The Council of Elders approved a study paper on "Born Again" at their meeting in December, and the paper was sent to all UCG elders in January.
The Council of Elders approved a study paper on "Born Again" at their meeting in December, and the paper was sent to all UCG elders in January. It is now also posted on the Web site at www.ucg.org/papers , or you can ask a UCG elder in your area for a copy. Here are excerpts from the "Preface":
"The paper reinforces Herbert W. Armstrong's use of the analogy of begettal at baptism and birth when one actually enters the Kingdom of God. The explanation of John 3 will show that indeed when one is truly born of the Spirit, he will be a spirit being. We were born of the flesh and are therefore, flesh. John 3 has a duality that should not be denied. This chapter also discusses conversion as a type of birth, but this does not deny the concept of the analogy that Mr. Armstrong taught us for so many years—indeed the paper emphasizes the truth of that analogy.
"The difference in this paper is the additional understanding of the Greek word gennao. We believe that one should not take the position that this word can only refer to conception. Gennao is a much broader term and refers to the whole process of conception and birth. We should be teaching this broader concept of the Greek word. "Salvation is a two-step process—beginning with conversion (which is both a one-time event and an ongoing process) and ending with entrance into the Kingdom. The analogy of conception for conversion and birth for entrance into the Kingdom is certainly valid for explaining the process of salvation. We are not 'saved now' nor are we 'born again' as the concepts are explained in the evangelical world.
"We do not believe the term 'born again' is a proper translation from the Greek and, therefore, should not be used to refer to a Christian. But it is true that as Christians we must be transformed once we repent of our sins, accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and become baptized (Romans 12:2). This is truly a new life as well. The biblical analogy of children and babes is just as valid as the conception and birth analogy. This is the essence of the study paper—these items are analogies to help us understand the process of salvation.
"It was concluded by the Doctrine Committee and the Council of Elders that this paper does not constitute a change in the doctrine of salvation but a deeper understanding of the analogies and the Greek words used in the New Testament to describe the process of salvation."
