Kingdom of Heaven Part 5, Born Again

Kingdom of Heaven Part 5, Born Again

Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven, Kingdom of Heaven, Series

August 17, 2022

hat does it mean to be born again aka new birth aka saved? In fact, Jesus addressed this crucial requirement to enter the Kingdom of God. When asked about being born again, Jesus said to Nicodemus, a Jewish leader:

“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).

One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (Ephesians 4:5).

See, Nicodemus tried to understand new birth intellectually. Quick reminder, the Kingdom of Heaven is spiritual (John 18:36), a sovereign rule of God. Unless you are born again spiritually, you cannot enter, therefore, a radical change and humbling effect on your part is required to receive new birth experience.

Since you cannot be born again physically, the spiritual birth occurs through the Holy Spirit. The experience is a reference of hearing the Word of God and acceptance through faith, repentance (confession of our sins) and, surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ (making a proclamation). We have covered those three pillars so far in this series right? You will notice that this brings about change in your life, something supernatural happens in your heart. Talking about surrendering our lives, this is what Jesus said:

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3).

Born Again through

Water Baptism

The perfect example is when Jesus got baptised by John the Baptist. Water baptism is symbolic of Jesus experience when he died, got buried in the tomb (submersion) and then rose from the dead (rising from water).

Apostle Paul said, “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead (Colossians 2:12).

Jesus gave instructions to his the apostles to baptize others (Matt 28:19), this is also called the Great Commission.

This practice is typically performed publicly in the name of Jesus Christ when a believer (Acts 8:13) has repented and is ready to live a life committed to Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit

Born again through the Holy Spirit is a resurrection from spiritual death to a new spiritual birth. The Holy Spirit plays a key role because we are dealing with supernatural spiritual birth nothing physical.

John the Baptist said: “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11).

Notice, John’s baptism was for repentance in anticipation for the Messiah Jesus Christ. You are born again once you go through hearing the Word of God and acceptance through faith, repentance (confession of our sins) and, surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ (making a proclamation) then baptism.

When Philip proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, the people of Samaria got baptized. So when the apostles in Jerusalem heard this, they sent Peter and John to Samaria and prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:4).

Today, the laying of hands is typically performed soon after water baptism. You begin a relationship with God (The Holy Spirit) who lives within us and us in him. Watch this, you begin a personal relationship with God because He has given us of his Spirit (1 John 4:13). The scriptures tell us “You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you (Romans 8:9).

False Imitation

The devil, Satan is always trying to imitate what God has done. Remember, everything has to be according to the Word of God, so recommend that you follow the bible, and follow Jesus Christ. If a baptism ritual is not done according to the bible then it is absolutely false.

What Happens when you are Born Again?

The Holy Spirit dwells inside of you (Romans 8:9).
The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).
You have completed a requirement to enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:5).

Key Takeaways:

Understand, Innerstand and Overstand

Getting born again is an absolutely necessary step to enter the Kingdom of God. Apostle Paul said:

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children” (Acts 2:38-39).

Once again, the process includes hearing the Word of God and acceptance through faith, repentance (confession of our sins) and, surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ (making a proclamation) then baptism.

Are you ready to be saved or born again and become a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17)? I hope you enjoyed this series, let me know if you have any questions or comments below. Glory to God!