Born Again, Part 1

Shawn McCraney emphasizes the critical importance of spiritual rebirth, or being "Born-Again," focusing on its biblical foundations and contrasting it with the Latter-day Saints' interpretation, which ties spiritual rebirth to religious ordinances and practices. He encourages understanding spiritual rebirth as a mysterious act led by the Spirit, independent of institutional rituals, and invites those interested in exploring biblical Christianity to attend events like the Capstone Conference for deeper insights.

In Shawn's teaching, he contrasts the Latter-day Saints' perspective of spiritual rebirth being tied to repeated LDS ordinances with the biblical concept of rebirth as a singular, transformative event achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that true spiritual rebirth occurs when a believer confesses and believes in Jesus' resurrection, leading to justification and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, thus signifying a once-and-for-all regeneration rather than a continuous cycle of personal sanctification.

Shawn teaches that through belief in Jesus Christ, who died for sinners, individuals receive God's Holy Spirit, leading to salvation, peace, and new life beyond human effort, as symbolized by Ezekiel's vision of dry bones brought to life through God's breath. This transformation, echoed in New Testament narratives like the resurrection of Lazarus, highlights that new spiritual life is a gift from God, initiated by His own will and timing, not by human actions or worthiness.

To be born-again and become spiritually alive, individuals must recognize their need for a redeemer, believe in Jesus Christ, and invite Him to transform their hearts, independent of any specific religious institution like Mormonism. Justification through Jesus’ death reconciles us to God, and ongoing sanctification leads to a deeper spiritual life, as discussed in Romans 5.