Does being born again make it easier, or is it a necessary requirement for entry into the kingdom of God? I'm inclined to think the latter is the truth. (
John 3:5)
Born-Again, in my understanding, is the result of coming into the Kingdom of God. We return to the full authority that Adam had before he sinned. As you said, it is a requirement.
As l understand the Hebrew scriptures, Abraham was a man of faith, and we are to follow in faith according to his covenant with God. The covenant made with Moses, a covenant of law, was not based on faith but on (re)action, and was necessary because of disobedience. Under Moses, the prophet delivered God's laws, and the people were required to follow the law to the letter...all the laws. The law didn't require a man to show faith, but to obey. If you obeyed, you received the blessings promised by God, and if you disobeyed you suffered the curses of disobedience.
Therefore, the only way for Israel to be saved (living in safety and peace in their land) was for the whole congregation to please God by corporately fulfilling the law in outward action.
The basics of what you are saying here is true in our Christian understanding.
Abraham was the door of faith so that "all nations will be blessed", both Jews and Gentiles. As you noted, the law came through Moses. As stated in Deuteronomy, if they follow the commandments they would be blessed and if they didn't, it would open the door to curses.
Grace and mercy was still there through the shedding of blood, but those were shadows of Jesus for those who believe. (Heb 10). In addition, those who believed in the coming of the Messiah (even during the law of Moses) were kept in Paradise until Jesus paid the price for sin.
know that
Hebrews 11 points us to the great men of faith, such as Moses and Joshua, but these men of faith proved to be the exception in lsrael, not the norm. Were they not the ones who heard the voice of God and told the masses how to act? The typical Israelite did not hear God's voice, but he did know the difference between a blessing and a curse. So, his behaviour was manipulated by pain and pleasure, the 'carrot and stick'. Acting out of obligation is what this kind of religion entails.
Yes... the only three types of people were anointed by God's Holy Spirit. The priests, the kings and the prophets. Not sure I would use the 'carrot and stick' analogy... but that is just preference.
The Holy Spirit allows us, l believe, to know the Lord in the Spirit of love, creating a relationship that is better than the one that is founded solely on law and justice. The fear of the Lord is, l believe, just the 'beginning of wisdom'.
Actually, when you are born-again, Holy Spirit comes to live inside of a new temple made by God's hands... our spirits. He confirms we are children of God, certainly makes us know we are loved, accepted and connected to God. We are now led, not by the letter of the law, but by Holy Spirit.
Great post.