[OBW]

It would seem that the source Nell is looking at is suggesting that belief and being born again are two different things.

And another related question might be: "Is belief merely a step on the way to salvation, or is it the requirement for salvation?"

And if we assume that scripture says strongly enough that belief (true belief, not mere assent) is the requirement on our part for salvation, then there is the question whether being born again is something additional to salvation or is a component of salvation?

Is is not generally accepted by all except the Pentecostals that the receipt of the Spirit is concurrent with salvation? And unless we are questioning the declaration to "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved," then what is being suggested by this audio source?

I will be the first to say that a strong acceptance of Calvinist theology makes the idea of believing and then not believing essentially confirms the idea that there is belief that does not equate to belief in Christ. And while I accept this idea at some level, how do we discuss belief in Christ as a certain thing when there are examples of people who have demonstrated strong faith over many years and then walked away from it all and now claim no belief? The Calvinist has the position that true faith cannot be lost. Yet I keep reading John 3:16 and note that it says ". . . who believes in me . . ." not "believed."

In other words, this is probably an inquiry that is not something anyone will resolve in this life. But we still have the assurance that if we believe, we are saved. Whether and how terms like "born again," "salvation," "sanctification," etc. apply is up for debate. At some level, it is a little like the pre/mid/post-tribulation debate. If we are believing and are therefore ready, we will be ready for whatever the answer is when it comes. In short, it will all "pan out" in the end.