We are born again by hearing and believing the Gospel.
Really? Where is that stated in the Bible? The phrase "born again" is used rarely. When Jesus is teaching what it means to be "born again" in John 3:5 He says:
"Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
He doesn't say anything about "born again" meaning believing the Gospel.
Unless you can show me where He does (or somebody else does, I guess) I'm gonna go with what Jesus said. And that isn't "hearing and believing the Gospel".
Paul never said, "YOU MUST" hear and believe the Gospel.
Paul also never said that we are "born again" by believing the Gospel.
But Jesus did say "YOU MUST" be born again.
Should we listen to Him or is that optional?
What makes you think that you obey Christ?
If you re-read what I said, I never said that I obey Christ. Please don't put words in my mouth.
I certainly implied that we
should obey Christ but I never said that I did. I try to. As I think all Christians should.
Here's one reason why:
Hebrews 5:9: "And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who
obey Him,"(NKJV)
Peace.