The New Birth: Water and Spirit
Jesus said that a person must be born again, born of water and of the Spirit. First Pentecostal Church of Arcadia believes this New Testament message is clearly preached and demonstrated in the book of Acts.
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. — John 3:5, KJV
Peter’s Answer on the Day of Pentecost
When the crowd asked the apostles what they should do, Peter answered with repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
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, KJV
Examples in the Book of Acts
The book of Acts shows this message being preached and experienced in multiple places and among different groups of people.
- Acts 2: Jerusalem — people repented, were baptized, and received the promise of the Holy Ghost.
- Acts 8: Samaria — believers were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and later received the Holy Ghost.
- Acts 10: Cornelius’ household — Gentiles received the Holy Ghost and were commanded to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
- Acts 19: Ephesus — disciples were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and received the Holy Ghost.
Why This Matters
The New Testament does not present salvation as only mental agreement or religious tradition. It calls people to respond to the gospel through faith, repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, receiving the Holy Ghost, and continuing as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Would You Like a Bible Study?
We would be glad to study these scriptures with you, pray with you, or answer questions about repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and receiving the Holy Ghost.