By Irvin Baxter
The term “Born Again” is one of the most used phrases among present day religious people. Yet, if asked what the term “Born Again” means, ninety percent of the world’s church members could not give a clear explanation. The vital importance of this study is shown in that Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Here Jesus is saying that TO BE BORN AGAIN IS TO BE SAVED. Being born again is the plan of salvation that Jesus authored at Calvary. It is imperative that we understand what is required for us to be born again!
All agree that when Jesus went to the cross, he brought in the means of salvation for everyone who will accept it. But what really happened at Calvary? What can it do for me? How do I accept what was done there in my own personal life?!
Death, Burial and Resurrection
Let us first consider what really happened at Calvary. There were three steps to the work of Christ-death, burial, and resurrection. It is very easy to see that these three steps make up the act of being born again spoken of by Jesus. To die, to be buried, and to rise again-that’s to be born again. So we see that Jesus through his death, burial, and resurrection bought for us the plan of being born again spoken of in John 3:3, whereby we receive salvation.
The fact that Jesus purchased a plan of salvation for us is the greatest news the world has ever received. The thing we must understand is that not only was it necessary for Jesus to do something, but also it is absolutely essential for us to act upon what he did. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Ye MUST be born again” (John 3:7).
Now the astonishing thing is that Nicodemus was a religious leader of his day; yet, he had no conception of what it meant to be born again! We find that the very same thing is true in the day in which we live. Many men who fill positions of spiritual leadership in our world have no real understanding of the “Born Again” experience. Nicodemus inquired of Jesus in John 3:4, “How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” 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.” Nicodemus, you can’t be born again of a woman. The second birth is a spiritual birth.
What Must We Do?
Notice that Jesus said without being born again we cannot see or enter the kingdom of God. In other words, we cannot be saved. On the day of Pentecost when Peter preached the first message after Calvary, the men cried out, “What must we do?”
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).
Here Peter was giving to them the plan of salvation-repentance, baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. If being born again is to be saved, Peter was evidently talking to them about being born again.
Remember, there were three steps to Calvary death, burial, and resurrection. The way to accept Calvary in our individual life is to accept the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. We don’t have to literally die, literally be buried, and literally rise again. Jesus was our substitute and did this for us. All we must do is accept what he did by spiritually dying, symbolically being buried, and spiritually rising again.
We take on His death by repentance which is spiritual death. When a person truly repents, he dies out to his own will, renounces it forever, and vows to live from that time on according to the will of Jesus Christ.
We take on his burial by baptism in water, by immersion into His name. Romans 6:4 says, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism”. Baptism MUST be done by immersion; for something cannot be buried by sprinkling a little dirt on the top of it. That burial after a few days would certainly prove to be insufficient! Furthermore, EVERY baptism of which we have Biblical record was administered by immersion. That alone should determine our course of action on this matter.
Finally, we partake of the resurrection of Jesus Christ by the infilling of the Holy Ghost. This is the new life that enables us to live as a Christian should.
Spirit, Water and Blood
We see then that being born again means to spiritually die-repent, symbolically be buried-baptism, and spiritually rise again-receive the Holy Ghost. Thus, in plain language an individual must repent of his sins, be baptized into the name of Jesus Christ by immersion, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. IJohn 5:8 tells us,
“And there are three that bear witness in the earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”
What is the one thing in which the spirit, water, and blood agree? Is it not the new birth? Blood covers our sins at repentance; the waters of baptism wash them away, thus making us clean for the spirit to come into our lives to dwell. When the Roman soldiers thrust the spear into Jesus’ side after he died, the scripture tells us that there came forth blood and water (John 19:34). This was for cleansing of the nations. It takes blood and water to eradicate sin. Blood is the cleansing agent, and water is the flushing agent. When a jar is washed for canning, soap AND water are necessary to cleanse that jar so that it might be filled with good fruit. Likewise, blood and water are necessary to cleanse the human soul so that it may receive the spirit of Christ which is the Holy Ghost. This teaching was verified by Peter when he said, “Repent and be baptized FOR the REMISSION of SINS” (Acts 2:38). Repentance and baptism are both absolutely essential for the remission of sins!
Paul taught that the three steps of Calvary was the gospel that we should preach. In I Corinthians 15:1-4 he tells us,
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the GOSPEL which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I have preached unto you, unless ye have BELIEVED IN VAIN. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ DIED for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was BURIED, and that he ROSE AGAIN the third day according to the scriptures:”.
Obey the Gospel
Paul went on the say in II Thessalonians 1:7-8,
“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul told us that the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. How can we OBEY the death, burial, and resurrection? by repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost as we have previously explained. Notice that the Lord Jesus is to appear “in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel.” It is absolutely necessary for every human being to obey the gospel by being BORN AGAIN. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Ye MUST be BORN AGAIN” (John 3:7).
Old Testament Speaks of Born Again Plan
Let us consider another Biblical lesson given to us concerning this subject. The Bible teaches us that the things of the Old Testament were types and shadows of the things to come. When the priests of the law ministered by offering sacrifices, there were three major steps to their duties.
Repentance
First they slew the animal to be offered on the brazen altar. The blood here was shed and caught in a container for use in the Holy Place. The flesh of the animal was to be consumed by fire. This teaches us of the first step of salvation-repentance. When we repent, we present our bodies a living sacrifice, and our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus.
Water Baptism
After the shedding of blood, the priests were ordered to wash at the laver and to cleanse themselves with water in preparation for entering the Holy Place. The laver, a round fountain-like structure, was overlaid in the bottom with a looking glass. When the priests bent over to wash, he was able to see himself so that he could be sure that he was clean. When an individual is baptized, he should examine himself to be sure that he is leaving the world behind once and for all. We see then that the second step of the tabernacle ministration plainly teaches us of water baptism. Blood and water cleansed them to prepare them for entry into the Holy Place, even as blood and water cleanses us in preparation of receiving the Holy One into our lives!
The Holy Ghost and Fire
After cleansing, the priest would then take the fire from off of the brazen altar and would enter through the veil into the Holy Place. The Holy Place had no doors or windows through which light could come. The only light to be provided here was to come from the golden candlesticks. These candlesticks consisted of seven wicks fed by oil from seven bowls. The wicks had to be lit with the fire brought by the priest from the brazen altar. The uniting at the candlesticks of the oil and fire to produce light is a perfect type of the Holy Ghost and fire promised to New Testament believers (Matthew 3:11). Without the light of the Holy Ghost, we could not see to live in the Holy Place which is where every Christian should live. God spoke of His great plan of redemption in the Old Testament in types and shadows; and then in the New Testament He spoke plainly to us so that we would have no doubt of His will! Once again we recall the words of 1 John 5:8, “There are three that bear witness in the earth, the SPIRIT, the WATER, and the BLOOD; and these three agree in one”. This Old Testament lesson beautifully reaffirms to us the absolute necessity of the full Born Again plan in each life for salvation!
Some Common Misconceptions
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ
Acts 16:30-31 reads this way, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Many have taken this scripture to teach that all that is required for salvation is to believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world; and from that point on, the individual is saved. It is definitely true that an individual must believe that Jesus is the Savior in order to be saved. However, Paul, who spoke these words in Acts 16, has some further teaching on the subject in Romans 10:13-15. Let’s consider the text: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him OF WHOM they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” If we wanted to be absurd, we could take this thirteenth verse to teach that all an individual must do for salvation is to call out the name of Jesus one time and he has received salvation. Paul tells us they can’t call on him in whom they have not believed. Furthermore, he said that they can’t believe in him OF WHOM they have not heard. We cannot merely believe. We must believe SOMETHING about Christ. When Paul told the jailer in Acts 16 to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, he went on to speak unto him the word of the Lord (verse 32). The word which Paul spake was apparently the GOSPEL; for the result in verse 33 was that the jailer and all his house were baptized at midnight. That’s how essential baptism is for salvation. Paul took all these people out AT MIDNIGHT and baptized them!
Faith Made Perfect
Some would object here by saying that we are saved by faith alone. It is true that we are saved by faith, but it is also true that true faith always produces action on the part of the believer. Let’s study from James 2:14-22 to verify this point.
“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or a sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works IS DEAD? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thus how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?”
When an individual believes on the Lord Jesus Christ, what do they believe about him? They believe the gospel, which is the death, burial, and resurrection (I Corinthians 15:1-4). James teaches us that faith without action is dead, or it is not really faith at all. When a sinner hears the true gospel and truly believes, he will obey the gospel. An individual obeys the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ by repentance, baptism, in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking with other tongues. (Write for our free booklet “Tongues-Devilish or Divine”). This is the salvation of Calvary! “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” (or complete).
Not By Works
If you are still having trouble conceding to this teaching because of the element of works involved, let’s reason concerning one more point. Being born again-repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost is not considered by God to be a work. In Titus 3:5 we are taught, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost;”. This scripture tells us that regeneration which is being born again is NOT a work of righteousness.
Concluding this matter, we will cite a familiar Biblical example. In the great revival at Samaria in Acts 8:5-23, a sorcerer named Simon heard the preaching of Philip. He believed and was baptized and continued with Philip beholding the signs and miracles which were done. Many people would say that because Simon believed, he was saved. Yet the Apostle Peter said of him in Acts 8:23, “For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.”
It is impossible for anyone in the bond of iniquity to be saved; for the scriptures tell us, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). Simon believed and was baptized, but he had not received the Holy Ghost; therefore, he was not born again. We cannot be half-born and survive. The entire work of Calvary is necessary for our salvation.
The Thief on the Cross
Many have asked, “If an individual must repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost for salvation, how was the thief on the cross with Jesus saved?” (Luke 23:38-43). First of all, it was impossible for anyone to be born again at this time, for the born again plan was not yet complete. Jesus had not died, been buried, and risen again. God has always had a plan of salvation for each dispensation of time. In Noah’s day the only way of salvation was to get in the ark. In Moses’ day the only plan was the law. In the church dispensation, the only way to be saved is to be born again. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Ye MUST be Born Again.”
Conclusion
May we point out as we conclude this study that we have been given the first church and the Apostles after which to pattern our teaching and practices. In each recorded account of conversions under the Apostles’ ministries, the three steps of being born again are evident. In Acts 2:38, it was repentance, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. In Acts 8:12, Acts 10:44-48, and Acts 19:1-6, we find the born again experience taught and received. Why should we vary from this practice when we are to be built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone? Do not allow anything to turn you aside from this truth-You must be BORN AGAIN. If you haven’t as yet, you should do so TODAY!
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I repented of my sins and was truly sorry. I was baptized by immersion. I am 70 years old and in poor health. I do not feel any different than I did before. I still feel alone and homesick. I yearn for the touch of God. I pray and pray and nothing happens. I must have committed some sin that God won’t forgive. How do I find the Holy Spirit?
If you have truly repented then you must believe that God has forgiven you because He promised that in His word. If you are praying for something just endure. Remember that the woman had to weary the unjust judge to death before he responded to her request. Sometimes we just have to continually go before God until He answers. Keep believing and stay faithful. Luke 11:13 teaches us that we have to simply ask for the Holy Spirit. If you continue to seek, God’s word promises you that you will find. God bless.
Every believer should be baptized with water as the example was set my Jesus with his cousin John. I think it now too much to be immersed in water. On the other hand there are instances especially in Muslim countries where baptism is not a practicality The Lord will have mercy and understanding that baptism was not practical. I believe to love one as one loves self is the greater teaching that Jesus tries to impart to every one he touched while he was alive and also thru his apostles and disciples. That is the greatest among you is the bond slave to all.
A very direct and clear message. Thankyou and God Bless Selah
According to the manuscripts, Born again means born from above; which means the actual flesh age being born of woman.
Nicodemus actually asked if that is what Jesus meant and Jesus further explained that being born again was being born of water and the Spirit. Jesus did not teach that this was physical birth.
The real question should be is why a bride doesn’t want to take on her husbands name, as for me I want nothing to do with a no name religion!
One must be baptized in THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST as Peter put it in Acts chapter 2. it needs the revelation of God Himself to understand the Bible.
I have obeyed the gospel of JESUS CHRIST. By HIS mercy and love HE saved me. PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME. The thing that bothers me is when people say they have been born again but refuse to be baptized because they do not feel it is needed at all. If the WORD OF GOD tells us we need to be baptized, then who are we to reject it?
It is like a child who tells his parents, “I believe you are my parents and I enjoy all the benefits that I have as your child. You take care me and see that I have food and clothing and all the necessities of life and you even give me nice things that I don’t “need” sometimes just because you love me.” But I am not going to do everything you tell me to do, only the things that I feel are important. It doesn’t really matter what you say.”
This is how I see people who refuse to be baptized and say that because they believed on the LORD JESUS CHRIST they were saved and they don’t have to do anything else. Even though the WORD OF GOD is very plain about baptism. GOD bless all!
In Romans it speaks about Abraham having been justified by faith before circumcision. In the book of Acts when they’re arguing about whether or not theGentiles should be circumcised or not, they ended the dispute with what laws they should follow. They were, not to eat anything that has been offered to idols. They should not eat any meat of any animal that has been strangled or that still has blood in it. They must also not commit any terrible sexual sins. Acts 15:19-20They never said anything about being baptized. They baptized as part in the Old Testament. Jesus came to fulfill the law. I have the baptism of the holy spirit. The Lord speaks to me. I have tongues, and I’m starting to move in the Spirit. If it was required to be baptized to have your sins washed away, then why did Jesus get baptized in the first place?
JESUS CHRIST said before he left that we shall do more than he did of which one was he being baptised
I think JESUS got baptized to show the people that they should do as he had done and it pleased the FATHER for him to do so. I think it was as an example…
Jesus’ was to mark the acceptance of His ministry. It was an example to us. Baptism for the remission of sins is done in the name of Jesus. Baptism could not remit sins until after the death of Jesus Christ.
In Acts 10:44-46 Peter preached to Gentiles and they received the Holy Ghost. In verse 48 Peter still commanded them to be baptized. Peter understood the importance of baptism. God bless.
In John 17:3 When Jesus is praying to the Father, he states, ” This is eternal life to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent.” He never says anything about being baptized. He had to do everything the law required so we wouldn’t be slaves to this, and thus creating different opinions in scripture. Is not going out and getting baptized and act or a work? Just like the Lord’s Supper, we’re all doing it for his name’s sake. But that doesn’t give us eternal life.
We cannot only take one scripture to explain salvation. Jesus taught in John 3:3-7 that we need to be born again of water and of the Spirit to enter into the kingdom of God. The consistent theme of salvation is repentance, baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. This mirrors the gospel which is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have to obey this. We obey the burial by baptism in Colossians 2:12 and Romans 6:4. Mark 16:16 says we must believe and be baptized. 1 Peter 3:21 says baptism saves us. Finally Titus 3:5 shows us that God saves us according to His mercy by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost. God saves us that way. Those are His works that we accept, not our own works. If you have other questions please email us at endtime@endtime.com. God bless.
how do you know you’ve received the Holy Ghost after repenting and being baptised when i can not speak in tongues like Simon had not received the Holy Ghost?
I can only speak for myself but I was baptized last Sunday and I FELT the holy spirit! I mean I actually felt it inside me and still do.it changed me.it really did. all the anger and bitterness I was carrying around was washed away. I have changed to the point of people noticing it.I used to be the kind of person that wasn’t too fond of shaking people’s hands or saying hi. when the spirit came into me and I felt the love of Jesus I COULDN’T contain myself or the joy I felt!!I jumped on the stage and hugged brother John (who baptized me) I even grabbed Brother Baxter and hugged him!! EVERY DAY I praise Jesus!I thank him for saving me and changing me!! praise his holy name!! Jesus is Lord!
You should be baptized in the name of Jesus, not Father, Son, & Holy Spirit. If you repented and were baptized in Jesus’ name, you will receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit for it’s a promise to you.
The evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost is speaking in tongues. Just keep praying and seeking God for it. God bless.
tongues is just one of the signs, “though we have tongues and not love we are as clanging symbols. Do not be deceived, we should all be Baptized if we are true believers. anyone who tells you differently is not sent by God
I am a born again son of God who was born not of the will of flesh or the will of man, but of God. I received Christ in county jail through a reserve deputy who ministered the gospel to me. I felt the Holy Ghost and received him the minute I knelt down to confess my sins and ask forgiveness and Jesus to come into my life. After confessing he baptized me in the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost. I had a flash go off in my mind while praying and in an instant saw and felt as if all the stars in the heavens above rushed through my body and I came up saying hallelujah and praise Jesus. I was walking on air and born again. I tell you this because there was no water in that jail cell for me to be dunked in and yet I received the gift of the Holy Ghost. So I must dissent on the belief you must be dunked in water. I am born again with the in dwelling of the Holy Ghost and no man on this earth will tell me otherwise. Also wanted to point out the thief on the cross with Jesus who accepted him. He wasn’t dunked in water and Jesus told him today ye shall be with me in paradise. I believe in one Lord one faith one baptism (in the Holy Ghost) and One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. I also believe that immersion in water is important and a public confession of the new life you have received but is not necessary to be born again and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. And I confess Jesus Christ has come in the flesh with my mouth and spirit. For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, this is the spirit of the anti-Christ which you heard was coming and is now already in the world. I enjoy these discussions and hope that we all can grow into the head which is Christ through them. God bless and take care,
A true son of God and brother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Donald D. Meyers
Cornelius was baptized by the Holy Spirit and then Peter gave orders for them to be baptized in water Acts 10:44-48. There no reason to not be water baptized and many reasons and commands to be water baptized. We are to obey the Gospel, not our feelings or thoughts. Why not be water baptized? Also, the issue of the thief on the cross is addressed above right before the conclusion of this article.
Greetings in love,
In Acts16 :33, it made reference to the keeper of the jail being baptized the same hour of the night. It was Paul, Silas and the keeper present there. Notice that it was also in the night. Also, there are other accounts (for example, Acts 8- with the Ethiopian) where there was only the preacher and the person being baptized present at the baptism. In these last two instances, the baptism was conducted without a crowd. That shows that the process of baptism is much more than a public declaration. The Bible teaches in 1 Peter that baptism is apart of the salvation process. Also, the thief on the cross was still in the Old Testament dispensation. The blood of Jesus was not shed as yet. Therefore once Jesus forgave his sins it was sufficient. However, once the New Testament dispensation began, they were all instructed to obey Acts 2:38. Hope this helps in some way. Sincere regards
The Bible tells us the plan of being born again in Acts 2:38 and 1 Corinthians 15. We must repent of our sins; to turn away from our will and follow after God. Be baptized, just as Jesus, Paul and Peter commanded. And receive the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking with other tongues. God bless.
I’m so blessed…so glad I did it the BIBLE way repented of my sins was baptised in JESUS Name,filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues AS THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD GIVE’S THE UTTERENCE…Iiving a Holy life ….by example of his righteousness for 25+ years, with his spirit living inside of me…. believing his Word,his word is TRUTH.. keeping busy…about his business, occuping until he come . So thankful for your teaching…God’s blessing’s be continually with you in JESUS Name.
I believe the gosple of Jesus Christ, though I was not there ,that he was born of a virgin,Was crucified on a cross (but) on the 3rd day arose again… an he’s alive forevermore. I believe he came to died for me, and for as many as will hear, believe and practice his teaching’s. He is the perfect example of how we are to live an love one another.. He changed me inside-and-out….the way I think,act,the things I do and say ,by helping me not to be a forgetgul hearer,but with the help of the Holy Ghost to be a do’er of his word . He is transforming me daily making me the new creature he wants me to be,by living inside of me giving me direction. I have a new home ,a New Master,who said he’d never leave me but,would lead and guide me into all truth, I’m a living witness of his goodness and his Mercy and am waiting and watching for his soon return.
I am a born again christian and I really enjoy using this for witnessing,it really helps.
Acts 2:38: These Jews were cut to the heart by the sermon that Peter preached, and they called upon Peter and the other apostles to tell them what they had to do to get right with God. Peter then told them to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. Many battles have been fought among Christians over this verse.
The main point of contention is not repentance. Most will not deny that repentance is a part of receiving salvation (see note 1 at Matthew 3:2 and note 3 at Luke 15:18). The real argument is over water baptism. Even more specifically, the argument is, is water baptism a requirement for salvation or just an evidence of it?
Being baptized in water is a command of Jesus and should be obeyed as any other command He gave, but putting our faith in water baptism as a means of salvation is an offense to Christ and what He has done for us. It’s saying that Jesus didn’t pay it all; there is also a price that we must pay in order to be saved.
Those who preach water baptism as necessary in order to obtain salvation invariably also preach other actions of holiness that we must do to be saved; they have accepted the belief that faith in what Christ has done is not enough. They believe we must do certain things to be saved, and they cite this verse and water baptism as an example. If people believe that, the burden of salvation shifts from Jesus to man.
The answer to this problem is found in this verse in the little word “for.” The Greek word that was translated “for” in this verse is “EIS,” and it can mean because of, as a result of, and since or can also mean so as to obtain.
As explained in note 9 at Mark 16:16, there are two examples of different groups of people being born again before they were baptized in water; therefore, water baptism cannot be a requirement in order to obtain salvation. So it must be an action that comes because of, as a result of, or since the remission of sins. It is an act of obedience that only a person who is already born again can perform (Acts 8:36-37).
Water baptism is an outward show of an inward change. It has great benefit as an action that resists the devil and as a witness that identifies us as one with Christ, but it cannot save (see note 55 at Matthew 7:21 and note 21 at Matthew 23:26).Andrew Wommack’s Living Commentary.
The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through faith. Faith is only valid when coupled with obedience. Faith and obedience are inseparable. So through our obedience of God’s word, we express our faith in God’s word. This is not an indication that we take salvation into our own hands. When we obey the word, we exercise our faith. The Bible teaches that baptism is necessary and that it saves us. 1 Peter 3:21 tells us this plainly. We know that Acts 2:38 means what exactly what it says when it states, baptism in the name of Jesus is for the remission of sins. Acts 22:16 shows that baptism washes away our sins just as Acts 2:38 says it does. So again it is important for us to obey the word of God. Hebrews 5:9 says that Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to those that obey Him. So we understand this to mean if we do not obey God and His word, then He is not the author of our salvation. 2 Thessalonians 1:8 also teaches that God will take vengeance on them that obey not the Gospel. So it is clear that obedience to the word of God is necessary for salvation. This includes repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. God bless.
Amen an Amen
Dear Pastor ,
As a child, I was baptized with holy water and later in life as i went to join my husbands church, I again went thru classes but it has been some time and I am not sure if I am saved. My heart belongs to Jesus Christ. I called on the Billy Graham one night and asked again for him to come into my life and repented my sins, but, must we again be immersed in water? I have always talked to the lord and have always believed that he died for my sins. I believe he has risen! I am just confused if I must be immersed in water again in order to be saved.. Thank You Pastor I love your show!!!
Attached blow is a link to our brochure, “What do you mean born again?” Please read it. It teaches specifically what the biblical process of being born again is.
http://www.endtime.com/urgent-questions/what-do-you-mean-born-again/
Dear Pastor,
Thank you very much!
I have two little children under 7 years old and one new born, if Jesus Christ come back tonight, will they will be saved?
Thank you Pastor!
God is a righteous judge. He will not condemn a child who can not fully conceive the plan of salvation that He, God, laid down. It is our belief that they will be under the age of accountability and will take care of them.
Dear Pastor,
How about the children, infants regard to the three steps of being born again repent-immersion in water- receive the Holy Ghost?
Thank you Pastor!
They do not have the mental capacity to be born again. They cannot make the conscience decision to follow after Christ. But there will come a day when they reach an age of accountability. Then they will have to make the choice to follow Christ and be saved. God bless.
I received my salvation by believing in Jesus Christ as my Savior, by repenting with my mouth that I was a sinner and by asking Jesus Christ to become Lord of my life. All of this is word for word in The Holy Bible which is God’s Word and it is based upon the Gift of Salvation that Jesus Christ offered to each of us a by His ultimate sacrifice….His Blood, Death, Burial and Resurrection on Calvary. Therefore, being Born Again is a Gift of Unconditional Love and Boundless Mercy to Save us from Hell. And a Gift cannot be earned, so acceptance of this Precious Gift is our choice as sinful man. I believe that many “Believers” and “Non-Believers” are being mislead by the “Religion” view point that our salvation can be earned and that it can be lost. This is simply not true. Once you have Truly been Born Again, you Can Not become “Un-Born Again”. In Romans 6: 8-11 it states:
“Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
I also was baptized in Believers Baptism by full submersion as commanded in scripture. And finally I believe that once we are Born Again and have been Baptized, we are a new creation unto Him, therefore we will want to study God’s word, pray without ceasing, serve the church and others, tithe by obedience and share unto the world His message of Salvation. However, I will obey because of His Commandments, not because I am afraid of loosing my Salvation by my good deeds, which will always “come short of the Glory of God”
I have to say this. I think I know where is the problem in the article. We get born again instantly and our spirit is revived. It is a moment, it comes right after we realize we need to ask Him to forgive our sins and do it with an honest prayer. Then according to the Word we need to work out our salvation and water baptism is a part of this vital task. Amen. But we do not need to work out the spiritual birth for it’s in place already. Birth from above and salvation happen always at the same time,afterwards salvation goes on alone in our lives. Think about it.
I have a few questions, all very serious. Is birth from above a moment or a process? According to your teaching of salvation can a person get saved (born again) without being baptized in water? Would be interesting to hear: yes or no, please. And if no, then all the grace of God does not work for nobody unless they do participate in water immersion. Then if a dying person repents and then in 3 minutes dies without being baptized, you can say that he was not saved? Or he was?
I think what Peter meant by ” repent and get baptized for the remission of sins” it is exactly what you said about plan of how to grow and get perfect eventually in your walk with God. But in order to get born again you do not need to start walking next second. Each case is different, I know that. But grace and blood can not be put on hold by the absence of symbolic act of an individual’s burial with Christ. Salvation is simple and unique. Spiritual growth is not simple at all. Please, give me clear answers to my questions.
These are some wonderful questions, let me first start off with this. Being Baptized does NOT send you to Heaven, ye MUST be Born Again. I know you can go to Reference to that in John 3:3,5,7. Also in that Passage you will find that it talks about being Born of Water and of the Spirit. When a lot of People read that Passage they take as it being a Water Baptism, but everyone fails to read the very next Scripture. The verse is John 3:5-6 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. Highlight: That which is born of the Flesh is Flesh; and that which is Born of the Spirit is Spirit (KJV).
A lot of People think that ye must be Baptized and that is what Saves a Person. When I got Saved, I didn’t get Baptized for another Month. If I would have Died before then, I would have went to Glory. The way you get Saved is, ye will Hear the Word of GOD from a GOD Called Preacher, the Spirit will Prick your Heart and you will either grow fonder of push away from that Spirit, and then ye will Repent until GOD has Accepted the Repent and you will know a shadow of dought that ye are Born Again. GOD wants you to know, Jesus stated in John Chapter 3 that ye MUST know that ye know.
Salvation takes more than just belief. James even speaks of this. Belief must be coupled with obedience. John 3, and Acts 2:38 are in complete harmony on the process of salvation. It takes repentance, baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost to complete the free gift of salvation. As for baptism saving you, the Bible says in 1 Peter 3:21 that baptism saves us. It is part of the born again process. God Bless.
So… if I’ve believed, repented, been baptised, have works in evidence, am open to speaking in tounges and have asked for such… but have not yet spoken in tounges – what’s the catch???
There are times when the Holy Ghost does not come as quickly as we like. The main thing is to keep praying and seeking, and when you feel the Holy Ghost begin to overshadow let it take control. Get yourself out of the way. God bless.
Sorry, I guess I hit a wrong button, I meant to say the Holy Spirit.
I’ve read several comments about it being necessary to be rebaptised in Jesus’ name, but what about Matthew 28.16 where Jesus himself told the Apostles to go forth and baptize in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy S
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus tells us to baptize in the name(singular) of the Father, the Song, and the Holy Ghost. In order to baptize correctly, you have to know what that single name is.
Hi, I need some guidance. I am a Christian since April, 2012. Going to church weekly and doing bible study daily. I do want to be saved and born again but per definition here, I am not sure that I am. I can’t tell if holy spirit has dwelling in me and I am definitely can’t speak tongues. Any suggestion how to make progress and know I am really saved?
Linda, I can only tell you from my personal experience. I was raised in a Baptist church, “joined the church”(by praying a prayer of belief and repentance, and being baptized) when I was sixteen. HOWEVER, God did not convict me of my sin at that time. I really felt no different than I had ever felt, and continued to serve in the church for a short time. It was not until 20 years later, at a time of crisis in my life, that I turned to the Bible for guidance, and was convicted of my sin. It was an extraordinary thing…God revealed my sin to me, and the conviction, shame, and repentance I felt drove me to the ground, face-down, and even that wasn’t as low as I wanted to be before God! To truly repent, we must first know what we are repenting of, and that is only shown to us by God’s grace and supernatural work in our mind and spirit. It is a mysterious thing, the most precious gift, and it is the most liberating experience you will ever have…once Jesus sets you free, you are free indeed. All I can tell you is that when this happened to me, I could not bow low enough before Him, and I could not stop asking for His forgiveness…until He showed me that He had forgiven me the first time I asked Him, and that now I must ACCEPT that forgiveness.
I never really understood what the term “being saved” meant until I was born again. It means we are saved from ourselves…our sinful nature that is the curse of this world. When we understand this, our eyes are opened to what Jesus did for us on the cross, the enormous debt He paid for us, but also, the infinite, awesome, love our Father has for us, that He would do this for us so we can be reconciled to Him. This produced a desire in me to be reconciled to everyone I had ever wronged, to cleanse my spirit, to make right…and it became impossible for me to be dishonest with people..that spirit cannot co-exist with the Holy Spirit in us. It also produced a love for people, an empathy for others I had never felt, as well as a total loss of selfishness…it wasn’t about “me” anymore. I did not speak in tongues, I dreamt in tongues!
I do not know if this is common to all who are born again; I can only tell you that for me, there was never any question. It was the most intense, passionate, liberating experience of my life. There was never any doubt. If you are unsure, I would only advise you to seek Him through prayer, earnestly, as you have never sought any other thing in your life. One of the most beautiful scriptures is Revelation 3:20 in which Jesus said “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” If you open that door, and let Him in, He will lay hold to your heart, and you will never be the same again! It is truly a matter of life or death. I pray you choose Life. God Bless.
To be born again is a gift and it begins upon a soul repenting. To be born again is to become a new creation in the Holy Spirit. One will die to the world and die to the old self. One begins to live a new life in Christ. In living the Gospel life by the grace of God we begin to ackowledge more the things concerning God. The things of above and the eternal life that begins right here on Earth in Christ. Conversion comes from the Holy Spirit but we are called to have a repentant and contrite heart. The new life we are called to live is more of the spiritual life that begins here and now after your conversion. No matter what faith denomination many are called and few are chosen. Only but a few follow Christ in obedience offering self and giving all glory to God in all that we do in Christ, “not I but Christ”…. Amazing grace hits our lives! Soon you will ackowledge that there is no other life joy and happiness without our Lord and Master, Savior of the world……..
TO BE BORN AGAIN MEANS Comes from the bible BORN FROM ABOVE. This means when u came from heaven thru the waters then u can return back to heaven and some did not choose this and are the falling angles and they cant return they are already sentenced to the lake of fire with satin.
I believe “Born Again” means that one receives “Baptism of the Holy Spirit.” It is a gift (not earned) where one is “FILLED” withthe Holy Spirit, as evidenced by speaking in tongues.I further believe that before one can receive this gift, one must repent of all sins, be water baptized, be humble and love the Lord with one’s heart, mind and soul….love him more than anything and everyone, and pray to be filled (annointed with His Holy Spirit.
I want to put my two cents in concerning some things in the article that are most likely an error. Baptism is an act of obeying God and is a picture of the death, burial and Resurrection of Jesus. From what i was taught in a Fundamentalist Church. Baptism is not part of being saved believing with all of your heart about Jesus is what brings Salvation to the individual soul. If you do get Baptized by Immersion, your being obedient to God, but it is your believing in your heart is what gives you true salvation!
I was raised a baptist. I was baptized in the baptist church. One day I went to a bible study where I worked. The girl asked me a question “Are you filled with the Holy Ghost” I said what do you mean. I knew I was saved, and I had been baptized, but she asked me if I was filled with the Holy Ghost. Then when she knew I didn’t understand, she asked if I would like to be filled with God’s power. I said yes and she laid hands on me and I felt the power of God come on me and I felt different on the inside of me. Two weeks later I was driving to the lake and I was singing to the Lord, then all of a sudden I began to speak in tongues. So, I got born again, water baptized, then God gave me the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
we need to wake up = all of us – the upc is a sleeping giant = you will not hear well done unless you deny yourself and pick up His Cross – you must REPENT after you are born again and stay REPENTED – God is Holy and we must be HOLY – wake up – wake up – wake up – its later than you think UPC – REPENT and GET RIGHT – live the Life – Witness and Live Holy at all cost
I was looking into the Mormon`s books to see if there is more out there that I can grasp. But then I got to a place where it said this is how you must baptize and no disputations ! First God knows man better than we know our selves, he would not say that ! This is what he said (3NEPHI 11:25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father,and of the Son ,and of the Holy Ghost.) Now even I know ACTS 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other : for there is none other name under heaven given among, whereby we must be saved .So I`m still looking because I know I`m far from be done or of being Christ like if you get meaning. It is a very good paper!
yes when I was a teenager I read the paln of salvation in the book of mormon.. But I knew that the mormons did not practice it as they follow more trinity beleifs and also the elders and literature share that in their beleif that Jesus was merely the brother of lucifer and God jsut happened to choose Jesus over lucifer to the the savior. hmm. and that Joseph smith/ founder was under federal inditement when he jumped to his death out of a courtroom window chanting the masonic creed. ( not my kind of guy) and that I kept researching and found out the book of mormon was disputed in the New york Courts as a stolen manuscript of a novel by William Spaulding, who was Hiram smiths ( Joseph smiths brother) employer. that they claim the book of mormon was stolen by Hiram, when he suddenly quit this job as an apprentice printer in NYC. the Jesus of the real bible is the “word become flesh” the God of heaven robed in flesh.. the other night I read Duet 6, and it declares.. there is no other GOd. in Isaiah 9 it declares that the savior/ child was to be called the wonderful counselor and mighty God. that is why its important to be baptized in his name. amen! But simply amazing that the message was implanted in this book which you mention
I was also very surprised many years ago when I wa finally able to get an authentic version of the original Book of Mormon. It is amazingly differnt from the new modified versions, and contains many very troubling statements in there.The original is always key, because if the “prophet” is a true, Godly prophet, then his words must be scrutinized according to the Bible. if they don’t lineup, it is not the Blble that you toss out, but the prophet. Anyone who is sincere and still in Mormonism MUST get the original version of what this man said- once you read his words, you will clearly see he was never inspired from above, and therefore what flows from there will contain enough spiritual deception to miss true salvation- too high a price not to check!
i have the Acts 2:38 experience which changed my life drastically 28 yrs ago and is still alive in my soul today. I’m thankful to know that although i don’t watch tv, your ministry is holding to this great truth and getting it out to countless people.
I agree with Steve, this is awesome. I have been following you on cable regarding End Time Events. I had no idea you believed in baptism according to Acts 2:38. What a refreshing thought. I will be reading more and seeing how I can support you. Keep up the good work.
Awesome article Bro. Baxtor and so glad you posted this. Reference to Acts 2:38 should be in your Salvation section in the ‘What We Believe’ area. Obey Acts 2:38 – it’s not a religious thing, it’s a Scriptural thing.
Another point that might be added to the paragraph on the thief on the cross is where Christ tells the thief that “this day thou shalt be with me in paradise”. Paradise is not heaven where Christ is seated on the right hand of God. Jesus was “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth”. “When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive”, “Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens”. He said to Mary, “touch me not for I have not yet ascended to the father”. It is clear that the thief died under the old law and went to the same place that everyone else went as Lazarus was in “Abraham’s bosom”.
Concerning the topic of “works”, during someone’s ministry on earth if that person baptizes 1 or 1000 people, that is “works”, the one being baptized is not working as so many people try to claim. The one doing the baptizing is the one working.
Amen
I do believe all that you have said in your paper, but I also beleave that when one receive the Holy Ghost ,he will led us into all true, one is baptism. When I came to the Lord I only know that the Bible is the only turth in this world. I received the Holy Ghost before being baptized, but Iknow nothing about speaking in tongues or receiving the HolyGhost, but he talked to me and told me what to do. At was afraid at first but he take me to the Bible in Rom. 8:15 where by we cry, Abba,Father an he took the fear away. I am sorry man has taken a lot upon himselfto do what GOD himself can do and without controversy. Thank you again it is avery good paper. MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU ! in JESUS NAME thanks
It seems like water baptism is the easy part. You can’t make yourself be filled with the Holy Spirit. Many professing Christians I know have never spoken in tongues, and many who have are not totally sure that it is really the Spirit as opposed to their own gibberish. We can only have faith that we have been truly “born” spiritually, right?
Ephesians 2:8 tells us that we are saved by grace through faith. If we have no faith then salvation is not even possible. We must believe in God and in His word. That faith naturally causes us to respond or to act. You cannot separate obedience from faith. If you believe what the Bible says then you will obey it or if you obey what the Bible says then you believe in it. Faith and obedience work together. So as a result of your faith you obey the gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. You repent, get baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost. However, being baptized alone, as a ritual, does not have an effect. Baptism only works when the individual being baptized has faith in God’s word. Faith is also required to receive the Holy Ghost. It is a gift that we have to believe in and accept. When that person is filled with the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost will cause them to speak in tongues. At this point they are no longer praying with understanding but their spirit is praying. If a person is trying to form words that appear to be in an unknown tongue then it is not the Holy Ghost. Speaking in tongues should be effortless because it is not us; it is the Spirit within us. However all of this only comes through faith.
Amen
I have really liked this born again paper but when you talk you sound like everyone that comes to Christ
has to know all things about him before they come to him! Where does one start, is it where thay are at the
time in which Christ calls or draws him/her ? Does it say one has to believe that he is ?
When a person comes to God they do not have to know everything about Him. We grow in our knowledge of God as we continue in relationship with Him. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” This is all an individual has to do when first coming to God.
We know the Bible does not contradict itself. If Irvin Baxter is correct in his interpretation of scripture, then all those who have not been baptized “in Jesus name” are going to hell. The rest of Christians who were not baptized this was are doomed to hell.
What is interesting is that Paul the Apostle clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 1:17 “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.”
He made a clear distinction from the gospel and water baptism. In the previous verses, there were contentions at the Church of Corinth over baptism and who baptized them or if they were baptized the right way. It’s the same old controversy going on today. Bottom line, water baptism does not save anyone and never will. It’s only the blood of Jesus applied by faith on a person who is truly repentant. That is not to say they should not follow through and be baptized. But when you make water baptism and speaking in tongues a requirement for salvation, you have now ousted over 2/3rds of Christians. Can’t go along with your misinterpretation of scripture, especially the passage in James which has nothing to do with water baptism.
Jesus said, and these signs shall follow them that believe, they will lay hands on the sick, cast out devils, speak in unknown tongues. So, what do you think that scripture means. If Jesus said, this is a sign of those who believe.
And, Jesus was baptized in water, and filled with the Holy Ghost.
And not all who say they are Christians are truly born again.
Paul was not sent to the church in Corinth to baptize the people because they had already been baptized. The preaching of the gospel or of the word of God has multiple purposes. The word was given for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Paul was sent to the church in Corinth to help them straighten things out. This one statement from Paul does not mean baptism is not necessary. Mark 16:16 shows that belief and baptism save us. Peter in Acts 10 commanded people who had just received the Holy Ghost to be baptized. Paul also instructed disciples of John to be baptized in the name of Jesus even though they had been baptized unto repentance. 1 Peter 3:21 also specifically says baptism saves us. Lastly Titus 3:5 says that Jesus saved us according to His mercy by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. The Bible teaches that baptism is essential.
The 1 Corinthian passage stated above is the gospel of Christ that Paul was sent to preach. The second half of the passage declares ” not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect”. 1Cr 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but on to us which are saved it is the power of God. He is not stating that Christ had sent him to “help them straighten things out” though he was calling them to be “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” 1 Cor 1:10. in verse 14 he states that he thanks God that he had baptized “none of you, but Crispus and Gaius”. It is clear that he is making a distinction between baptism and the gospel that Christ has sent him to preach.
It is very easy to see from reading 1 Corinthians 1 that the people of the church of Corinth had already been baptized. It makes sense for Paul to have been sent to them for a different reason other than baptism. There was no need for these people to be baptized again. Paul was sent to preach to them. The preaching of the word of God is not always based around the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ because the word of God was given for multiple reasons. 2 Timothy 3:16 says it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. Also just because Paul says he did not come to baptize but to preach the gospel does not imply that Paul believed baptism was not necessary. It would be like me going to a friend that just had dinner and telling him I was ready to take him to go eat. Paul knew these people were baptized and that he was not sent to them to baptize them again. These people were saints, sanctified, people who called on the name of Jesus, and people who were called into the fellowship of Jesus. Ephesians 5:26 shows that God sanctifies his church with the washing of water by the word. 1 Corinthians 6:11 shows that the church was washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus. The Bible helps us to understand that baptism is a part of sanctification. So if these people were sanctified, then we have additional proof that they were baptized. As a result there was no need for Paul to come to the church to baptize the people. Additionally if we read through 1 Corinthians we will find that Paul is constantly solving issues, giving instructions, establishing order, or helping them straighten things out. Since this is what we constantly see Paul doing it appears that this was his purpose in writing to them.
I’ve read several of the comments and they differ from “you must be baptisted” to “it’s important but not necessary”. Jesus was baptised and it is shown being done over and over again, it is a simple thing to do, so the choice is easy . So don’t be contentious brothers and sisters, follow the example of our Lord Jesus, be baptisted and move on.
In the past few weeks I have baptized 13 sincere Christians in Jesus Name (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-5; Acts 19:5), from my home Bible study group. I give God the credit for opening their understanding about true Bible baptism, and being “Born Again.”
We have been baptized by an elderly couple who branched off from their Pentacostal church. They have a baptismal in their home and have baptized over 100 fine Christians in the name of Jesus Christ..some of whom received the spirit of the Holy Ghost. We..have not yet received it.
I was wondering out of the people that you yourself have baptized, how many received the Holy ghost? And what do people do wrong that they don’t receive it? Or is it just that we need to be patient and wait on the Lord. For there is the promise……
Wonderful article Rev. Baxter! The real problem is, many “Christians” simply are not looking for the Bible to lead them to truth. Instead, they are using the Bible to prove what they firmly believe as truth, regardless of what truth really is. After all, if the Bible means what it says, then many friends and family members who have not obeyed that, will not be saved. And you know, NO BODY is sweeter than old granny groo, and SHE didn’t do all of that, and she believes she is saved! BUT…This Gospel only works on the hungry and thirsty, it only works on those who want to really know the truth. To those who are REALLY interested in going to heaven, no matter who is not… Regardless of what family members will think of you….To those who are stronger than the traditions of men, and who realize the road to eternal life is a NARROW ROAD, and few there be that find it… Bro. Baxter has given you clear instructions. Instead of wrestling the scriptures to your own destruction, why not just OBEY the gospel. Why not just DO what Peter said to do. As if it were a hard thing, to tell God “I’m sorry for my sins”, and go down in water, “Calling on the name of the Lord”, and receive the Holy Ghost (which HE desires to GIVE, more than we could ever even want to GET)! But no. Many will agree to disagree. The Prophet told the man, just dip in the muddy Jordan 7 times, and you’ll be healed. He argued, and almost missed his miracle. But it took a little servant, to talk some sense into him. Finally, he humbled himself, and OBEYED. And he came up with a miracle. Salvation is the greatest miracle of all!!! But there’s just ONE WAY to get it…. you MUST be Born Again! God bless you all, in your endeavors for the LORD!
IS BAPTISM NECESSARY?
Jesus said – He that believeth and is baptizes shall be saved….(Mark
16:16).
FOR the remission of sins as recorded in Acts 2:38.
To SAVE us, as recorded in 1Peter 3:21.
To WASH AWAY OUR SINS as recorded in Acts 22:16.
To be REBORN to new life (John 3:5 & Romans 6:3).
To CLOTHE ourselves with Christ (Galatians 3:26).
So that GOD will RAISE us from death (Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:3).
As a REQUIRMENT to enter heaven (John 3:5).
To put us INTO CHRIST To die with Christ guaranteeing eternal life with Him (Romans 6:3-6).
THE BAPTISM CHALLENGE
If you have not been baptized then please have that accomplished immediately.
If you were baptized as an infant please act on faith and be re-baptized (Infants have no faith and baptism is an act of personal faith in Christ.)
If you were baptized by sprinkling please be re-baptized the Bible way.
If you were not baptized in Jesus Name please consider obeying that command.
If you do not know how you were baptized, then please, for you soul’s sake, be baptized again, this time in Jesus Name, just to be absolutely sure.
If you are a pastor for God’s sake please prayerfully study baptism for your members. Many churches have come to the truth about baptism and has offered true Bible baptism to their members. I had to be re-baptized, just like the believers in Acts when the Lord opened my understanding.
BAPTISM IS…?
Baptism is our public confession, declared on earth, and proclaimed in heaven, that we died with Christ and are raised as He was unto a new birth; BORN AGAIN!
Baptism is how we get into Christ.
Baptism is always accompanied by faith and repentance.
Baptism is God’s terms of surrender.
Baptism is our signal to God we have accepted Christ’s gospel.
Baptism is the external washing with water and the internal washing away of sin.
Baptism is Calling on the name of the Lord.
Baptism is being unified with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.
Baptism is “Clothing” ourselves with Christ.
Baptism is “Accepting” Christ (on His terms, not ours).
Baptism is when our sins are remitted.
Baptism is how and when we come into contact with the blood of Christ.
Baptism is when we are reborn.
Baptism is an act of faith.
Baptism is how we enter the kingdom of God.
Baptism is when we exchange our life for His.
Baptism is when we die to ourselves and come alive in Christ.
Baptism is the washing of regeneration, and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism is the starting gun of a race of a new life.
Baptism is proclaiming in Christ the resurrection of the dead.
Baptism is when we stop living for ourselves and start living for Jesus.
When Jesus died on the cross, He, who had no sin, paid the death penalty for our sins. Through baptism we are united, or joined with Christ in paying the death penalty for sin. We are baptized into His death, into the death penalty for sin. We, who are unable to return from death because we have sin, are joined to Christ and since Christ is sinless and was victorious over death, we, now being united with Him, are made victorious being united with Christ in His resurrection (Romans 6:3-6).
Romans 6:3-5 – Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
When we are baptized into Christ, we are baptized into His death, and therefore into His burial and resurrection as well. Through baptism we are united with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection; and being united with Him in this manner we rise to new life, leaving behind our old self and rising to a new. Baptism is when our old self dies and our new life begins. Through baptism we die to ourselves and exchange our life for His. Baptism is also when we come into contact with the blood of Christ. It is in baptism that we “die” with Christ…and so we therefore will live with Him as well.
In other words, what happens in baptism is that God takes Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection and transposes it onto our life. Our old, sinful self becomes united with Christ in His crucifixion and death through baptism and we rise from the water to new life.
Galatians 3:26-27 – For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for as many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Faith in Christ is a prerequisite to baptism. Faith (along with repentance) is an essential ingredient in the conversion process. It must be understood that Jesus Christ died for our sins and He raised himself from the dead (John 2:19). In being baptized into Christ we clothe ourselves with Him or put on Christ. When God looks at us he does not see our sins, but Christ’s righteousness instead.
In Genesis 3:21 after Adam and Eve sinned (and they had died spiritually), God provided them with animal skins to clothe them and give them a covering. This required the shedding of the blood of animals. In the Old Testament a sacrifice for sin always required the shedding of blood. Under the New Covenant the shedding of blood was still required, but this time it was to be by the sinless Lamb of God that Jesus Himself shed on the cross. And just as God clothed Adam and Eve He now clothes us, but now it is with Christ Jesus.
Some say, “But baptism is a ‘work’ and we are not saved by works…we are saved by faith alone.”
First, we must consider what the definition of a “work” is that we are using. If one defines baptism a “work” then we must also label believing a “work.” We must also label repenting a “work.” Believing and repenting are both things we must DO as a prerequisite to salvation. They are both factors that require human action. Baptism is merely the last part of that equation. The “work” for baptism was completed by Christ at His Death. Mankind only accepts the completed work of Christ, by faith. The pastor only repeats the Name of the One who died for you while you are being placed in the watery grave! James tells us he will show us his faith by what he does.
Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself (James 2:17).
It must be remembered that although baptism is something we must do (like believing and repenting), baptism is an act of faith, not a “work.” It must also be noted that the one at “work” when we are baptized is God, not us. He is the one who takes away our sins! See Colossians 2-12 – Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Just as we must report to the hospital before a surgeon can operate on us, so too, we must “report to God’ in the waters of baptism, submitting to God and claiming His promise so that our sins will be remitted. Just as it is the surgeon who is the one who is at work when we are operated on, so too, it is God who is the one who is at work when we undergo baptism.
Baptism is a manifestation of faith. It is not Man who is at work in baptism; it is God. Baptism is not a “work of righteousness.” On the contrary, if anything, it should be considered a work of UN-righteousness. We are baptized because we are corrupt, unrighteous and spiritually dead in sin. This is why we are buried with HIM into DEATH as explained in Romans 6:3. It is the DEAD that are buried, not the living. Note: We are buried with Him and not them. Some baptize in the name of the Father, Son, & Holy Ghost. The Father did not die. The Holy Ghost did not die. Jesus died and we are buried with Him symbolic of His death.
God has always measured faith by our actions, as James 2:17-26 tells us – Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. But, someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from works, and I by my works will show you my faith. You believe that God is one. You do well. Even the demons believe — and shudder. But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith apart from works is dead? …For as the body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
There are many who teach one is saved by “faith alone,” but there is only one place in the bible where the phrase “faith alone” is found (James 2:24). And it states very plainly we are NOT saved by faith alone!!!
You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. The devils believe as stated in James 2:19 – Thou believest there is one God…the devils also believes and trembles. Are the devils saved because they believe? Of course not!
Even Martin Luther, who coined the phrase “salvation by faith only,” understood that salvation by grace, through faith, did not preclude the necessity of baptism:
In answer to the question, What does Baptism accomplish? What good is it? Luther replied in his Small Catechism, “It gives the forgiveness of sins, redeems from death and the Devil, gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, just as God’s words and promises declare.”
It must always be emphasized that baptism is an act in which God works, not man. This happens through faith in God’s Word. In baptism we, the dead, are joined with Christ into His death. Then, being united with Him together in this death and burial, just as Christ arose from the dead, so too, He brings us up, still unified as one, with Him to resurrected life.
Martin Luther himself was often misunderstood and misrepresented by critics of baptism who oppose the very Word of God they claim to uphold. Yet he clarified exactly what he taught:
“For to be baptized in the name of God is to be baptized not by men, but by God Himself. Therefore although it is performed by human hands, it is nevertheless truly God’s own work…”
Submerging beneath the surface of water and getting wet is not a “work.” The “work” that is done in baptism is done by God, not by man. The “work” that is done in baptism is the removal of the stain of sin from a person’s soul for all eternity. The “work” that is done in baptism is the transference of a sinner from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. The “work” that is done in baptism is God taking a dead man and making him alive! The “work” that is done in baptism is God taking the unrighteous and declaring them righteous. The “work” that is done in baptism is God clothing the sinner with the righteousness of Jesus. The “work” that is done in baptism is God uniting together man’s spirit with Christ’s. And this could NEVER, EVER be accomplished by man’s work! The miracle that happens in baptism is not anything man does. It is something God Himself does through the office of Jesus Christ. Again, baptism is not our work, it is His!
In speaking about marriage, Jesus said, So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate (Matthew 19:6).
The participants of the wedding ceremony are no more credited with joining the man and the woman together than are participants of baptism. God does not give such credit to mere servants for this union, but reserves that honor for Himself–and rightly so. Jesus sees marriage as something God does, not man. And so it is with baptism.
Just as the Lord tells us it is God Himself who is the one who does the joining in marriage, so too, baptism is viewed in the same way. It is God who joins us with Christ in baptism. This is a divine miracle and something infinitely beyond human capability. And in all of this, it is He who does the joining. It is God who makes the two become one. That is how it is not only in marriage, but in baptism as well. Just as marriage is a spiritual union between a man and a woman that God gets the credit for, so too, baptism is a spiritual union (between Christ and man) that God gets the credit for because it is God who does the joining. And Christ frequently portrayed Himself as the Bridegroom. In the book of Revelation, the church is portrayed as the bride. This indeed, is profound.
THE POWER OF GOD’S BLOOD!
Before the death of Jesus man could not get rid of his sins no matter what he did. Hebrews 10:4, For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. The blood of God is the only thing that would take away sin. We found out earlier who God is. That is the reason Jesus said in Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Whose blood? Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Whose blood?
God came in the flesh and shed his blood for the sins of all mankind. We know this to be Jesus Christ. We need to apply His blood to our sin soaked souls to remit our transgressions. His blood is the only thing that will remit sin. The blood of animals could not remit sin.
Jesus Christ shed His blood for past, present and future sins of the world. A good example of this is in the story of the rich man and the poor man (Lazarus) in Luke 16. I explained that event earlier in this study.
REPENTANCE & REMISSION
Jesus said that, Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name . . . beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:47). Peter obeyed that command in Acts 2:38. Repent (step one)…be baptized in Jesus’ name for the remission of sins (step two)… and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (step three).
WHAT ABOUT THE THIEF ON THE CROSS?
Some will ask, “Well, what about the thief on the cross? He wasn’t baptized and Jesus very clearly told him he would be in paradise. Doesn’t that prove baptism in not essential for salvation?”
This is a perfectly valid question and makes sense at first glance. However, the problem arises from not having a clear understanding of what baptism represents and what the scriptures tell us about it. According to Romans baptism represents being unified with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. The problem with the thief on the cross is when Jesus told him he would be with Him in paradise is that Jesus was still alive. Christ had not yet died or been buried, so He had certainly not risen yet either. Baptism into Christ was not put into practice until Pentecost in Acts 2:38, after Christ had risen from the dead and ascended to heaven. This was a new dispensation of Grace, or the Church age.
The thief on the cross was still under the Old Covenant and therefore not subject to this baptism. He was saved just like anyone else under the Old Covenant. How do we know that the thief was not baptized in his earlier days? We don’t! He very well could have been baptized since it was preached by “John the Baptizer” across the land. The thief knew enough to acknowledge the power of Christ. He may have been a backslider?
WHAT ABOUT ROMANS 10:9-10?
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved (Romans 10:9-10).
Remember, Paul just finished explaining in chapter 6 of Romans, and in great detail, the role of baptism. This verse does not nullify that chapter. But it is of significance, however, to note the commentary on this verse in the NIV study Bible states that Jesus is Lord. The earliest confession of Christian faith, probably used at baptism. The verbal confession of faith that Jesus is the Christ is made at baptism, and is what is seen in the case of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts chapter 8. Notice the eunuch asks to be baptized and Philip tells him – If you believe with all your heart, you may. And then the Ethiopian eunuch confesses faith in Christ with his mouth – I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is then baptized.
Some common traditions of men vs. the Word of God
The Word of God says:
He who believes and is baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16).
Thank you ever so much for your enlightening thoughts. May our Lord Jesus Christ richly bless you and all you do for His name.
I am a Christian but I have not been born again. And I don’t belong to a church. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find a church that supports my conservative Christian beliefs, that is, the churches in my area and beyond are very liberal and in fact, endorse Progressive aka leftist ideology. They do not preach the word. As an example, they support Gay Marriage and clearly they are violating G-d’s word.
I want to be born again, is it possible to baptize myself in the name of Jesus?
If you would like, you can call in to our office at, 1-800-363-8463 and speak with our ministers and they can get you in touch with churches that do teach what the Bible says.
I read your comment and I do NOT Agree with your Statement. I’m sorry sir, but you look way much into Baptism, yes it is VERY Important. You made the comment that it how you get to Heave is through Baptism. You mentioned John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, Except a Man be Born of Water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingodm of GOD. But have you read the very next Verse? John 3:6 That which is Born of the Flesh is Flesh, and that which is Born of the Spirit is Spirit. When Jesus mentions about being Born of Water, he is saying your Natural Birth, when you are Born and NOT being Baptized. Jesus says that Ye MUST Be Born Again. You must come to Full Repentance and BEG for Salvation. Jesus says ye must be Converted as a Child. Jesus says to be a Beggar in Christ. Like I said Baptizing is very Important, is it necessary? NO, it is NOT have to be. Sir, you need to get down on your Knees as I do. Pray that GOD leads us into the Spirit of Truth. I will Pray for you my Friend.
We know without a doubt that Jesus was not referring to natural birth. Jesus was speaking about being born again, so it is clear that He was not referring to our natural birth. This is why Nicodemus was confused and questioned whether or not he had to enter into his mother’s womb again and be born. Nicodemus understood this was not referring to natural birth and Jesus’ phrase “born again” makes it clear that He was not referring to natural birth. John 3:5 explains how to be born again and this was the answer given to Nicodemus’ question.
Also I would like to point out that we do not beg for salvation. Salvation is a gift from God and a direct result of His grace and love. If I told you to meet me at the bank tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM and I’ll give you $1,000,000,000 what would happen? More than likely you would believe what I said, respond to that belief by meeting me at the bank, and then I would give you the money. Would it be necessary for you to beg for it? No. It is a gift from me to you. Salvation with God is the same way. We believe His word, we act on that belief by obedience, and then we receive the great gift of salvation.
I have been saved for over 55 years and in reading this, for the first time, someone has explained about Simon the Sorcerer. You explained that he had not completed the process by receiving the Holy Ghost. He was certainly opened to temptation. Some say he was lost. I have always hoped he went on to receive full salvation after the Apostles prayed for him. He did ask them to. Sue
Every person on the planet has the capability to perform a water baptism. But only one was able to baptize by spirit and also with fire. I see the water baptism as a means to prepare and ready for the day of that heavenly baptism. (Although I would say that he “fire from the sky” was a unique phenomenom.)
Water was a “training method”, yet I don’t think all the apostles got that. After the spiritual baptism, Peter had the greeks go-a-dunking. It also took him 3 tries with the vision on the roof.
After centuries of sacrifices and observances, alot of Jews didn’t didn’t see Christ for what he was: the final Passover sacrifice. Just to note, each Jewish High Day and observance had a future spiritual significance, Pentacost was also a Jewish holiday that was observed and it was the birth of the Church.
Anyway, my point is that anything we can do “physically” in this world was/is a means of seeing that which we can’t and by such aids us in “seeing” the spiritual, invisible things pertaining to God such as being baptised once and by such a baptism of the spirit.
(any typos are due to a 3yr old jumping/climbing me)
I’m glad to see this. It is a good explanation. I only wish the three steps could have been included in the info. given under What we Believe..reason, many people won’t search any deeper and retain their false
ideas of just what being Born Again means..thus, not being fully informed as to HOW… Thanks for allowing
my opinion to be heard. May God bless you and your work for him. Alice
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
I really like the way you explained how to be born again.! It’s really ashamed that some preachers don’t want to admit that repentence, baptism and recieving the Holy Ghost has anything to do with salvation. Thanks for explaning it so clear. God bless.
When debating whether or not baptisim is required for salvation, Mark 16:16 is often quoted. But you must examine ALL of the verse- there are two parts.
Jesus does say that “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved”— but in the second part of the verse Jesus goes on to say “but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
Jesus does not say in the last part of the verse that “he that believeth not AND not baptized he will be damned”
Jesus only says “he that believeth not” will be damned.
This is in full harmony with Romans 3:28 and Ephesians 2:8,9
We must not forget – salvation is all about what Christ did for us on the cross as sufficient payment for our sins- to all those who place their faith and trust in Jesus.
One other point- It is often quoted that even the demons believe God is who He says He is… which people use to justify their argument against belief only for salvation…. well, a lot of humans have that same belief.. but that is what you call an intellectual belief.. which will not suffice. You have to have a true belief from the heart- the kind where you seek a true personal relationship with Christ. You will have no desire to return to your carnal ways.
And everything will be about serving the Lord!!
We are justified by faith before baptism but baptism is required to complete our faith. Colossians 2 says baptism is the circumcision. Abraham was justified before he was circumcised. but if he had not been circumcised his faith would not have been complete. I Peter 3:21 says baptism does save us. It does that by us sealing our covenant relationship with Jesus Christ and by being obedient in baptism. Without faith baptism is just a bath without soap but with faith baptism is a spiritual circumcision of the heart which is required to seal the new covenant God gave us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. That sacrifice allowed the Holy Spirit to be poured out so that we could be reconciled to the Father after the Holy Spirit drew us to repentance. When we believe as the scriptures say we are baptized in the Holy Spirit and then we seal the covenant with God by circumcising our hearts through water baptism in Jesus name.
You make a very good point in your closing statement that shows what true belief is. True belief is always followed by action. So there was no need to say, “He that believeth not and is not baptized” in Mark 16:16. If an individual does not believe then of course there would be no following action. Baptism is not a work that we do though. Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again for our salvation so He was the one who did the work. All we do is obey and apply the gospel to our life because Paul taught that we were saved by the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Titus 3:5 also clearly shows us that God saved us according to His mercy by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. So the scripture clearly teaches that we do not do those things to save ourselves but God saves us this way according to His mercy.
John 20:23 Jesus taught his disciples about they role in His new plan for the church. This has to do with us remitting sins. Peter preached this plan in Acts 2:38, we are to baptize people in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins that is our role and give them the Holy Ghost that’s his part, hence that’s why he said, in John 20 22 Receive the Holy Ghost: And they did in Acts 2:2-4 “That’s the plan folks and there no other”. STUDY AND PRAY!!!
Brothers and sisters, God continue blessing your lives. We have to believe in the whole word of God, and if the Bible says to us ,do this, follow this…..we just do it.!!!!
we are followers of Jesus, so lets do what Jesus teach us in his word. Do not be confused….. just obey and blessings will come to our life. What Jesus said yesterday is the same for today and tomorrow. we just obey and WE do not take just one verse of the Bible TO UNDERSTAND.
START READING THE BIBLE, and do not let the spirit of deceive confuse you, IF YOU ARE CONFUSE PRAY TO GOD, ASK FOR THE HOLY GHOST COME TO YOUR LIFE, AND HE WILL GIVE YOU WISDOM AND SPIRIT OF PEACE. Because God is not god of confuse , H e always bring peace to our life.
“When you have the Holy Ghost in your life, you have the power of God, so nobody can take you away of the true of God’s word. when you only believe in him but you are not filled with his Holy Ghost will be easy to get deceive and then to follow men doctrines.
I believe the Bible teaches that your covered in the Blood at baptism!
Let me clarify that the baptism is in Jesus’ name.
You mean to tell me that, all this time I have been having trouble with building a connection with GOD WAS BECAUSE I DID NOT GET A FULL BAPTISM? I GOT IT AS A CHILD BUT I FEEL LIKE THAT DOES NOT COUNT. I have been struggling trying to stay on track spiritually and letting Jesus be the LORD of my life. I am going to repent and be Baptized in the name of Jesus. Then ask him what is next for me to do for his will. I sent an email to a church please pray for me because I have been lost. There is so many interpretations of the bible that I just stop reading it in 4 months. I have fallen away and I am confessing that I am a sinner. I need to be clean Jesus.
Please do not stop reading the bible. It is the only way we can know the Father. It is by his Word that we know Him. Just keep reading and trusting in Him. Ask him for understanding. Then do what it says to do. Most importantly you must be connected to a bible believing church body. NO ONE can be a Christian on their own. And remember, we can’t be without sin on our own. We must have the Holy Spirit working in us. Don’t be discouraged. Be excited and hopeful because God loves us and He has provided a way to be saved. And he is not will that anyone would be lost.
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.” The second birth is a spiritual birth.
It also says in the bible.
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Peter was giving them the plan of salvation: repentance, baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. If being born again is to be saved, Peter was evidently talking to them about being saved.
The fact that you are searching is a step in the right direction. I never enjoyed reading the bible but now I can’t get enough. Keep reading, you will find all your answers and I will pray for you.
God Bless
Praise the Lord!
I agree with Galatians 1:8, we should not preach anything but what the apostles preached. In Acts 18:24-26 we find Apollos teaching about Jesus, but knowing only John’s baptism. Aquila & Priscilla heard him, but realized immediately that he needed more than what he already had and was teaching. We know that he believed, but apparently he was still missing something of vital importance that pertained to the gospel. The Bible says, “whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”
Does that show us what they taught him, more than just believing?
No, so let’s continue on to the very next
chapter, to where Paul encountered others that also believed & knew only of John’s baptism.
At the start of chapter 19 we see this account taking place, followed by what Paul actually preached.
Acts 19:1-6 “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”
Immediately Paul asks them, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?”
Furthermore, He goes on to ask, “Unto what then were ye baptized?”
Now, you have to ask yourself, “If none of this was important, or essential, and it ONLY took believing, why did Paul waste his time, breath, and energy preaching this to them?”
Let’s go back to John 3:16 really quick; I think this may shine some light on the situation here.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
There is one word in this passage that tells us why Paul, an apostle commissioned by Christ, felt it was so important to preach this message to them. “Should”
If I gave my son $50, he “should” put it in the bank. However, since I am his father I know that he probably “would” not.
Just because we “should” have done something, doesn’t mean we “would” have.
Let’s go to another Scripture in the book of John that talks about believing.
Joh 7:38 “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
Again, Jesus speaking here, He opens our understanding more to His words spoken previously in 3:16. Well, what does all of this mean? The very next Scripture gives us a fuller understanding, let’s look.
Joh 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Uh oh, there’s that word again. “Should” It does not say, “…that believe would receive…” bur rather, “…should receive.”
You are correct that we must believe, because without belief in Him we would never have the opportunity to be saved. According to what Paul preached, belief is a prerequisite of salvation. Jesus Himself testifying that without belief we can’t be saved(John 3:18).
The thief on the cross was able to be saved through His belief in Christ only because “…Jesus was not yet glorified.” The Holy Ghost had not yet been given, and they were still under “law”, while we are blessed to be under “grace.” All accounts of salvation after Jesus’ resurrection & ascension are exactly the same as what Peter preached on the day of Pentecost. Jesus told Peter, “I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven..,” that is why Peter was the apostle to preach on the day of Pentecost.
Let’s look one more time at what Jesus told Nicodemus about being born again.
“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.”
Now look with me at Jesus speaking to the apostles.
Act 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
Act 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
When did He promise them the Holy Ghost?
John 7:38-39
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Act 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Jesus said “All power is given unto me..,” then later He tells His disciples, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…”
2Timothy 3:1-5 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers,incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Paul says that in the end time, people will have a “form of godliness” but deny the power thereof. We know according to previous Scripture that the “power” is the Holy Ghost. According to Paul, believing on Jesus is not the same as receiving the Holy Ghost. We also know from Jesus, that if we “believe…as the Scripture hath said…” we will receive the Holy Ghost. Without the Holy Ghost we lack power, but only believing does not give us the Holy Ghost. Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:37-40
Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?
God bless,
Steve
You guys are really confusing the Gospel.Galations 1:8 “But if even we or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” The gospel is John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life” I agree Jesus died was buried and rose again. Simply put we do not have to die be buried and rise ,symbolically or literally. We have to believe. Period. Jesus did that so we would not have to. Please do not be fooled. If you teach anything different you see what Paul said above.
Mike, Jesus himself said that if you believe according to scripture you will have rivers of living water flowing from your innermost being (John 7:38-39). John explains that Jesus is talking about the Holy Spirit which was poured out on the day of Pentecost. Peter said what happened on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) was prophesied in the Old Testament. If we believe as scripture says (which is all that’s required on our part) we will be filled with the Holy Spirit. This can only happen after repentance. It will never happen before we repent. Our response to seal this covenant relationship with God is baptism in Jesus name. This gospel is the only gospel preached in the bible. Just saying I believe isn’t believing according to scripture. in Acts 10 there is a man who by all accounts would be an up standing church member. He believed in God, prayed and gave to the poor. Peter said he already knew of the works of Jesus. But in Acts 11 Peter says he was sent to tell this man how his household could be saved. At the point they heard the message and believed according the scriptures the Holy Spirit fell on them. Acts 10 says the Jews knew that this man’s household had received the Holy Spirit because they heard them speak with tongues. After Peter had explained all of this in Acts11 he said he remembered that the purpose of Jesus coming was to baptize in the Holy Spirit. John the baptist also said that was Jesus’ purpose. This is not a new gospel but THE gospel prophesied in the Old Testament, preached by Jesus himself and lived out by the Apostles.
Salvation is a type and shadow Jesus death burial and resurction. Repent/ means you are dead to sin.If you are really sorry you will stop sinning. ///Buired with him in baptism so shall you be risen with him.Thats how you apply the Blood of Jesus/ Acts 22/16 says it washes away your sins./// The Holy Ghost;God does not live in the ark anymore he lives in you.You are the temple of the Holy Ghost.This is the power that will raise you from the dead or propell you in the rapture. This is in direct agreement with what Peter told the interested saints in Acts 2/38…… BRO. ARTIE
In order to be born again, you need to be baptized in Jesus name. Says Peter in the Bible. Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized in Jesus Name for your sins. We die daily when we repent in his name. When we get baptized, we die like Jesus did and we come back up a new man and woman. That is the circumcisn which is the for the new testiment. In the old testiment we had to circumcise the men when they were 8 days old. Now we just have to be submerged in water and have Jesus Christ claim.
I may be misunderstanding you, so forgive me if so. Being born again is more than just water baptism according to Scripture(John3:5).
(John 3:8)The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Jesus is continuing one line of thought or one message here to Nicodemus. Jesus is talking about receiving the Holy Ghost. As you pointed out in Acts 2:38, Peter declared repentance and baptism, but to finish he said “and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
In 2:39 he continued his message -(Acts 2:39)For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
The promise he spoke of is the same experience(promise) the prophets of the OT said would happen, and the same “wind” that Jesus spoke about. (Isaiah 28:11-12, Joel 2:28, John 3:8, Acts 2:2-4)
After reading John 3:5 you can see that according to Jesus, being born again is not only water, but also Spirit. Peter preached the message of salvation to the Jews, then later to the Gentiles, they all received the same promise of salvation and the same experience for salvation. Acts 2(Jews), Acts 10:44-47(Gentiles)
God bless
To be born again is spiriual and no man can be born again until he repent and choose God and truly knows God you can than and only than Once the new kingdom comes and truely comes to know God can be born of his spirit and thus becoming part of the God family.
People dont understand that God’s purpose for us is to be like him and the ones who make it and comes to really know God; will be like him, your body will grow into spirit not physical just as Jesus did
I get confussed about the rapture, some people belive in a pre-tribe, and some say not untill the end and Christ returns. Does that mean that most of us and going to die off in the great war which is coming soon?
The Bible is very clear about the timing of the rapture. If you would like to read a good scriptural explanation you can follow this link: http://www.endtime.com/urgent-questions/when-will-the-rapture-take-place/. The Bible does teach in Revelation 9 that 1/3 of mankind will die in the 6th trumpet war. The Bible also teaches that people will die during the tribulation for the cause of Christ. However we should have nothing to fear if we are born again because if we die we will go on to be with the Lord. If you have any questions regarding salvation feel free to contact us by going to http://www.endtime.com/contact-us/.
Great Truth, I was raised in a religious atomosphere and it was not until I broke loose from from man’s “I think ” that I found the truth of the Scriptures. One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism…… Marvel not that I say you must be born again, the wind bloweth where it listeth and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst tell whether it cometh or it goeth and so is everyone that is born of the Spirit. So many people do not understand that Nicodemus did not understand what Jesus was telling him. Read it and see the Word will prove it. He finally told him as you would a child when you are getting no response from the child when telling the child how to tie his shoes. The only way you will understand Nicodemus is to believe and hold on for a promise is coming. There were a great number of disciples and followers who only saw the physical but could not understand the Spiritual, start at John chapter 1 and read all the way to chapte 6. They understood the physical healing but could not understand the Spiritual healing that was to come. There was a great falling away in John chapter 6. Jesus asked the twelve will you also leave. Basically they said we don’t understand, but we know that you have the words of salvation. If John 3:16 would have completed the process, why would they still be waiting. In Luke 24:45 just before Jesus ascended to Heaven, the word says he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures. When this happened, it clicked. Peter went from denying Jesus to preching with power and authority after Jesus opened their understanding in the book of Acts. Also look at John 7:38-39. In the great day of the feast, out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water(but spake he of the spirit for it was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified). The book of John was written some time later approximately 60 years give or take. When John penned the word that Jesus said 60 years later, he realized what Jesus was talking about on the great day of the feast, WHY? Because he had recieved the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost and he put it into the scriptures giving explantion in verse 39. The mattter of the thief on the cross; the dispensation of grace had not begun. Hebrews say without the death of a testator a will in testament is of non effect. Your dad must die before you inherit the will(promise)(promise of the father). He had to die for the dispensation of grace to begin. Jesus had all authority to forgive or do anything He wanted because He was God manifest in the flesh while on this earth. The word says believe on Me as the scripture sayeth, not some positive thinker. You can’t think your way into heaven. Its only by His Spirt being born again (Acts 2:38)and then you get the power(Acts 1:8). The people who hung Jesus believed as Peter preached because I read where they were pricked in their heart and they asked the question; What must we do? They believed! Acts 2:38. I only responded to this is because I was one who once thought all I had to do was believe. James states, thou believe there is one God thou doest well, the devil’s also believe and tremble. I don’t believe it will do them much good. Man you have got to know! Don’t trust someone who JUST teaches you out of the letters written to the church’s. Use the whole Bible. You never see an expample of one person being saved in the letters to the Church’s, not saying that no one was saved at this time but it does not show me an example. Lo, I have come in the volume of the Book. Take religon and throw it out the window and study to show thyself approved! To Believe is only the start of a relationship.
Greg,
Well said my brother
Thanx for this bit of information. I myself had some concern about being born again and u av enlightened me. I thank you.Amen
God is eternal light and love. As each person is born, God imparts a piece of that light on your soul. As we age, the cares of this world diminish that light. God asks us not to put that light under a bushel, but let it shine for all men, that they may know the Lord. When we are born again, when we accept the truth of God’s salvation thru the work of the cross, thru Jesus the Christ, that light is renewed. We are born into eternal salvation and it is that light that draws others to us, it is that light that draws us to Him. Those who have died and come back have seen that light and overwhelming love and accepance, and are sad, even angry that they must return to this world. One day all will be In The Light or separated from it eternally. The wonderful truth is: God gave us that choice. Amen and come Lord Jesus.
I really love this….what happens to a man who at the point of death accepted christ
I prayed for a man a few days from death. He was filled with the holy spirit and was telling all
the nurses about Jesus. He was obviously saved and went to heaven; he however did not
have the opportunity to be water baptized. God knows the heart and He knows those who are
His and will not lose one of them.
We know that God’s word is forever settled in heaven. God will go by his word and this is why we have to teach exactly what the Bible says. Ultimately we are not the judge and God will have the final say. If you have other questions feel free to contact us by going to http://www.endtime.com/contact-us/.
Yes,the bible makes it very clear;you must be born again,fully believing Christ is the Son of God-(God our Father who shows us the way and proved His love for us through Jesus),who was tortured,nailed to a cross,then WITH HIS BREATH, TOOK AWAY DEATH.(death of our souls.)What was done for us is beatiful beyond words and all we must do to be saved isBELIEVE Jesus is the Son of God and our only salvation,be BAPTIZED with His Holy Spirit and REPENT;in(John14:6)Jesus said “I an the way,the truth and the life.No one comes to the Father except through Me.”(John 3:16,Acts16:31andMANY more verses)tell usthis.Baptizing-(Mark 1:8)John says,”indeed I baptized with water,but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”Jesus and repenting-(Luke13:3, Matthew11:20and more.)If we truely repent,God said,..”I WILL NOT remember your sins.”-(Isiaih43:25).It’s important!God will bring EVERY work into judgment,including every secretthing,wheather good or evil.-(Ecclesiastes 12:14)So,do this and “..lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”(Matthew6:19-21)and remember,Eye has not seen nor ear heard nor has entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who loveHim.-(1 Corinthians2:9).That’s how great heaven is,so followHim and it will be your eternal home.
What about if you are baptized in Jesus name only????? what about in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit? does this count???
Baptism is the new testament’s equivalent to circumcision in the old testament. It is what identifies us as a Christian in covenant with Jesus just as circumcision identified a man in the old testament as a Jew in covenant with God. The first key is understanding that the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is Jesus. There’s not enough time to go into that explanation but it can easily be shown in scripture. The second key is that the point of baptism is being associated with Christ’s burial and resurrection. It is necessary to baptized in the name of Jesus because it is with Jesus that we are being associated and it is His name that saves. There is no saving power in the words father, son or holy spirit. Only in the name of Jesus.
Look through the New Testament and see how many baptisms were done in the name of Jesus and how many were done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. If you still would like to discuss this with someone please contact us by going to http://www.endtime.com/contact-us/.
Thanks brother Baxter. How about Romans 10: 9 to 10, that thanks only of believing and confessing as the only criterial to be saved ?
The book of Romans is writen to the Roman church that Paul started , not to the sinner of today to be saved , it is for the roman church to remind them of their salvation and how they obtained it. By being born again jn.3:3-8.the acts 2:38 that peter preached. is the same message paul preached.
2nd Timothy 3 verse 16 says ALL Scripture (key words) is given by inspiration of God, and it profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
so that means even though he was talking to roman church back then “his word” GODS WORD is still the same yesterday, today, and forever.
The Bible was inspired by God, and if it says to do this or to do that? how do you sappose you go about showing your love for him without applying his word to your life.
Thanks brother Baxter. How about Romans 10: 9 to 10, that talks only of believing and confessing Jesus as our Lord and saviour as the only criterial to be saved ?
Femi, it is absolutely important to understand that Romans 10:10 is truth. We ARE saved by faith. BUT BUT BUT you can’t stop there. Romans says that Abraham was justified by faith BEFORE he was circumcised. But you can see by the old testament what would have happened if Abraham refused circumcision. James tells us that it was Abraham’s works that made his faith complete. If he hadn’t circumcised himself his faith would have been void. Romans 6 says we are united with Christ in baptism which is the new testament equivalent to circumcision (Colossians 2). Romans 8:9 says if you don’t have the Holy Spirit you are not saved. All of this might seem to contradict itself but if you understand that we are saved by faith when we believe according to scripture it makes perfect sense. Jesus said if we believe according to scripture we will have rivers of living water flowing from our bellies. He was talking about the Holy Spirit that was not poured out yet (John 7:38-39). SO…. we are saved by faith but since the intent of Romans was to say that EVERYONE who has faith can be saved not just those following the law it doesn’t go into detail like other books do. Yet it still gives requirements leading up to Romans 10. When you look at the new testament as a whole it is abundantly clear that we are drawn by the Spirit to repentance. Then at the point our hearts are turned to God and and when we believe as the scriptures have said God baptizes us in the Holy Ghost with the evidence of tongues. Our response to that event is to seal the covenant with God by being baptized in the only saving name of Jesus Christ.
We have to take into account all scripture because it is all given from God for our benefit(2 Timothy 3:16). If a passage tells us we have to confess Jesus to be saved and another passage tells us if we are baptized we are saved, which is correct? We do not choose one or the other but we choose both.
James taught that our faith or belief should be accompanied by works. James 2 teaches the principle of faith being dead if there are no works to show for your faith. For example, if you believe the store your in is on fire but you do not try to escape the store, did you really believe? It would seem that you did not. If you truly believed the store was on fire you would’ve done everything you could have to escape the store. So with faith comes action. This is why Mark 16:17-18 gives us signs that will follow those who believe. So when we truly believe, we will obey the word and apply it to our lives. Action will always follow true belief.
YES!!!! Faith without works is Dead….is what scripture tells us. AMEN!!! In order to be saved you must repent, be born again (baptised)in JESUS NAME, and be filled with the HolyGhost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues as the spirit gives the utterance! Then the work starts
and you apply HIS WORD to your life and follow it.
Hello Brother Irvin Baxter, Thanks for the wonderful teaching on this subject. Kindly help me further with Mark 16: 15 – 18 in context of your teaching. Yours in Christ,Stephen.
This is a passage that lets us know the importance of baptism. Baptism appears to be essential for salvation in Mark 16:16. Also we see here that actions will follow our belief. This fits with what James talked about in James 2. If you have other questions please contact us by going to http://www.endtime.com/contact-us/.
TRUTH, PEOPLE DON’T EXPLAIN THE WORD THIS WAY. DID NOT OUR HEART BURN AS WE READ YOUR EXPLAINATION OF GODS WORD.THE TRUE PLAN OF SALVATION.I REALLY WAS BLESSED BY THE EXPLAINATION OF THE DEATH BURIAL RESURECTION PIECE FOR CHRIST AND THE BELIEVER. GOD BLESS YOU. PLEASE KEEP TEACHING. WE LOVE YOUR MINISTRY.
I love this Bible Study!!! It explains how to be born again in such a clear way. Praise the Lord.
God is soooo Goood!! Praise God I love the way you have explained God’s beautiful plan of salvation!! I pray for you to keep going with the bible studies God has given you. Amen.
Sir, Jesus cannot lie, when the word of God states that Jesus told the thief after he asked him to remember him when he comes into his kingdom, that on that day he would be with him in paradise, I believe he WAS with him in paradise. Also, look at the many people that Jesus saved and then told them that their faith had saved them and to go and sin no more, where was the mention of baptism? I don’t disagree with submersion baptism as I am a born again Christian and have been baptized by full water immersion. I feel that this does two things, first it is a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ and it is following the example that Jesus showed mankind by example that once you are saved and then baptized, you are identified with the Christian faith as opposed to Judaism. When God made the covenant with Abram, the sign of the covenant was for all males to be circumcised. When Jesus made himself known to John the Baptist through his baptism, this is like the covenant that God made originally with Abram and Jewish nation. It identifies us with Christ. I believe that once you realize that you are a sinner and then REPENT and ask Jesus into your heart and life, that you are born again, not until after baptism. Thank you for reading this. God bless you all.
Philip, you did a wonderful job of answering your own question. Jesus did not mention baptism to the people you spoke of because they were circumcised or because they were women still under the old covenant which was sealed by circumcision of the men. The Holy Ghost had not been poured out yet so the requirement was still to honor the Sabbath which is the Holy Ghost in the new testament. So if those people were circumcised and honored the Sabbath the only thing they lacked at that time was faith in the Messiah. Look at the old testament and see what would happen if the men did not circumcise themselves or honor the Sabbath. Abraham was justified by his faith before circumcision but you know what would have happened if Abraham had refused to be circumcised. Your equation of baptism to circumcision is absolutely correct according to Colossians 2. Add the Holy Ghost becoming our Sabbath in the new test and apply the requirements of both those principles and salvation will make sense in both testaments. Nothing changed. Only that the requirements in the old testament were of the flesh (Faith, circumcision and Sabbath). In the New Testament the requirements are of the Spirit (Faith/Repentance, baptism and the Holy Ghost).
MY DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTER’S, HE THAT HATH AN EAR LET HIM HEAR, YES JOHN 3:5 SAYS WE MUST BE BORN OF WATER AND OF SPIRIT TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. NOW THESE ARE TWO SEPERATE EXPERIENCES. AND THE ONLY REASON I KNOW THAT IT IS ONLY BECAUSE I HAVE BEAR WITNESSED TO THIS IN MY OWN LIFE. NOW TO THE GENTELMAN ON THE CROSS NEXT TO JESUS, IS HE IN PARADISE? YES HE IS BECAUSE THE WORD OF GOD NEVER RETURNS VOID. AS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST DO WE NEED TO BE BAPTISED? YES , WHY DID JESUS EMANUEL (GOD WITH US) GET BAPTISED, AS AN EXAMPLE FOR US TO FOLLOW. CLAIM ME BEFORE MAN AND I’LL CLAIM YOU BEFORE MY FATHER, DENY ME AND I’LL DENY YOU BEFORE MY FATHER. NOW WHO MADE THE DECISION ON THAT GENTELMAN BEING IN PARADISE, JESUS CHRIST DID, SO IT IS NOT FOR US TO TELL OTHERS NOT TO BE BAPTISED, THAT WAS A GOD DECISION NOT A MAN’S PLEASE DON’T TRY TO BE GOD FOR THERE IS ONLY ONE. FOR THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY MERRY CHRISTMAS
The thief made it to heaven only because Jesus hadn’t died yet. The testator of the new testament had not died, therefore He could not invoke the salvation plan on the thief. He gave Peter the keys to the kingdom. On the day of Pentecost(the birthday of the church). Peter stood up and said, ” Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission sins and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost.
The thief on the cross, as well as those who Jesus told “thy sins be forgiven thee” or “go and sin no more” were saved unto the teaching of John the Baptist. It is very important to know that this was prior to pentecost. The church ‘age’ started after pentecost. Remember Acts 19:3 – These desciples that Paul encountered were baptised “Unto John’s baptism” a different ‘dispensation’. They heard of pentecost and were then born of water and of the Spirit. Please note one thing, nothing mentioned above is something that I think – it is pure bible. We can get in a lot of trouble when we start our biblical conversation with “I think”. There are too manny people that think too many things. Also, when I am looking for an interpretation of the gospel I look to the disciples for the interpretation. For example, if I need a better understanding of Matthew 28:19 or Mark 16:15-16 I will go to God’s spokesperson (Peter, with the other apostles) in Acts 2:38. Here Peter is direct, simple and to the point when asked, “what shall we do.” Many people have opinions, the apostles gave us the ‘word’.
I believe that the thief was saved as well. There have been different dispensations throughout history. For example, at the time of the flood salvation for those people was the ark. For us now it is the gospel. 1 Corithians 15:1-4 tells us that we are saved by the gospel which is the death, burial, and resurrection. People who lived during the time of Jesus could not have been saved this way since Jesus was alive. Romans 6:3-4 and Colossians 2:12 teach that we are buried with Jesus in baptism. Mark 16:16 teaches that he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Other verses that teach on salvation are Acts 2:38, John 3:3-5, and Titus 3:5. If you have any questions feel free to contact us by going to http://www.endtime.com/contact-us/.
This is good article. I meet a lot of people who would ask if am born again and yet they do not understand the meaning of that. Most people take it as state that those who claim to be followers of Christ are. They think just by singing what they call a gospel song or attend a church service they are born again. I think this means beyond what our little imagination.This means having a personal relationship with God that leads to total salvation. But most people who claim to be born again are actually living a contrary life to what is required.
God Bless and Thank you
December 3rd, 2010 at 2:01 am
Thank Brother Baxter for allowing yourself to be used of God to such great magnitude. I appreciate the fact that you and Endtime Ministry Team are doing the Work of God and in such unity and one accord. However, I now the Bible saids, not compare ourselves. It would be nice if and a huge blessing to have Endtime Ministry blossom here in New England.
So many people have religion but enough relationship with Jesus Christ.
I hope to teach along with Bible studies some Endtime studies too.
God Bless and Thank you
Thanks Brother Baxter for all your in depth study of Gods word. I have really learned so much the last three years listening to your radio archives. Today’s study. Is there life after life was the most detailed study on that subject I have ever heard. I am going to send it to ever one I know.
In Christ
Cheryl in California
THANKS BROTHER BAXTER FOR YOUR IN DEPTH REVELATION ON THE BIBLICAL STEPS IN GETTING BORN AGAIN.GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU.I WOULD LIKE TO ASK,CAN A BELIEVER RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHOUT BAPTISM? I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.
The Bible records people receiving the Holy Ghost before being baptized so it is possible. However both of these things are essential to salvation.
Yes that is correct I was baptized in the holy spirit while a Christian prayed for me over the
phone. After a while I was baptized in water in lake Ontario. The order doesn’t matter
it’s obedience that is important.
Excellent article. It is so rare that God’s plan for salvation is properly taught, even within christian churches.
” Blessed are they who, placing their trust in the cross, have gone down into the water… We indeed descend into the water full of sins and defilement. However, we come up, bearing fruit in our heart, having the fear of God and the trust in Jesus in our spirit. ”
Barnabas 70-130 A.D.
thank you very much for giving us the explanation of how to be born again.i really appreciated everything and i pray to god that through your web site we can learn more about god revelation.