To better understand this concept, let us first examine the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. This dialogue not only introduces the term but also explains key elements of what it means to be “born again” and how this spiritual birth is essential to enter the Kingdom of God.
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Nicodemus asked, “How can someone be born when they are old? Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” (John 3:3-12)
Jesus emphasized to Nicodemus that access to the Kingdom of God requires being “born again.” To fully understand this necessity, it is essential first to explore what the Bible says about the meaning of the “Kingdom of God.” Understanding what this Kingdom entails is crucial because it clarifies why this new birth is absolutely necessary to participate in it.
Some people believe that the Kingdom of God refers to all evangelical Christians worldwide, while others think it is exclusive to the members of their own denomination. From this perspective, they assume that the larger the number of members in their congregation or religious affiliation, the greater the expansion of the Kingdom. Others, with a spiritual view, think that the Kingdom is made up only of those who do God’s will in their daily lives.
On the other hand, a large majority considers the Kingdom to be in heaven and believes it will only be experienced after death. However, none of these perspectives are entirely grounded in the Word of God, and therefore, they cannot accurately reflect what Jesus explained to Nicodemus.
The Bible teaches that the “Kingdom of God” is not merely a community of believers or an abstract concept limited to the spiritual realm. In reality, the Kingdom of God will come and be established here on earth as a literal and tangible kingdom. This Kingdom does not refer to a group of people but will be an actual government, similar to human governments but under God’s sovereignty. Scripture teaches that this Kingdom will be established when Jesus returns, thus fulfilling the promises and prophecies of a complete restoration of creation under God’s rule.
If you would like to learn more about this topic, I invite you to listen to our study titled The Kingdom of God.
Understanding that the Kingdom of God is a literal government helps us grasp the necessity of being “born again.” It is not merely about being part of a faith community but about undergoing a profound and spiritual transformation that prepares us to live in the Kingdom when it is established on earth.
The book of Revelation tells us, “The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.’” (Revelation 11:15).
To be part of the Kingdom of God, it is necessary to be born again and obey the laws that govern it. This requires a profound transformation and a willingness to live according to divine principles, achieved through spiritual renewal guided by the Holy Spirit.
Imagine traveling to a foreign country; you would quickly notice that its laws and customs differ from those of your own country. Some rules might seem very strict, while others might appear overly lenient. However, to fully enjoy your stay in that country, you must obey its laws; otherwise, what could have been a pleasant trip might turn into an unpleasant experience. Similarly, to enter the Kingdom of God and enjoy its blessings, it is necessary to know and obey its laws. To fully understand these laws, it is essential to be “born again,” as only those transformed by the Holy Spirit can understand and live according to the Kingdom’s principles.
It is astonishing that despite the abundant evidence of God’s existence and power, there are highly intelligent individuals who still doubt Him. God has demonstrated His faithfulness by fulfilling every promise He made to His servants in the past. Therefore, we can trust that what He has promised to His disciples and those who follow His will, He will faithfully fulfill, provided we uphold our part in the covenant.
Everything a person does stems from what they truly believe. If someone believes in their ability to become a doctor and desires it with all their heart, they will put in all their effort to achieve that goal. Conversely, if they believe they lack abilities or a future, they will not strive for anything and will let circumstances carry them along.
Every person is free to believe in whatever or whomever they wish. If you decide to believe in God’s Word as it is written, you are what Jesus called good soil. If you do not believe, whether because you are deeply committed to your denomination, too busy with your work activities, or simply because you do not understand the Scriptures, then the Word will not take root in you, much less produce fruit.
You may have been taught that being “born again” happens when someone says a brief prayer to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Others believe it occurs at the moment a person emerges from the water after baptism. However, few believe and understand Jesus’ words literally, as His disciples did.
They literally and firmly believed that Jesus would fulfill His promise to resurrect them and give them eternal life, just as they accepted the demands to follow Him and the sufferings they would have to endure. Many, especially among the poor and marginalized, believed in His message. However, others remained unbelieving, even after witnessing with their own eyes the miracles and signs Jesus performed.
The purpose of the miracles in Jesus’ ministry was not merely to astonish but to confirm His identity as the Messiah. His first miracle, turning water into wine, served only to demonstrate His divinity and authority, revealing His glory to those who followed Him. “The master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, ‘Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.’ What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.” (John 2:9-11).
Many believe that Jesus’ purpose was to heal believers; however, the healing miracles were not an end in themselves but a way to point out that Jesus was truly the Son of God and that His words were trustworthy. “Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” (John 10:37-38).
The true purpose of Jesus’ ministry did not lie in the miracles but in the message of salvation He preached. His words held immense value and were to be received with absolute trust. For this reason, miracles and signs were necessary; they allowed new believers to be convinced that Jesus was truly the promised Messiah. Strengthened in their faith, the disciples were then able to take the message of salvation to thousands of people around the world. “Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name.” (John 2:23).
The miracles served to support Jesus’ message and open people’s hearts to the truth of the Kingdom of God. Beyond the extraordinary works, the true treasure was His message and the hope of eternal life offered to those who believed and were born again.
The early believers, or “new believers,” received Jesus’ words just as He taught them, without altering or modifying them. They not only accepted His teachings with faith and humility but also preached them to others in the same way they had received them, preserving the purity and essence of His teachings. Some of Jesus’ lessons were difficult to understand due to their spiritual and profound nature. Because of this, the disciples often forgot important details. However, when Jesus was resurrected, He helped them remember many of His teachings and gave them greater understanding so they could faithfully share His message. “After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.” (John 2:22).
To fully understand the doctrines Jesus taught, the disciples needed to learn to “speak” the same language He used: the “spiritual language.” Just as a doctor uses technical and precise language in their profession, Jesus spoke in a spiritual language uncommon to those who listened. The depth of His words required understanding beyond human intellect, and only the Holy Spirit could confirm and clarify these teachings in their hearts. This was fundamental so that believers would not fall into a mechanical practice of faith, as often happened with the priests under the law of Moses, who followed rituals without a deep connection with God.
God, the Father, did not desire for His commandments to be merely externally imposed rules; His desire was for these commandments to become the desire of the human heart, a genuine expression of love toward Him. David, for example, delighted in obeying God’s law and found joy and purpose in it. This is the type of relationship God wants with His people: a relationship in which humanity not only obeys but also loves His commandments and desires to live according to His will.
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
It is not enough to receive God’s laws intellectually; it is essential to also receive them through faith. Although the apostles lived with Jesus daily for three and a half years, witnessing His works and hearing His teachings, they “forgot” many of them. For this reason, it was necessary for those doctrines to be engraved in their hearts, beyond their memory. A true understanding and love for God’s laws required their hearts to be transformed and filled with His Spirit.
God uses the Holy Spirit as the means to guide us into all truth. When we are guided by the Holy Spirit, we do not rely solely on human teachings, as the Spirit is the ultimate Teacher. He reveals in our hearts all we need to attain salvation and eternal life. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” This promise assures us that the Spirit’s guidance is complete, perfect, and equips us to fully understand and live out Christ’s teachings.
The Holy Spirit not only teaches but also confirms the truth within us, enabling us to love and obey God with a sincere heart. It is not merely about knowledge but about an inner transformation that empowers us to live in communion with God and fulfill His will in our lives. Through the Holy Spirit, we can truly know God and experience the joy and peace that come from an intimate and genuine relationship with Him.
John confirms that the Holy Spirit is the only means approved by God to teach us and reveal the truth, allowing us to understand even the depths of God without a human teacher. “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.” (1 John 2:27).
The early believers deeply desired for Jesus to teach them all things, eager to fully understand the truths He revealed. Jesus, in turn, had many additional teachings to share with them, but He warned that they were not yet ready to receive it all. However, He promised that the Holy Spirit would complete their instruction, guiding them into the fullness of truth. “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.” (John 16:12-14).
The Holy Spirit, therefore, is the only means that leads us fully into the truth. When we reflect on Jesus’ words, it becomes clear that He did not appoint Peter or any of the disciples as the absolute guides to truth, as even they needed to be taught and directed by the Spirit. Truth is not owned by biblical teachers or human leaders; it is not revealed in seminaries. Truth belongs exclusively to God and can only be revealed through the Holy Spirit. Since there are no multiple “truths,” but only one, it is logical and coherent that this truth comes solely from God and in no way from men.
The unity that God desires comes only through the Holy Spirit.
Scripture mentions that the disciples were “of one accord,” meaning that they not only shared the same faith but also walked in the same direction, sharing a common vision and purpose. This unity was possible because they were all led by the same Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit not only teaches the truths of God but also aligns believers in the same direction and purpose, allowing them to share the understanding of what pleases God and what is to come. (John 16:13-14).
If all Christians shared the same Spirit, there would be no significant doctrinal differences, and the diversity of opinions would not lead to division but rather serve as a richness of perspectives unified in the same purpose. God’s truth would not be fragmented into human doctrines or individual teachings but would instead have a single genuine interpretation revealed by the Spirit, guiding us to fulfill God’s will with one heart and mind. All believers would walk in the same direction, motivated by a common purpose: to obey and honor God. In this context, Paul reminds us in Romans 8:14 that “those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
Paul emphasized the necessity of being united in one mind and purpose, living in harmony without divisions. However, Paul’s plea has long been forgotten. “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
So, what about those who do not possess the Holy Spirit? To God, there are only two groups: those who are with Him—those filled with His Spirit—and those who are against Him—those who do not have His Spirit.
There is only one way to be filled with the Holy Spirit: “to be born again through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.” This rebirth is far more than a change in mindset or a superficial conversion; it is a complete transformation that allows us to understand and speak the “spiritual language” that Jesus used with His apostles. This spiritual language is an indispensable requirement for truly knowing God’s will and walking in His purpose. Being born again means receiving the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live in communion with God and to carry out His work on earth.
The disciples experienced the true “new birth” at the feast of Pentecost, not merely when they believed in Jesus at the beginning of His earthly ministry. They never prayed a specific prayer to receive Jesus; they simply believed in His words. Today, what is commonly called the Sinner’s Prayer is often used. This prayer, generally speaking, is an act of confession and surrender to Jesus Christ, where a person acknowledges their sin, asks for forgiveness, and expresses faith in Jesus as Savior. However, it is important to note that such a prayer does not appear in the Bible as a command or specific formula.
The concept of the Sinner’s Prayer has its roots in the Protestant revival movement of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, particularly in the United States. During that time, preachers such as John Wesley and George Whitefield used evangelistic methods that emphasized personal conversion and the experience of salvation. However, it was in the twentieth century that the Sinner’s Prayer began to formalize as part of mass evangelistic methods.
One of the principal proponents of this practice in the twentieth century was the evangelist Billy Graham, who used the Sinner’s Prayer in his crusades to guide people toward a conscious decision of faith in Christ. In this context, the prayer became an act of faith and a symbolic first step on the path of Christianity, although many Christian leaders have emphasized that it must be accompanied by a life of repentance and commitment to Christ.
Some theologians and pastors have criticized the Sinner’s Prayer, arguing that it can be interpreted as a quick formula that trivializes the depth of conversion. Conversion is not merely a momentary act but a complete and transformative change of life.
The disciples were baptized by the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, ten days after Jesus’ Ascension. At that moment, they understood what it meant to be born again; they were filled with the power of God. From then on, they were empowered to preach with authority and perform the same miracles that Jesus had done. “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:2-4).
Jesus taught that the new birth requires two essential elements: being baptized in water and being baptized by the Holy Spirit. There is no other method in Scripture for being born again. Today, in this era of advanced technology and knowledge, paradoxically, Christians seem less aware of God’s will than those humble fishermen two thousand years ago, who accepted every word of the Master without questioning or altering His teachings. Instead, many now reinterpret Scripture to suit their own conveniences, disregarding Christ’s warnings about the necessity of a genuine new birth.
Deuteronomy 4:2 states, “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.”
Moses instructed the Israelites on how to obey the laws and commandments given by God. The warning not to “add” or “subtract” reflects the need to respect and preserve the purity of God’s instructions. By not altering the message, the people could faithfully follow God’s will as it was revealed. This verse underscores the belief that God’s Word is perfect and sufficient in itself; altering it risks losing God’s true intent and direction. Moreover, doing so puts us at risk of rejection and punishment.
Jesus taught clearly about the importance of obeying His word and His teachings. On several occasions, He affirmed that those who love Him will obey what He taught and that following His word is fundamental to living in communion with Him and with God the Father. In John 14:15, we find, “If you love me, keep my commands.”
Here, Jesus establishes that true love for God is manifested in obedience to His teachings as they were delivered by Him and His apostles, without reinterpretation or modification.
To Be Born Again, We Must Be Baptized in Water and by the Holy Spirit
Scripture declares that being born again requires being baptized in water and in the Holy Spirit, as Jesus taught: “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5).
This warning seems to go unheard in our time, as many Christians believe they only need to believe, regularly attend their congregation, and pay their tithes and offerings. Many insist that “as soon as someone believes in Jesus, they are born again,” contradicting Christ’s teaching. For example, the apostles were baptized by the Holy Spirit during the feast of Pentecost or Shavuot, being the first to receive this promise of the Spirit. From then on, the apostles laid hands on new believers so that they, too, would receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in other tongues and prophesying.
During the years leading up to Pentecost, the disciples already had authority to heal the sick and cast out demons, even without receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This detail raises an important question: Is it possible to perform miracles and healings and preach God’s word without being baptized by the Holy Spirit?
Scripture itself provides the answer. Jesus taught that some could perform miracles and yet not truly know God. This reminds us that the gifts and power God grants do not always reflect an intimate and genuine relationship with Him. “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:22-23).
For God, the important thing is not just the external manifestation of power but the authentic relationship and the new birth that transforms us and enables us to live in His will. To be truly guided by the Spirit and understand God’s will, it is necessary to be born again, which is achieved through baptism in water and the Holy Spirit, as Jesus taught. Without this new birth, we cannot comprehend or speak the “spiritual language” Jesus used, which is essential for fully knowing God and walking in His truth.
“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” (Matthew 10:1). Also, in Matthew 17:16, it is mentioned how the disciples, with this authority, preached and healed in Jesus’ name. Do you see that being born again is more than a prayer or being baptized in water? The disciples received authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Among them was even Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus. Despite participating in miracles and healings, Judas was ultimately rejected. The people healed through him believed Judas was a messenger of God. In addition to the twelve, seventy other disciples also received this authority and joyfully reported: “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’” (Luke 10:17).
This clearly shows that possessing gifts of healing or authority to cast out demons does not guarantee that a person is approved by God. Having these gifts is not a definitive sign of the new birth or a genuine relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Teaching with Fervor and Eloquence Is Not the Same as Being Born Again
Some disciples taught God’s word fervently without fully understanding what it meant to be born again. A clear example of this is Apollos, who was an eloquent speaker and a powerful teacher of the Scriptures. He preached boldly, even before the scribes and Pharisees in their synagogues. However, Apollos only knew the baptism of John and had not yet received the full teaching on the new birth in the Spirit. “Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.” (Acts 18:24-26).
Teaching the Scriptures with boldness and authority is not, in itself, proof of being born again. While Apollos taught with passion, he needed a fuller and deeper understanding of the truth of Christ. On the other hand, those who have truly received the Spirit of God speak boldly and with an authority that comes from the Holy Spirit. This is not something learned in a Bible school; it is God’s power that equips the born-again Christian to speak with fervor and eloquence and to serve as a channel of God’s power, leading listeners to conviction of sin and repentance, as John the Baptist did.
Is Water Baptism the Same as Spirit Baptism?
I have heard some preachers claim that when a person is baptized in water, they receive the Holy Spirit at that same moment, just as Jesus did at His baptism. However, this is not entirely accurate regarding Jesus, as He was not “baptized in the Holy Spirit” in the same way believers are. Jesus was born with the Spirit and was guided by Him throughout His life.
First, Jesus was not baptized in the Holy Spirit at His baptism in the Jordan because He was conceived by the Spirit and lived His entire life filled with His power. Jesus was begotten by the Spirit and lived His whole life in His fullness. Second, the sign of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove at His baptism was not a method God would use thereafter to baptize other believers. If that were the case, all Christians would receive a dove as a visible sign over their shoulders or heads at the time of their water baptism.
When the dove descended upon Jesus at His baptism, it was not to baptize Him but as a sign to John the Baptist, confirming that Jesus was the Messiah. John testified to this experience, acknowledging it as a divine confirmation: “I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel. Then John gave this testimony: ‘I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.”’” (John 1:31-33).
Thus, the dove was a unique sign meant to identify Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah who would baptize others in the Holy Spirit. For us, the baptism in the Holy Spirit does not require a visible sign like the dove; instead, it is evidenced by an inner transformation and a life of faith manifesting the Spirit’s work in us. As with the apostles, it may also manifest outwardly through speaking in tongues and prophesying—manifestations that are, notably, not artificial or learned but a supernatural demonstration of God’s power.
God’s Method Has Not Changed
The method God used for the early Christians to receive the Holy Spirit was through the laying on of hands. “While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ They answered, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ So Paul asked, ‘Then what baptism did you receive?’ ‘John’s baptism,’ they replied. Paul said, ‘John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.” (Acts 19:1-7; see also Acts 8:14-17 and Acts 9:16-18).
Unless Scripture specifies otherwise, the way believers received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the early church was always through the laying on of hands. This method was a common practice among the apostles and their disciples, who, by laying hands on new believers, imparted the gift of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues and prophesying.
For all new believers, being born again meant receiving the Holy Spirit, and the confirmation of this new birth was evident when they spoke in tongues and prophesied. If this concept contradicts your current understanding, I suggest you pray to the Lord for revelation and understanding, as it is God’s Spirit who opens our hearts and guides us into all truth.
We Must Believe What Scripture Teaches
If you have received incorrect teaching for many years, it is understandable that accepting this “new concept” might be difficult. However, this teaching is not new; it is what Scripture has taught since the time of the early Christians. If you have been told that the Holy Spirit is no longer received through the laying on of hands or that this applied only to the early believers, I must remind you that God has not changed His method or His Word. Jesus Himself stated: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35).
Although God, in His sovereignty, can baptize in the Holy Spirit however He chooses, one constant has remained unchanged for two thousand years: when someone is truly baptized in the Holy Spirit, they begin to speak in tongues as a sign of this experience.
The Holy Spirit within us is the guarantee of our salvation and the only way to truly please God. By being guided by the Spirit, we receive direction on what God desires us to do and revelation of His Word to live according to His will. This is the only way we can aspire to eternal life: living in obedience and holiness under the Spirit’s guidance. “Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.” (Romans 8:8-10).
The method God has established for us to live in His presence is to live in holiness and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is not merely about following rules but allowing the Spirit to dwell within us and transform every area of our lives, guiding us to fulfill God’s eternal purpose.
The Truth Is Only One; Denominational Truths Do Not Exist
God’s truth is unique and does not allow for variations, personal interpretations, or adaptations according to the times. God uses those who are willing to obey His commandments, as confirmed by Scripture. He does not force anyone to believe or obey; He respects each person’s free will, inviting us to follow His truth but allowing each to choose their path.
Christians in the twenty-first century often practice what they have learned from previous generations. However, this does not mean that every tradition or teaching received is necessarily aligned with God’s will. God’s true will is not measured by the number of followers or the size of congregations. Even if a church has hundreds or thousands of members, this does not guarantee that it is walking in accordance with God’s favor. The essence of faith and obedience lies not in numbers but in faithfulness to God’s truth.
Moreover, while many congregations grow in membership and increase their offerings, this does not imply alignment with God’s will. In reality, despite the divisions among Christians into numerous denominations and human doctrines, God’s mercy continues to manifest. In His love, God heals the sick, liberates the captives, and guides the true heirs of salvation along the path of truth, even when they are in a divided and erroneous environment. But we must remember: God is not divided, His Word is the same from the beginning, and His purpose is constant and unified.
God does not teach different doctrines to different denominations; He does not have multiple truths. Modern Christians, in their attempts to rationalize and adapt faith, often use human logic to justify their theories. However, God has already established His written Word, the Bible, as the only means to fully reveal His truth. We do not need to add or subtract anything; Scripture is sufficient to show us the way.
Ask the Lord to Baptize You with His Holy Spirit
If you have not yet experienced the new birth, you cannot fully understand the laws of the Kingdom or fulfill the Father’s will. Have you been baptized in water? Have you been baptized by the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues and prophesying? If the answer is no, then you have not yet been born again. Jesus taught that this new birth is essential to enter the Kingdom of God. Ask the Lord to fill you with the power that is obtained only through the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13).
God is generous and faithful, and when we ask sincerely, He fills us with His Spirit, granting us the power and guidance necessary to live according to His will.
When you receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, streams of living water will flow from within you, leading to eternal life. This flow of the Spirit will bring spiritual renewal, and dryness in your soul will cease. You will experience a fire within your being and a genuine awakening when you read the Scriptures, as the Holy Spirit will illuminate your understanding and guide your every step. “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” (John 7:38-39).
Being filled with the Holy Spirit will ignite an uncontainable desire to learn, delve into the Word, and walk in the Father’s will. This new birth transforms every aspect of your life and allows you to live in the fullness of God’s Kingdom even on this earth. If you choose to surrender your life to the Lord and walk according to His will, you will enter the Kingdom of God because you will have been born again and guided by the Spirit every step of the way.
Remember that the Holy Spirit is not just a sign of belonging to the Kingdom but the guarantee of our salvation, the promise of eternal life, and the power that enables us to live in communion and obedience to God.
