And then he [Jesus] told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. Mark 16:15-17 – NLT
In the Part 1 and Part 2 of this blog we have discussed being born again as Jesus taught in John 3:3 and 3:5, that you MUST be born again of the water [water baptism] and the Spirit [baptism of the Holy Spirit].
Most denominational churches will say you must just believe to be born again . . . but is that what God’s Word teaches you?
Many teachers will say that you receive the Holy Spirit when you believe and that water baptism is not part of salvation. They teach that’s “works”, not faith. Is this what you’ve been taught? Again, is that what the Word of God says? Let’s look at this further.
In the books of Acts, when the people heard that they had crucified the author of life, they asked the apostles of the Lord what they must do? Here was Peter’s response in Acts 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and to people far in the future — for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
This is the pattern we are to follow, these are the foundational truths for salvation. Repent, be baptized (every one of us) in the name of Jesus and you will received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
These are not works of man that earn salvation for us, but works of God that accomplish salvation in us.
If you have been taught you receive the Holy Spirit when you believe, and that water baptism isn’t important for salvation, let’s look at a couple more Scriptures. Acts 8:12-14
But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed.
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.
First they believed, then they were baptized – but they had not yet received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, they had only been baptized in Jesus name. When Peter and John laid their hands on the believers, they received the Holy Spirit. How did they know?
In verse Acts 8:18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power.
He wanted the power that he saw come on them. Just like at Pentecost. Baptism in water and baptism of the Holy Spirit is the pattern all throughout Acts. And always in the name of Jesus.
Further down in Acts, Chapter 8 Phillip meets a eunuch with whom he shares the good news of Jesus.
As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” You can,” Philip answered, “if you believe with all your heart.” And the eunuch replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Acts 8:36, 37
God is showing us the pattern clearly throughout the book Acts. Believe and be baptized in the name of Jesus.
Let’s look at another example in Acts 10, Peter was called to the home of Gentiles. When they hear the good news of Jesus . . . this happened.
Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God.
Then Peter asked, “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Notice, they were baptized with the Holy Spirit, and then were immediately baptized in Jesus name.
Do not be deceived into believing just because you have asked Jesus to be your Savior that you are born again. If you want to see the Kingdom of God and you want to enter the Kingdom of God, you MUST be born again of the water [water baptism] and the Spirit [baptism of the Holy Spirit]. And how will you know? God will give you evidence with a new language or tongue.
There a many more examples of this pattern throughout Acts. I pray that you don’t let anyone teach you that this pattern is not for today – because it is God’s plan for every believer!
To be continued. . .
