This thread is not to debate the how of salvation but more so the “why of it” and what I believe to be the fact of the new birth from above being something imputed in addition to our initial salvation that will give us better understanding for the “why of it” and the enablement to achieve it.
I believe that God would have it made clear to us there is a rectification process for those "chosen" which can only begin upon their new birth from above. So I am not asking for an explanation of how to be saved, which the Bible tells how to be in the clear words from Paul to the jailer who asked him and Silas: " . . . . Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved’, and thy house." Acts 16:30-31 (KJV) We can take that answer face value and move on or not. Being born again, I know what the word ‘believe’ means and therefore can “believe” for it, face value. However, in this as well as in all other passages save one, the new birth is not mentioned as an accompanying act of God simply because someone says, "I believe" __ and for good reason: It carries with it a responsibility most, ‘just saved’ folk have never been given to believe for nor will Jesus give it that it be squandered on presumptuous “just saved” folk. In a way, Jesus is protecting them from the consequences of such squandering of His Life. “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21 (KJV) cf Matt. 5:15; Lk.24-26;
Jesus said this to His Disciples who, at this time, were not officially saved, the blood of Jesus having not yet been shed: "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." John 15:16 (KJV) Jesus later appears to them again after the cross with these words: “. . . Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:” John 20:21-22 (KJV) In between the time of the shedding of His blood and even before His appearing to them in the upper room, were His Disciples officially saved. I believe that is true and if it is, why His words, “Receive ye the [indwelling of the] Holy Spirit”? And why His command afterwards for them to wait in Jerusalem for the "coming upon" of the Holy Spirit? However, is this not the pattern for the strength and Authority of His own "indwelling" life to enable us to be IN Him; to know the Father, per John 17? Is this not the “Way Home”?
Questions: How many Christians do you know who know the Father or even desire to? How many enjoy speaking of Jesus Christ, rejoice at His Name, at any church social, maybe Christmas time or Easter? Are the prayers in your church prayers from need or offerings of praise and thanksgiving? What evidence do you believe the should emanate from one who says they are saved? Do you personally possess a sustaining message within you for the approaching tough times. Are you born again or merely hanging on til you die?