do this in remembrance of Me"; perhaps Jesus meant to reflect on the sacrifice He would make by re-enacting the action. Not actual transubstantiation of the host and wine?

Jesus spent most of His ministry talking in parables, preaching and teaching allegorically. To deny that extending that understanding is a valid position for this one phrase is quite close-minded and restrictive.

But ultimately, the action of Communion, while an important and building action for a Christian, is NOT required for salvation. That is by faith alone, as Jesus specifically said. No allegory, no parable, direct statement with no further clarification asked or offered.

635 posted on 06/29/2009 2:39:10 PM PDT by PugetSoundSoldier (Indignation over the sting of truth is the defense of the indefensible)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 627 | View Replies ]


To: PugetSoundSoldier

A big AMEN, Soldier.


653 posted on 06/29/2009 3:05:05 PM PDT by Marysecretary (GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 635 | View Replies ]

To: PugetSoundSoldier
Being "born again" is not a literal phrase; it is a metaphor for a spiritual action.

Which was prefaced by the phrase "Verily, verily?"

Do not presume to teach that which you obviously do not understand.

745 posted on 06/29/2009 7:10:05 PM PDT by papertyger (A difference that makes no difference is no difference)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 635 | View Replies ]

To: PugetSoundSoldier
To deny that extending that understanding is a valid position for this one phrase is quite close-minded and restrictive.

straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, and few there be that find it...

750 posted on 06/29/2009 7:18:04 PM PDT by papertyger (A difference that makes no difference is no difference)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 635 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson