What Scripture Says
Passage summaries are provided below. Read each passage in your Bible for its full wording and context.
John 3:3–5
Speaking with Nicodemus, Jesus teaches that a person must be born again and speaks of being born of water and of the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God.
Acts 2:37–39
When the hearers ask how to respond to the message about Jesus, Peter calls them to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Understanding the Teaching
We understand the new birth through the teaching of Jesus and the response preached by the apostles. Repentance means turning from sin toward God. Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is part of that response, and receiving the Holy Ghost is God’s gift. These are not merely outward labels; the new birth is the beginning of a changed life in Jesus Christ.
Why a new beginning is needed
Nicodemus was a religious teacher, yet Jesus told him he needed to be born again (John 3:1–8). Religious knowledge, family background, or trying harder cannot by themselves give us new spiritual life. We need the work of God.
The good news begins with Jesus Christ: He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). Our hope rests in what He has done. The new birth is our response to His gospel and the beginning of life in Him.
Repentance: turning toward God
Repentance includes admitting our sin and turning to God for mercy. It is more than embarrassment over being caught or a promise to appear religious. It is a changed direction: we stop defending what separates us from God and begin yielding our lives to Him.
That response can begin with honest prayer. We ask God to forgive us and help us change. As repentance bears fruit, it affects our choices, our relationships, and our willingness to make things right (Luke 3:8–14).
Water baptism by immersion in Jesus’ name
In Acts 2:38, Peter connects repentance with baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Romans 6:3–4 describes baptism in relation to Christ’s death and burial, followed by walking in newness of life. We understand baptism as a meaningful response to the gospel, rather than merely joining an organization.
The name of Jesus points us to the One who died and rose for us. Acts records baptism in His name in several settings, including Samaria, the household of Cornelius, and Ephesus (Acts 8:16; 10:48; 19:5).
Receiving the Holy Ghost
Peter also announces the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38–39). God does more than call us to leave an old life behind; He gives His Spirit. The Spirit’s presence brings power to witness and helps us live for Christ (Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9–14).
Acts describes the Spirit being received among different groups of people. Read Acts 2, Acts 10:44–48, and Acts 19:1–6 together. Notice what happens, how those present recognize God’s work, and how the apostles respond. We believe speaking in tongues, as the Spirit enables, is the initial sign of receiving the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:4; 10:44–46; 19:6).
A beginning that becomes a daily walk
The new birth leads into a life of learning, prayer, fellowship, and obedience. The believers in Acts 2:42 continued in the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. A new beginning is meant to grow into an ongoing relationship with God.
You do not have to know every answer before asking for help. Bring your questions, read the Scriptures, and speak to Pastor Bentley about your next step.
Common Questions
What does repentance mean?
Repentance is a sincere turning to God and away from sin. It includes a changed direction of heart and life, rather than simply feeling regret.
Why baptism in Jesus’ name?
Peter gives this instruction in Acts 2:38. Accounts in Acts 8:16, Acts 10:48, and Acts 19:5 also connect baptism with the name of the Lord Jesus.
How can I learn more or take the next step?
Speak to Pastor Bentley about repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and the Scriptures behind this teaching. Your questions are welcome.
Is this something I earn?
No. God’s mercy and grace are the source of salvation (Ephesians 2:8–10; Titus 3:5). Repentance, baptism, and receiving the Spirit are our response to His promise, not a price we pay to make Him love us.
What if I have already been baptized or have a different church background?
Your story deserves a thoughtful conversation. Speak to Pastor Bentley about your experience and study the biblical passages together. We want questions to be met with patience and clear teaching.
Must I have my whole life sorted out first?
Come to God honestly and willing to turn from sin. The call to repent is real, and so is the promise of His help. New life begins with dependence on Him, not a claim that you can fix everything on your own.
Further Bible Study
Something to think about
Read Acts 2:37–42. What do the hearers ask, how does Peter answer, and what does their life together look like afterward?
Acts 8:12–17 · Acts 10:44–48 · Acts 19:1–6 · Romans 6:3–4 · Titus 3:5
Read these passages in context, and bring your questions to Pastor Bentley.
Call to connect ↗