Dear Donna & Doves,
Thank you so much for your post re "Born Again". I am sure there are many who feel the same way.
This may sound rash but John is not our Apostle. He is one of the Apostles for the Gospel of the kingdom, the Jew first and then the Gentile. That Gospel is work based ranging from communism to handling poisonous snakes. Peter is not our Apostle either. In fact Peter finally capitulated and gave Paul the right arm of fellowship.
So basically, if you're going to quote Bible to me you really have to know how to rightly divide the Scriptures as Paul told Timothy. Does that mean I don't read anything in the Bible except what Paul Wrote? Of course not. All of Scripture is valuable for my spiritual growth.
Although it may not be a bad idea to read Paul first before getting confused in the writings of M,M, L & J, etc. The Bible is full of contradictions if you don't rightly divide. Just google Bible Contradictions and see for yourself. Isaiah was from the Old Testament as was Matthew, Mark Luke & John. In fact, the New Covenant has yet to be fully implemented and awaits the Tribulation and 2nd Coming. The New Testament was not in force until after Christ was dead.
Since Israel dropped the ball the "Mystery" had to be revealed, which was done through the Apostle Paul. We are not saved by our own good works but are saved in order to perform good works as Ambassadors, if we so chose. If there was only one big Gospel than the Catholic Church got it right and Peter was the first Pope. Do you really believe all that wrongly divided theology?
If I were in your position, I would start studying the Scriptures, rightly divided, more and current events less. That is not to say current events are irrelevant but only that there has to be a balance or we run the risk of becoming unbalanced ourselves. But if you want to participate in a work-based salvation you will have to wait for the Tribulation. It is so much easier to lose ego and admit that every single one of us are sinners and only the Sacrifice of Jesus will merit us entrance into the heavenlies.
So good luck with that if you have rejected Paul's Gospel!
Blessings,Mike