In short, the phrase is incorrect as it relates to a reward in heaven after we die.
Must one become a Christian in order to be saved? If so, what about the countless millions who have never heard of Jesus? What about all the good people who are not Christians? What about those who lived before Jesus’ time? What about the person who believes, but does not make any changes for the better? What is their fate?
See John 3:13-21, verses 16-18 shown here:
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
The word “judged” (also transated as “condemned”) used in John 3:13-21 means “to distinguish” or “to separate” (see Strong’s Concordance #2919). Therefore, Jesus was separating those willing to follow him now from all others. He fulfilled his mission which was to die so that ALL would be saved, some now and others later.
The following scriptures are emphatic that Jesus died for everyone who ever lived (and especially for those who believe). See 1 Timothy 2:3-6; 4:10; John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:21-23; Hebrews 2:9; 9:24-28; Romans 5:12-19; 1 John 2:2.
These scriptures separate the true followers from everyone else and give these followers something different, something special. The letters of the New Testament were written to these special “called out” ones. But the Scriptures do not minimize Jesus’ sacrifice for everyone else.
There is a dichotomy in the plan of God – the spiritual calling out and the blessing of everyone else. Judgment is an important part of this whole picture. Those who are called out to sacrifice are judged now. These are the “spirit begotten” ones, the ones who have chosen to live a life of sacrifice to do God’s will now. This class, if faithful, will be part of the heavenly phase of the kingdom of God.
Those not called out are not judged now but will be later in the “day of judgment,” soon to take place on earth. Timing is very important in God’s plan (Acts 26:23; Luke 14:14). When the class of the “called-out” ones is complete, the judgment of the rest of the world will begin and the end result of that judgment will be the eradication of tears, pain, sorrow, crying and finally death itself. (Revelation 21:1-4)
Having established that there are indeed two salvations, the first for the true followers of Christ now and the second for the rest of the world later, what does it mean to be “born again”?
The term “born again” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1080) is not a correct translation in all cases in which it appears in the BIble. In the context of John 3:1-13, particularly verse 3, “born again” should be translated “begotten,” meaning conception, not birth, since one’s spirit birth (in heaven) will take place when the person dies.
So, what does spirit begettal imply? Many Christians feel that once the holy spirit is received, they are “locked in” with a guaranteed a seat in heaven). The expression, “Once saved, always saved,” is not a scripture or a principle taught in Scripture. But the Scriptures show that we have to do something to make this spirit begettal turn into spirit birth.
In 2 Corinthians 5:16-18 and Galatians 6:15-16, we learn that anyone “in Christ” (one who has received the holy spirit, God’s power and influence) is a “new creature” and would be walking a different path than everyone else. This path is anything but easy. The Apostle Paul talks about his struggles in Romans 7:15-25. This new creature begotten of the holy spirit desires to serve God, but our old nature still serves sin. Battling this dual nature is the struggle of each true Christian, and the battle continues until death. Nonetheless, Paul also said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14)
“Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27)
If even the great Apostle Paul had to struggle from being “disqualified,” we also have a massive fight in front of us. It is a fight to joyfully do the will of God as we crucify our own wills and desires. Although we struggle with our sinful nature, we have an advocate in Jesus.
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2)
How encouraging is this precious promise! If we sin, there is a way to cancel out that sin – through Jesus Christ our advocate, who is the ransom for us (now) and for the entire world (later). “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
The Bible identifies this call as the high or heavenly call (Philippians 3:14; Hebrews 3:1). As the “new creature” begotten within us grows, the spiritual qualities of love, mercy and compassion also grow. Each of us needs to ask if we are being transformed into a likeness of Jesus or are we just putting on the guise of Jesus while failing to change our thinking, our hearts, our motivation.
Christianity is not just about being nice. It’s not just about feeding or giving money to the poor. It is a calling to spirituality beyond human nature. The mind has to change. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)
Our human nature is sacrificed. The bottom line is that God has to call us in order for that transformation to happen. The transforming process begins when we give our lives to the LORD. The process continues until our natural death. The suffering we endure changes us. God is in charge of our training, and if we yield ourselves, we will be made into what He wants us to be. That is what it means to be “baptized into Christ.”
Those who lead a life of sacrifice now and remain faithful will become part of the heavenly body of Christ that will have a part in blessing the world of mankind in the future. A picture of this future earthly phase of the kingdom can be seen in Micah 4:1-5 and Isaiah 35.
How privileged are those who are called to bless the world in the future by assisting in bringing each human up the highway of holiness! The kingdom of God will then be manifested on earth and the spirit of God will be poured out upon all flesh (Joel 2:28). Everyone shall know God from the least to the greatest (Jeremiah 31:34). We can truly say that God has a great plan, and everyone – whether in heaven or on earth – has a part in it.
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1231: “What if I’m Not Good Enough for Heaven?”
Uncovering the destiny of humanity’s billions who don’t go to heaven
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
Episode #1050: “What Does it Mean to Be Saved?
Clarifying salvation’s true biblical meaning and applications
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
PDF Booklet: What Everyone Should Know About Being Saved
