Q: What Does Being "Born Again" Mean?
A: When you become a sincere and obedient believer in the Lord Jesus Christ – through repentance and water baptism – then God can give you the gift of the Holy Spirit to dwell within you. The (Holy) Spirit of God helps us understand the Word of God & how to live holy and successful lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. This is often referred to as being a "born again or a Spirit-filled Christian/believer". This process is also referred to as "salvation" or being "saved".
In the Bible we read the Apostle Peter answering the question of what should people do in light of Christ's ministry, death, and resurrection? Acts 2: 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” So we see the Apostle Peter instructing the people using the same criteria that Jesus had spoken to to Nicodemus in John chapter 3. (more on this below).
Supernatural Gifts: The Holy Spirit can also impart to us supernatural gifts (GIFTS - read Corinthians chapter 12) that are given to us to help build up or edify the church of God – of which you will (or have) become a member. The Apostle Paul said when we become a new creation through faith in Jesus Christ, our old sin-based ways of thinking (mindsets & worldview) are passed away and now our life is becoming new. So we can now look at life and live with a spiritual outlook that is pleasing to God.
Galatians 2:19-25
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
2Corinthians 5:17 A New Creation
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
John 7:37-39 (NKJV) The Promise of the Holy Spirit
37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
The Holy Spirit baptism is to be desired, asked for, and to be expected by the believer. Jesus calls it a “gift” in Luke, and the Apostle Peter called it a gift numerous times. So, the Holy Spirit baptism, is a “gift of God” to believers.
In Luke 11:13 Jesus taught, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask Him?”
John the Baptist's Ministry
John the Baptist began preparing the way of the Lord for this new birth to happen by baptizing people with water to indicate their repentance from sin. John told the people they had to prepare their hearts to align with God’s holy standards. This was to get their attention that Jesus the Savior was coming and He would require the same obedience from believers in God. While many believed and obeyed John’s gospel of repentance, many religious leaders resisted and refused to humble themselves, and later they also refused to believe in Jesus.
John the Baptist said that Jesus would baptize His disciples/people with the Holy Spirit (some bible versions say Holy Ghost).
John 1:33 "And I knew Him not. But He that sent me to baptize with water, the Same said unto me, ‘Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on Him, this is He that baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’
You Must Be Born Again!
John Chapter 3:1-10 (KJER) 1There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2The same came to Jesus by night and said unto Him, “Rabbi, we know that you art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that you do, unless God be with him.” 3Jesus answered and said unto him, “Verily, verily I say unto you, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said unto Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Verily, verily I say unto you, unless a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8The wind blows where it will, and you hear the sound thereof, but can not tell when it comes and where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto Him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, “Are you a master of Israel, and know not these things? 11Verily, verily I say unto you, we speak what we know and testify what we have seen; and you receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things and you believe not, how shall you believe if I tell you of heavenly things?"
In John 3:5 above, we hear Jesus saying,"...unless a man is born of the water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven."
The Apostle Paul says in Roman 8:9 ..."Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His."
Being born of the water and of the Spirit is not an option, nor was it a suggestion, nor was it only a requirement for a chosen few – but it is commanded for every believer in Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:6-11 "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh [not born again] cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you."
Five important truths to take note of are as follows:
• The disciples of Jesus baptized new believers in water - both before the crucifixion and again afterward beginning in Jerusalem at Pentecost.
• Jesus baptized the believers with the Spirit beginning at the day of Pentecost - beginning in the upper room.
• The Apostles were entrusted with declaring the gospel after Jesus resurrection, and their teachings are referred to as the Apostles doctrine (or Apostolic doctrine).
• The Apostles commanded every believer who had heard and believed the gospel to “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” even if they had already received the Holy Spirit - as demonstrated by scriptures evidence.
• The baptism of the Holy Spirit is initially evidenced by speaking in tongues.
Born of the water
As Jesus commanded, there is a requirement for the new believer to undertake a baptism of water – water baptism represents our acceptance of the gospel message that preaches and teaches us the need for repentance and the remission (forgiveness) of sins. Jesus Himself was water baptized by John "...in order to fulfill all righteousness." Water Baptism is symbolic of many, many, aspects of being born again. When the Apostle Paul first received Jesus as his Lord, he was commanded by the servant of the Lord, Ananias, to be water baptized.
Acts 9:17 'And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.'
Acts 22:16 "And now why tarriest you? arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Born of the Spirit
There is also the requirement for the believer to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit which represents/or is the new birth - being "Born Again!" We see Saul (Apostle Paul) first receiving the Holy Spirit in the previous scriptures – and then immediately thereafter being water baptized.
Sometimes, as people seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit through prayer and faith, they will receive the Holy Spirit before water baptism takes place. However, the majority of people receive the Spirit baptism either at water baptism or shortly thereafter. As we just read above in Acts, Saul was water baptized after receiving the Spirit. You will find that also such was the case with the house of Cornelius, the Roman centurion, as told in Acts chapter 10. Apostle Peter commanded them – immediately after they had received the Holy Spirit upon hearing and believing the gospel – to be water baptized.
Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
Before the house of Cornelius was baptized, one of the great bible examples of Spirit and Water baptism occurred on the ‘Day of Pentecost’. This is when the baptism of the Holy Spirit first began to "fall upon" the new testament church. Note that baptism in the bible was for the mature or understanding (they understand the implications) believers – not immature infants as some churches wrongly teach. Also take note that water baptism was/is also by full immersion, not by a sprinkling or by someone's wet finger. (see our article "Baptism".)
Now after Jesus death, Jesus appeared to them many times and taught them many scriptures from the old testament that prophesied His crucifixion, His burial, and His resurrection. Jesus taught this and many other things that they did not previously understand, and He then commanded them to wait in the city of Jerusalem until they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 24:46-51
46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.”
Now this brings us to Pentecost where the disciples/apostles were commanded to tarry – waiting for the Holy Spirit to come upon them.
Acts Chapter 2:37-43 The “Day of Pentecost’
36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 37Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
Apostles fulfilling the Command of Jesus
We see in Acts chapter 2 that the disciples were obeying the command of Luke 24:45-49 to wait prayerfully in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit was given to them - before they began their post-resurrection ministry - which also began the establishment of the new testament church. Note that the new testament (will) did not come into effect until the death of the testator, Jesus Christ. Jesus preached about the coming Kingdom of God which would become a Holy Spirit empowered church - such as shown here in John chapter 7.
Holy Spirit baptism is always evidenced initially by speaking in tongues, as indicated in every case of Spirit baptism documented in the book of Acts.
Acts 10:45 "And those of the circumcision [Jews] who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles [non-Jews] also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God."
Mark 16:17 "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;"
Acts 2:4 "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
1 Corinthians 14:39 "Therefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues."
Beware of False Teachers who ignore and/or twist Scripture
Some false teachers say that water baptism is not required if a person has already received the Holy Spirit (also called the Spirit of Christ), but the Holy Spirit never deviates from the Word of God, and is taught without fail in the new testament. God has foretold that many people will not believe the gospel – to be born of the water and the spirit to enter heaven – even as they did not believe in Noah’s day while the ark was being built.
1 Corinthians 14:21 "In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord.
1 Peter 3:18-22 "For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism does also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him.
The New Birth
This new birth - God's Spirit dwelling within you – is as Apostle Paul stated in Colossians “...Christ in you, the hope of glory!”
Colossians 1:25-29 “...of which I became a minister, according to the administration of God given to me for you, to fulfill the Word of God; 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 For to them God would make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, 28 whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, so that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 For which I also labor, striving according to the working of Him who works in me in power.
There are many scripture references you can search regarding the Holy Spirit in the bible, here are a few to consider...
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Hoy Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
John 14:26 “But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Romans 5:5 “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
1 Corinthians 3:16 | NIV | “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”
Acts 1:8 | NIV | “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 4:31 | NIV |”After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
Acts 5:32 | NIV | “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
May the Lord bless you on your journey through faith...in Jesus name!
Important note: Unfortunately, many have strayed from the scriptural plan of salvation, even to the point of developing their own "sinner's prayer " to replace God's plan of salvation. Many of their disciples never get water baptized in Jesus name , nor become born again. Just look at their fruits, lifestyle, and lack of biblical knowledge.
So is there a difference between the "Sinner's Prayer" and Being Born Again? Yes - No comparison. One is God's plan of Salvation, the other is Man's invention to negate God's plan. Below is one of the best scriptural explanations you will find regarding the failure of the "sinner's prayer" to replace the "You must be born of the water and the Spirit" . It is an eye opener.
Jesus Name Baptism vs the Sinner's Prayer - Theo Heartsill 2019 YouTube Link.
A: When you become a sincere and obedient believer in the Lord Jesus Christ – through repentance and water baptism – then God can give you the gift of the Holy Spirit to dwell within you. The (Holy) Spirit of God helps us understand the Word of God & how to live holy and successful lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. This is often referred to as being a "born again or a Spirit-filled Christian/believer". This process is also referred to as "salvation" or being "saved".
In the Bible we read the Apostle Peter answering the question of what should people do in light of Christ's ministry, death, and resurrection? Acts 2: 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” So we see the Apostle Peter instructing the people using the same criteria that Jesus had spoken to to Nicodemus in John chapter 3. (more on this below).
Supernatural Gifts: The Holy Spirit can also impart to us supernatural gifts (GIFTS - read Corinthians chapter 12) that are given to us to help build up or edify the church of God – of which you will (or have) become a member. The Apostle Paul said when we become a new creation through faith in Jesus Christ, our old sin-based ways of thinking (mindsets & worldview) are passed away and now our life is becoming new. So we can now look at life and live with a spiritual outlook that is pleasing to God.
Galatians 2:19-25
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
2Corinthians 5:17 A New Creation
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
John 7:37-39 (NKJV) The Promise of the Holy Spirit
37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
The Holy Spirit baptism is to be desired, asked for, and to be expected by the believer. Jesus calls it a “gift” in Luke, and the Apostle Peter called it a gift numerous times. So, the Holy Spirit baptism, is a “gift of God” to believers.
In Luke 11:13 Jesus taught, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask Him?”
John the Baptist's Ministry
John the Baptist began preparing the way of the Lord for this new birth to happen by baptizing people with water to indicate their repentance from sin. John told the people they had to prepare their hearts to align with God’s holy standards. This was to get their attention that Jesus the Savior was coming and He would require the same obedience from believers in God. While many believed and obeyed John’s gospel of repentance, many religious leaders resisted and refused to humble themselves, and later they also refused to believe in Jesus.
John the Baptist said that Jesus would baptize His disciples/people with the Holy Spirit (some bible versions say Holy Ghost).
John 1:33 "And I knew Him not. But He that sent me to baptize with water, the Same said unto me, ‘Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on Him, this is He that baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’
You Must Be Born Again!
John Chapter 3:1-10 (KJER) 1There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2The same came to Jesus by night and said unto Him, “Rabbi, we know that you art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that you do, unless God be with him.” 3Jesus answered and said unto him, “Verily, verily I say unto you, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said unto Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Verily, verily I say unto you, unless a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8The wind blows where it will, and you hear the sound thereof, but can not tell when it comes and where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto Him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, “Are you a master of Israel, and know not these things? 11Verily, verily I say unto you, we speak what we know and testify what we have seen; and you receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things and you believe not, how shall you believe if I tell you of heavenly things?"
In John 3:5 above, we hear Jesus saying,"...unless a man is born of the water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven."
The Apostle Paul says in Roman 8:9 ..."Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His."
Being born of the water and of the Spirit is not an option, nor was it a suggestion, nor was it only a requirement for a chosen few – but it is commanded for every believer in Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:6-11 "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh [not born again] cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you."
Five important truths to take note of are as follows:
• The disciples of Jesus baptized new believers in water - both before the crucifixion and again afterward beginning in Jerusalem at Pentecost.
• Jesus baptized the believers with the Spirit beginning at the day of Pentecost - beginning in the upper room.
• The Apostles were entrusted with declaring the gospel after Jesus resurrection, and their teachings are referred to as the Apostles doctrine (or Apostolic doctrine).
• The Apostles commanded every believer who had heard and believed the gospel to “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” even if they had already received the Holy Spirit - as demonstrated by scriptures evidence.
• The baptism of the Holy Spirit is initially evidenced by speaking in tongues.
Born of the water
As Jesus commanded, there is a requirement for the new believer to undertake a baptism of water – water baptism represents our acceptance of the gospel message that preaches and teaches us the need for repentance and the remission (forgiveness) of sins. Jesus Himself was water baptized by John "...in order to fulfill all righteousness." Water Baptism is symbolic of many, many, aspects of being born again. When the Apostle Paul first received Jesus as his Lord, he was commanded by the servant of the Lord, Ananias, to be water baptized.
Acts 9:17 'And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.'
Acts 22:16 "And now why tarriest you? arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Born of the Spirit
There is also the requirement for the believer to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit which represents/or is the new birth - being "Born Again!" We see Saul (Apostle Paul) first receiving the Holy Spirit in the previous scriptures – and then immediately thereafter being water baptized.
Sometimes, as people seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit through prayer and faith, they will receive the Holy Spirit before water baptism takes place. However, the majority of people receive the Spirit baptism either at water baptism or shortly thereafter. As we just read above in Acts, Saul was water baptized after receiving the Spirit. You will find that also such was the case with the house of Cornelius, the Roman centurion, as told in Acts chapter 10. Apostle Peter commanded them – immediately after they had received the Holy Spirit upon hearing and believing the gospel – to be water baptized.
Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
Before the house of Cornelius was baptized, one of the great bible examples of Spirit and Water baptism occurred on the ‘Day of Pentecost’. This is when the baptism of the Holy Spirit first began to "fall upon" the new testament church. Note that baptism in the bible was for the mature or understanding (they understand the implications) believers – not immature infants as some churches wrongly teach. Also take note that water baptism was/is also by full immersion, not by a sprinkling or by someone's wet finger. (see our article "Baptism".)
Now after Jesus death, Jesus appeared to them many times and taught them many scriptures from the old testament that prophesied His crucifixion, His burial, and His resurrection. Jesus taught this and many other things that they did not previously understand, and He then commanded them to wait in the city of Jerusalem until they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 24:46-51
46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.”
Now this brings us to Pentecost where the disciples/apostles were commanded to tarry – waiting for the Holy Spirit to come upon them.
Acts Chapter 2:37-43 The “Day of Pentecost’
36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 37Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
Apostles fulfilling the Command of Jesus
We see in Acts chapter 2 that the disciples were obeying the command of Luke 24:45-49 to wait prayerfully in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit was given to them - before they began their post-resurrection ministry - which also began the establishment of the new testament church. Note that the new testament (will) did not come into effect until the death of the testator, Jesus Christ. Jesus preached about the coming Kingdom of God which would become a Holy Spirit empowered church - such as shown here in John chapter 7.
Holy Spirit baptism is always evidenced initially by speaking in tongues, as indicated in every case of Spirit baptism documented in the book of Acts.
Acts 10:45 "And those of the circumcision [Jews] who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles [non-Jews] also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God."
Mark 16:17 "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;"
Acts 2:4 "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
1 Corinthians 14:39 "Therefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues."
Beware of False Teachers who ignore and/or twist Scripture
Some false teachers say that water baptism is not required if a person has already received the Holy Spirit (also called the Spirit of Christ), but the Holy Spirit never deviates from the Word of God, and is taught without fail in the new testament. God has foretold that many people will not believe the gospel – to be born of the water and the spirit to enter heaven – even as they did not believe in Noah’s day while the ark was being built.
1 Corinthians 14:21 "In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord.
1 Peter 3:18-22 "For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism does also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him.
The New Birth
This new birth - God's Spirit dwelling within you – is as Apostle Paul stated in Colossians “...Christ in you, the hope of glory!”
Colossians 1:25-29 “...of which I became a minister, according to the administration of God given to me for you, to fulfill the Word of God; 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 For to them God would make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, 28 whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, so that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 For which I also labor, striving according to the working of Him who works in me in power.
There are many scripture references you can search regarding the Holy Spirit in the bible, here are a few to consider...
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Hoy Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
John 14:26 “But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Romans 5:5 “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
1 Corinthians 3:16 | NIV | “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”
Acts 1:8 | NIV | “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 4:31 | NIV |”After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
Acts 5:32 | NIV | “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
May the Lord bless you on your journey through faith...in Jesus name!
Important note: Unfortunately, many have strayed from the scriptural plan of salvation, even to the point of developing their own "sinner's prayer " to replace God's plan of salvation. Many of their disciples never get water baptized in Jesus name , nor become born again. Just look at their fruits, lifestyle, and lack of biblical knowledge.
So is there a difference between the "Sinner's Prayer" and Being Born Again? Yes - No comparison. One is God's plan of Salvation, the other is Man's invention to negate God's plan. Below is one of the best scriptural explanations you will find regarding the failure of the "sinner's prayer" to replace the "You must be born of the water and the Spirit" . It is an eye opener.
Jesus Name Baptism vs the Sinner's Prayer - Theo Heartsill 2019 YouTube Link.
Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John 3:5
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