How do we get into the kingdom? It’s simple. In John chapter 3 we have a clandestine conversation between an important man who happened to be a ruler of the people, and Jesus.
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus saith unto him, 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.”
So then it follows that we should want to know how to be born again, also. Jesus said we must be born of water and of the Spirit. How does that work?
Here are a few examples from the Scriptures where people were actually saved, followed by a simple table showing the water and the Spirit in each instance.
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
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. Acts 8:14-17
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Acts 10:44-48
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.
| Water | Spirit |
| Acts 2:38 | Acts 2:38 |
| Baptized in Jesus’ name | Received the Holy Ghost |
| Acts 8:14 – 17 | Acts 8:14 – 17 |
| Baptized in Jesus’ name | Received the Holy Ghost |
| Acts 10:44 – 48 | Acts 10:44 – 48 |
| Baptized in Jesus’ name | Received the Holy Ghost |
| Acts 19:1 – 6 | Acts 19:1 – 6 |
| Re-Baptized in Jesus’ name | Received the Holy Ghost |
“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” John 3:7