The Theology Thread - CBSSports.com Message Boards

The Theology Thread -
Bengalbuck Reputation:98 Level:Superstar Since:Sep 24, 2006
	June 12, 2007 7:10 am Score: 96
	1] There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: [2] The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. [3] Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. [4] Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? [5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. The above is from the Gospel of John Chapter 3. Jesus tells Nicodemus that you must be born of water and of spirit to see the Kingdom of God. This dialogue with Nicodemus lead us into the "famous" John 3-16 "Whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." I think the "essential doctrine" in any church is in regard to salvation. How do we get to heaven? What does it mean to be born of water and spirit? Is it as simple as just believing in Jesus as John 3-16 says?
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The Theology Thread -
fishbobber Reputation:86 Level:All-Star Since:Feb 27, 2007
	June 12, 2007 1:37 pm Score: 90
	The title of this thread should say enough that if you don't want to read the info you don't have to ... all are welcome, however. I believe that John chapter 3 is a key to Bible salvation. What is the water and the spirit? Jesus and Nicodemus answered that question in the context ... "How can a man be born when he is old? "That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." The water is the physical birth (TIME TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL ... MY WATER JUST BROKE!!) after which we must be born again through the Spirit in salvation.
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The Theology Thread -
keepitreal Reputation:98 Level:Superstar Since:Dec 7, 2006
	June 12, 2007 1:37 pm Score: 95
	BB- Great passage, great question! This passage is one of a group of highly disputed interpretations. There are 5 major interpretations of "being born of water and the spirit": 1. Water refers to natural birth and Spirit refers to spiritual birth from above 2. Water refers to the Word of God 3. Water refers to baptism (although there are many other passages that state salvation is by faith alone and baptism is not required for regeneration) 4. Water is a symbol of the Holy Spirit 5. Water refers to the repentence ministry of John the Baptist and Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit entering believers when they accept Christ In the original Greek text, the word used for "water" is defined as 'a body of water or of flowing water.' Since Jesus was speaking to a Rabbi and member of the Sanhedrin, He knew Nicodemus would be familiar with the work of John the Baptist. Personally, I believe that the 5th interpretation is correct--we must repent and turn to Jesus to be born again. Study, pray, and believe! KIR
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The Theology Thread -
CHER Reputation:98 Level:Superstar Since:Aug 11, 2006
	June 12, 2007 3:48 pm Score: 91
	My interview with God: I spoke to God today and he told me that the Bible was not his written word. He also said he did not create us in his image. He is much more good looking than we are. He doesn't look human at all and doesn't consider himself a he. I refer to him as he because I don't like to call him IT. He also told me that if people really thought he was a humble God they would know he doesn't need their prayer and worship and thinks it's a waste of time. He then said if people knew that I was a forgiving God they would know I am not sending them to Hell. He said specifically that he would never send one of us to Hell because we didn't beleive in jesus as our savior because lots of people on this planet never hear of him. Specifically some tribes in the Amazon. He then told me Jesus was a nice man but not his son. He told me the only people going to Hell are those who try to scare other people into thinking they might go to Hell if they don't accept Jesus as their savior. I said "that makes sense". He ended our conversation by saying I did not invent humans to send them to an eternal life in hell. He said humans are one of only a few animals that make him laugh. God's a real good interview and a heck of a guy. He laughed like hell when I mentioned Noah's Ark by the way. What a character! Finally he said most priests and pastors are boring and he has never spoken to most of them. I got lucky because I called for him right after "Saved by the Bell" his favorite show. We talked for a while but he was a little preoccupied with his fantasy picks for the US Open.
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