Will you know when you've been regenerated?

Would you know when you have been regenerated?


  • Total voters
    17

corinth77777

learner
Nov 15, 2013
3,089
441
✟99,135.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
Hi everyone,
I'm trying to understand Salvation from the blankest state I can.
And Would like to know of your experiences with regeneration.

Growing up under a Baptist teachings
What I thought I understood was that once you believed Jesus was Lord and savior you were saved at that very moment. So I am down for anyone that has studied or been enlightened of this process of salvation; if is it such a process? This is for open discussion to arrive at understanding. So it would be helpful to evidence your thoughts through scriptures.
 

Geralt

Unsurpassed Сasual Dating - Verified Women
Supporter
Apr 9, 2016
793
258
GB
Visit site
✟67,802.00
Country
Philippines
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
Politics
US-American-Solidarity
salvation is NOT a one time event, but a series of events. this is VERY IMPORTANT if you do not want to get lost in endless discussions of salvation by faith, etc.. from different camps of thought.

you have predestination (God purposed), then election(God chooses), Calling, Regeneration, Faith, Repentance, etc ending up in Glorification. Salvation is past, present and future. You have been saved (predestined, elected, called and regenerated), you are saved (faith and repentance, sanctification), you will be saved (after death and into glorification).

In other words, Salvation started (with God) a long time ago (before creation). When people respond in Faith TODAY , it is APPLIED salvation of what God has already began before time.

as much as people believe you get saved by trusting in Christ (which they preaced in the pulpit or evangelism outreaches), that is only one side of the coin.
 
Upvote 0

corinth77777

learner
Nov 15, 2013
3,089
441
✟99,135.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
salvation is NOT a one time event, but a series of events. this is VERY IMPORTANT if you do not want to get lost in endless discussions of salvation by faith, etc.. from different camps of thought.

you have predestination (God purposed), then election(God chooses), Calling, Regeneration, Faith, Repentance, etc ending up in Glorification. Salvation is past, present and future. You have been saved (predestined, elected, called and regenerated), you are saved (faith and repentance, sanctification), you will be saved (after death and into glorification).

In other words, Salvation started (with God) a long time ago (before creation). When people respond in Faith TODAY , it is APPLIED salvation of what God has already began before time.

as much as people believe you get saved by trusting in Christ (which they preaced in the pulpit or evangelism outreaches), that is only one side of the coin.
So then when is one regenerated?
 
Upvote 0

corinth77777

learner
Nov 15, 2013
3,089
441
✟99,135.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
obviously before you reacted with faith and repentance.
So you are saying that regeneration proceeds faith and repentance...and I'm a dumb dumb lol because it's not obvious to me?
What is your experience? What happened when you were regenerated? Did you have some type of experience or are you saying because you had faith and repented that was in and of itself your experience.
 
Upvote 0

SeventyOne

Well-Known Member
May 2, 2015
4,675
3,188
✟167,098.00
Country
United States
Faith
Calvary Chapel
Marital Status
Married
Regeneration is tough to describe. You don't want to do the things you did before. Not because it might be something bad, but because your desires are altered. You crave after the things of God, wanting to learn what He said, and desire to understand the truth He's told us. Talking to God changes from hoping He's there somewhere to actually knowing He's listening. You start noticing your prayers are answered even when the answer is 'no'. You can observe how He's ordered your life to go in certain directions, and recognize His provision in times of lack or trouble. It's not a feeling, although there are feelings from time to time, but it's just more of a knowing, which is probably the Spirit confirming that we now belong to Him. In other words, when you are regenerated, you will just know it.
 
Upvote 0

corinth77777

learner
Nov 15, 2013
3,089
441
✟99,135.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
Regeneration is tough to describe. You don't want to do the things you did before. Not because it might be something bad, but because your desires are altered. You crave after the things of God, wanting to learn what He said, and desire to understand the truth He's told us. Talking to God changes from hoping He's there somewhere to actually knowing He's listening. You start noticing your prayers are answered even when the answer is 'no'. You can observe how He's ordered your life to go in certain directions, and recognize His provision in times of lack or trouble. It's not a feeling, although there are feelings from time to time, but it's just more of a knowing, which is probably the Spirit confirming that we now belong to Him. In other words, when you are regenerated, you will just know it.
That was beautifully put
 
Upvote 0

corinth77777

learner
Nov 15, 2013
3,089
441
✟99,135.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
Regeneration is tough to describe. You don't want to do the things you did before. Not because it might be something bad, but because your desires are altered. You crave after the things of God, wanting to learn what He said, and desire to understand the truth He's told us. Talking to God changes from hoping He's there somewhere to actually knowing He's listening. You start noticing your prayers are answered even when the answer is 'no'. You can observe how He's ordered your life to go in certain directions, and recognize His provision in times of lack or trouble. It's not a feeling, although there are feelings from time to time, but it's just more of a knowing, which is probably the Spirit confirming that we now belong to Him. In other words, when you are regenerated, you will just know it.
I guess from what I was previously taught...I could have if I wanted to...thought I was saved. But there is a difference between a thought and to Know.
Yet it could just be that I had "Him" and didn't know until I acted. Which is where all my issue concerning the understanding of salvation stem from. As some ministers present: one believes and receives the spirit[therefore] saved from trespasses and sin and now will go to heaven when they die? Is this true? You can go through merely believing who He is? I must have missed out on the difference between conversion and regeneration...confession and profession.
And now left somewhere in the air....

For when I truly was forgiven and knew....I did really know....and I was excited, on fire, God's word came alive....it was an experience for me...but truly one of life..Joy and Peace.....and Having known of this Goodness that God was merciful and gracious to forgive me....How can I not want to do the things that I believe allowed God to show up in my life to grant me peace....I did repent, confessed my sins and sincerely called up on His name....because I didn't have life without Him....and this life just had no meaning nor purpose.......oh how now I just want Whatever He has for me....and to continue to know again like before...and sometimes Its like I can almost see that light at the end of the tunnel... I pray but I am not always sure He hears my prayers....yet My eyes are open to my lack of faith in Areas of my life too...that if I merely step out...I must believe He will catch me.
 
Upvote 0

John Bowen

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Aug 16, 2018
417
233
53
dueba
✟48,940.00
Country
Fiji
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
My experiences it's more like what Paul said " I die daily " its a slow gradual process working on myself . Does this take me closer to Christ or more away from Christ .For every step up there is always resistance from the prince of this world and sometimes you might take a step back. I try to ask Jesus what I need to see so I can come apart from it . You are on the right path cause you realize there is more .
 
Upvote 0

corinth77777

learner
Nov 15, 2013
3,089
441
✟99,135.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
I guess from what I was previously taught...I could have if I wanted to...thought I was saved. But there is a difference between a thought and to Know.
Yet it could just be that I had "Him" and didn't know until I acted. Which is where all my issue concerning the understanding of salvation stem from. As some ministers present: one believes and receives the spirit[therefore] saved from trespasses and sin and now will go to heaven when they die? Is this true? You can go through merely believing who He is? I must have missed out on the difference between conversion and regeneration...confession and profession.
And now left somewhere in the air....

For when I truly was forgiven and knew....I did really know....and I was excited, on fire, God's word came alive....it was an experience for me...but truly one of life..Joy and Peace.....and Having known of this Goodness that God was merciful and gracious to forgive me....How can I not want to do the things that I believe allowed God to show up in my life to grant me peace....I did repent, confessed my sins and sincerely called up on His name....because I didn't have life without Him....and this life just had no meaning nor purpose.......oh how now I just want Whatever He has for me....and to continue to know again like before...and sometimes Its like I can almost see that light at the end of the tunnel... I pray but I am not always sure He hears my prayers....yet My eyes are open to my lack of faith in Areas of my life too...that if I merely step out...I must believe He will catch me.
Yet this is not the first time I had experienced God's presence....I had actually one time decided just to seek Him. And no one had to tell me how.I didn't read any book, wasn't really looking for some type of experience. I just decided[however so] That I didn't want to wait for something bad to happen to call up On Him...so I had sought out to read the bible, choose doing something good for each of my children and pray. And the experience was as being lifted in my body as I was on the ground...It was peace and Joy rolled up in one......yet at this time I didn't know anything of where to place this experience or as of now the other. But now I question if His Kingdom is peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit, shouldn't we then have it everyday? Is it possible when we do not have peace that we left the kingdom?..or the kingdom has left us ? Or do we still reside there yet without peace?... Is the kingdom that is here now, on earth,.one we go in and out of? And where do I place my experience of knowing that I was forgiven when the word opened up to me and I shared the word because of the fullness that was within me?
Was I born again and again? Was this just a blessing or reward? Or was this truly what it meant to be regenerated? For when the wind blows where it lisith and one hears the sound isn't that like saying people will see the effects of the Spirit? Leave it here for now and hope to hear from someone with more insight.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Geralt

Unsurpassed Сasual Dating - Verified Women
Supporter
Apr 9, 2016
793
258
GB
Visit site
✟67,802.00
Country
Philippines
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
Politics
US-American-Solidarity
* Regeneration is spiritual rebirth, it is laid out in John3:3ff. it has got NOTHING to do with your experience. it is totally God's work for a person totally unaware or contributing thereof.
* As I have written already, you can only have control over things in your life you are AWARE. you seemed to intentionally avoid this point, and revert back to your own presumptions.
* if you can remember or experience the day you were born from your mother's womb, or decide not to be born influencing your mother or father then your argument is legit.
* but then again, that was Nicodemus's mistake, presuming he can go back to his mother's womb and decide to be born again by his own will [Can he enter his mother's womb..v4].
* [ 8 "The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”]

* regeneration (spiritual birth) is the work of the holy spirit, a work by someone you cannot see, a work that is unexpected (in time and space), unpredictable, and uninduced.
So you are saying that regeneration proceeds faith and repentance...and I'm a dumb dumb lol because it's not obvious to me?
What is your experience? What happened when you were regenerated? Did you have some type of experience or are you saying because you had faith and repented that was in and of itself your experience.
 
Upvote 0

SeventyOne

Well-Known Member
May 2, 2015
4,675
3,188
✟167,098.00
Country
United States
Faith
Calvary Chapel
Marital Status
Married
Yet this is not the first time I had experienced God's presence....I had actually one time decided just to seek Him. And no one had to tell me how.I didn't read any book, wasn't really looking for some type of experience. I just decided[however so] That I didn't want to wait for something bad to happen to call up On Him...so I had sought out to read the bible, choose doing something good for each of my children and pray. And the experience was as being lifted in my body as I was on the ground...It was peace and Joy rolled up in one......yet at this time I didn't know anything of where to place this experience or as of now the other. But now I question if His Kingdom is peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit, shouldn't we then have it everyday? Is it possible when we do not have peace that we left the kingdom?..or the kingdom has left us ? Or do we still reside there yet without peace?... Is the kingdom that is here now, on earth,.one we go in and out of? And where do I place my experience of knowing that I was forgiven when the word opened up to me and I shared the word because of the fullness that was within me?
Was I born again and again? Was this just a blessing or reward? Or was this truly what it meant to be regenerated? For when the wind blows where it lisith and one hears the sound isn't that like saying people will see the effects of the Spirit? Leave it here for now and hope to hear from someone with more insight.

Like I said, there are feelings at times, but you can't rely on feelings because they are elusive and can be misleading. When one gets to that point where they can answer the question of 'how I know I've been justified and forgiven' and can honestly answer it was because of the sacrifice Jesus made on my behalf alone, made sin for me, willingly killed and raised again on the third day, and not include any additional 'ands' or 'buts', they can be sure they are making the right confession. That said, I would never tell anyone they are saved or not. That's not for me to do. That person needs to tell me as only they know the truth in the matter.
 
Upvote 0

bling

Regular Member
Supporter
Feb 27, 2008
16,163
1,805
✟794,962.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
I am the only one to put “I do not know”, but that does not mean you cannot know.

I along, with three others, taught Sunday School to prisoners in the State Prison. There were a lot of hell bound guys in that prison who really had no reason to even like God, since they were hell bound. Some (40+ over time) could not relieve the burden they carried of hurting others in the past (all sinners seem to feel this burden sometime in their live, but some become so harden they learn to live with it). These burdened filled prison sinners can seek the same kind of help they see Christian prisoners received by becoming a Christian, but for them to follow there example and become a Christian they had to: leave their gangs protection, give to the gang everything they have including their weapons for protection, they have to expect to be beaten either by the gang they leave or other gangs wanting pay back for stuff they did to them. There is no easy journey for them to become a Christian but a huge hurdle, so there has to be a huge gift (being regenerated) on the other side of the hurdle for them to take the leap with the threat of a literal hell for not jumping aided their decision.

For those prisoners, the act of being believer immersed in water baptism was the point of receiving all God’s gifts, turning away from the safety of their gang and now Loving God for what He did for them (out of gratitude). The water did not do anything, but all the imagery of the physical fits what did happen Spiritually to them which help them to know they were born again. The witness they gave that day in notifying their gang and the beatings some received, showed they really had the Spirit. They had to have the Spirit helping them every moment of everyday because they were being watched by snitches all the time for any sign of lacking commitment
 
  • Optimistic
Reactions: corinth77777
Upvote 0

John Bowen

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Aug 16, 2018
417
233
53
dueba
✟48,940.00
Country
Fiji
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Yet this is not the first time I had experienced God's presence....I had actually one time decided just to seek Him. And no one had to tell me how.I didn't read any book, wasn't really looking for some type of experience. I just decided[however so] That I didn't want to wait for something bad to happen to call up On Him...so I had sought out to read the bible, choose doing something good for each of my children and pray. And the experience was as being lifted in my body as I was on the ground...It was peace and Joy rolled up in one......yet at this time I didn't know anything of where to place this experience or as of now the other. But now I question if His Kingdom is peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit, shouldn't we then have it everyday? Is it possible when we do not have peace that we left the kingdom?..or the kingdom has left us ? Or do we still reside there yet without peace?... Is the kingdom that is here now, on earth,.one we go in and out of? And where do I place my experience of knowing that I was forgiven when the word opened up to me and I shared the word because of the fullness that was within me?
Was I born again and again? Was this just a blessing or reward? Or was this truly what it meant to be regenerated? For when the wind blows where it lisith and one hears the sound isn't that like saying people will see the effects of the Spirit? Leave it here for now and hope to hear from someone with more insight.
What you experienced from Jesus was a spiritual gift a moment of bliss so you would know not believe or have faith Know this is all real. Don't try and seek it again that's trying to take Heaven by force .Just keep following your path and multiple what has been given too you .
 
Upvote 0

corinth77777

learner
Nov 15, 2013
3,089
441
✟99,135.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
What you experienced from Jesus was a spiritual gift a moment of bliss so you would know not believe or have faith Know this is all real. Don't try and seek it again that's trying to take Heaven by force .Just keep following your path and multiple what has been given too you .
Confused....the kingdom of God is peace and Joy in the Holy spirit...why wouldn't I seek the kingdom and the promises of God...isnt that what He tells us to do. ISN'T THE AVAILABILITY OF THE KINGDOM NOW WHAT Jesus preached? Isn't that the process of being transformed to the image of Christ?
 
  • Agree
Reactions: klutedavid
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

John Bowen

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Aug 16, 2018
417
233
53
dueba
✟48,940.00
Country
Fiji
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Confused....the kingdom of God is peace and Joy in the Holy spirit...why wouldn't I seek the kingdom and the promises of God...isnt that what He tells us to do. ISN'T THE AVAILABILITY OF THE KINGDOM NOW WHAT Jesus preached? Isn't that the process of being transformed to the image of Christ?
What you experienced was completely different than anything you have ever felt before yes ? Like you were at peace floating on air. Lots people have had something like that , but the problem is a lot of people try and chase that to get that feeling again .That's what I mean taking Heaven by force .What Jesus taught was a gradual path where you look at your baggage and one by one let it go. Look up all the things he said to enter the kingdom of God there is alot. If you want more teachings about this message me and I can give you the website I use . Blessing brother
 
Upvote 0

corinth77777

learner
Nov 15, 2013
3,089
441
✟99,135.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
What you experienced was completely different than anything you have ever felt before yes ? Like you were at peace floating on air. Lots people have had something like that , but the problem is a lot of people try and chase that to get that feeling again .That's what I mean taking Heaven by force .What Jesus taught was a gradual path where you look at your baggage and one by one let it go. Look up all the things he said to enter the kingdom of God there is alot. If you want more teachings about this message me and I can give you the website I use . Blessing brother
I was speaking of 2 different experience....one I can't actually describe...but it was peace and Joy feeling as in my body but off my feet even in my body...
But the next I repented and cried out missing something as life...true life from God that He eventually granted me.....and I was on fire for God, High off life for around 3 months because I knew He had forgiven me.....but I had sought God....not only crying out but loving and forgiving people.... and when He gave me this peace and Joy that I was ineed forgiven...It made me want to Love and forgive even more......I confessed all my sins I thought that were the reasons I felt distant. Even for the strength I lacked in other areas of faith.

So as I walk in the direction of wanting to conquer fear...I believe I must put a step of faith for God to help me along my way...
Maybe that is the answer of feeling as I lack His presence is that He wants to grow me in other areas of my life to comform to His image as I already see my self wanting to want God's will and not my own.
 
Upvote 0

corinth77777

learner
Nov 15, 2013
3,089
441
✟99,135.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
I was speaking of 2 different experience....one I can't actually describe...but it was peace and Joy feeling as in my body but off my feet even in my body...
But the next I repented and cried out missing something as life...true life from God that He eventually granted me.....and I was on fire for God, High off life for around 3 months because I knew He had forgiven me.....but I had sought God....not only crying out but loving and forgiving people.... and when He gave me this peace and Joy that I was ineed forgiven...It made me want to Love and forgive even more......I confessed all my sins I thought that were the reasons I felt distant. Even for the strength I lacked in other areas of faith.

So as I walk in the direction of wanting to conquer fear...I believe I must put a step of faith for God to help me along my way...
Maybe that is the answer of feeling as I lack His presence is that He wants to grow me in other areas of my life to comform to His image as I already see my self wanting to want God's will and not my own.
Recall that he came that we may have life and have it more abundantly....and eternal life by definition is to know God and Jesus whom He has sent. Knowledge here is said to mean an intimate relationship. And in my view from scripture obedience to Christ is the way we have that relationship.
So yes I am seeking after the relationship that gives life and I desire to be obedient to God, so your right it seems we must push through or as Paul says press on toward the mark.
 
Upvote 0

Hillsage

One 4 Him & Him 4 all
Supporter
Jun 12, 2009
5,244
1,767
The land of OZ
✟322,350.00
Country
United States
Faith
Charismatic
Marital Status
Married
Recall that he came that we may have life and have it more abundantly....and eternal life by definition is to know God and Jesus whom He has sent. Knowledge here is said to mean an intimate relationship. And in my view from scripture obedience to Christ is the way we have that relationship.
So yes I am seeking after the relationship that gives life and I desire to be obedient to God, so your right it seems we must push through or as Paul says press on toward the mark.
It is truly funny and yet sad that such a basic thing as 'salvation' brings so many questions to one's mind. Especially if you truly are seeking the truth. And in my 46 years as a believer I've heard a lot of 'testimonies' that never matched my experience. But I've also heard a lot that did. Something not mentioned yet in this post is the difference of God's plan concerning the salvation of the total man. A question for you Cori, what got saved when you first accepted Christ? Was it your spirit, your soul, or your body? Your thoughts?
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

corinth77777

learner
Nov 15, 2013
3,089
441
✟99,135.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
It is truly funny and yet sad that such a basic thing as 'salvation' brings so many questions to one's mind. Especially if you truly are seeking the truth. And in my 46 years as a believer I've heard a lot of 'testimonies' that never matched my experience. But I've also heard a lot that did. Something not mentioned yet in this post is the difference of God's plan concerning the salvation of the total man. A question for you Cori, what got saved when you first accepted Christ? Was it your spirit, your soul, or your body? Your thoughts?
Hi, even though I am responding to the questions I can answer....Im still looking for an answer or discussion to my initial question and poll. THEREFORE, more or less wanting to know what comes first and a scripture passage, 2nd and a scripture passage and last...Or even if Regeneration is a certain type of process all by itself. or am I just confused in the whole Justification sanctification ideals? I WOULD LOVE TO SEE PIECES fall together.

As for what God saves first, why don't you share...
Smile
I am reading Renovation of the Heart by Dallas WILLARD. I believe I am on chapter 9..
HE MENTIONS God wanting to save the whole person.....I admit I reread his thoughts on The Spirit and Soul..etc and I can't recall what he said...

When I finish reading responses I search for answers online....BUT Never seem to get someone to put all the pieces or add pieces to the puzzle together.

You see for on one hand regeneration is called a new life from above that enters the person.
And on the flip side born again of the incorruptible seed.
Now if you have God's seed it is said it remains in you...but again on the flip side another says you can have this new life enter into you from above more than one....Well how can that be?
So when man is regenerated as DW interprets as New life from above...as oppose to saying born again. To me it is like saying when man is first Justified they do not receive the full package.
So Yes! please Shed your understanding on this poor soul...
 
Upvote 0