Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ John 3: 5-7 NLT
The above are the very words of Jesus from his Word, the Bible. Do you believe that to be born again, you must be born of water and the Spirit? Or have you heard “that’s not for today”?
Jesus warns us over and over in the Word, not to be deceived.
For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24
These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. 2 Corinthians 11:13,14
It is our enemy, Satan, that would have you believe lies. What’s worse, many of the false teachings are coming from church pulpits!
LIe #1 – You don’t need to be water baptized to be saved, that’s works.
Lie #2 – You have the Holy Spirit when you believe.
We discussed #1 in last weeks blog. The Word of God shows that #2 is also not true. Let’s look at what God teaches us from his Word.
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 8:14-16
So, ask yourself this – why did Peter and John go to Samaria? The people believed in Jesus, they were water baptized in the name of Jesus. The answer is: “because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them.”
There is proof from God’s Word. You do not receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit just by believing in Jesus.
It is Satan that wants you to believe you have the Holy Spirit when you believe! Why?
Here is the answer from Jesus himself.
“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49
Satan does not what you to have power over him. He wants to take as many Christians as he can to hell with him. He is a liar, and the father of lies. Satan wants to deceive you!
Only by receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit do you have power over the enemy. Only by receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit can you have the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
How do you know if you have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
Let God teach you from his Word.
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues . . . Mark 16:17
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:2-4
The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” Acts 10:45-47
So . . . who are you going to believe? The Word of God or the word of man?
The Lord Jesus isn’t coming for a religion or denomination. He is coming for the born again, Spirit-filled believers.
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3
Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit”. John 3:5
You have been warned. Trust no man, but trust God’s Word alone.
The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:14
