NOTE: All Scripture references are taken from the Authorized, or King James, Version Bible. May God bless you as you read His holy word, studying to show yourself approved unto Him (2 Timothy 2:15).

This Bible study was originally written by a man who only went by the name of "Studying". It is one of the more comprehensive studies on the New Birth Experience I have read. May God bless as you read His precious word.

Before getting into the long study the following two passages come to mind:
John 4:21-24
2 Corinthians 3:17-18

In order to understand this please pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you into His truth, and please review the entire study:

What must I do to be saved?
Repent and believe the gospel! (Mark 1:15; Acts 16:31)

What did the Philippian jailer do when he believed?
He was immediately Baptized (Acts 16:33)

Why was it necessary for him to be baptized?
Salvation is promised only to those who believe and are baptized (Mark 16:16)

If baptism is necessary, what is it for?
For the remission (removing, separation) of sins (Acts 2:38)

Whose name should we be baptized in?
In the name of Jesus for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)

What else does baptism do?
It purchases a good (clear, uncondemned) conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21)

What makes remission of sins possible?
The shed blood of Jesus Christ through his death (Matthew 26:28)

What else should be taught when remission of sins is taught?
Repentance in the name of Jesus (Luke 24:47)

What is the promise to those who repent and are baptized?
They are to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:29-39)

IS THERE ANY VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF RECEIVING THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST?

Yes! Speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance (Acts 10:45-46; Acts 2:4)

Is receiving the Holy Ghost the New Birth of John 3:5?
Yes! When we are baptized into Christ, (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27) any man in Christ is a new creature; old things are passed away and all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17). We have a new beginning; we are Born again and alive unto God (Romans 6:11)

What does the Holy Ghost do for us?
It seals, keeps, preserves us until the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30)

When we are sealed, what do we have?
The earnest guarantee and assurance of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:14)

The New Birth: What is it?
Jesus said in John 3:3-5 You must be born again to see or enter the Kingdom of God.

BORN AGAIN: To be born anew (born from above) Two elements of the new birth are WATER & SPIRIT that together make ONE BAPTISM. WATER�Baptism-SPIRIT�Holy Ghost. The New Birth changes a �sinful creature� to a sinless one.

Ephesians 2:1-5 - We were dead in Tresspasses and sins.
Colossians 2:12-14 - Buried with him in baptism.
Romans 6:1-4 - Baptized to rise to walk in newness of life.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - If any be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation).
Galatians 3:27 - Baptized into Christ-put on Christ.
Titus 3:5 - The washing of regeneration-renewing of the Holy Ghost.

The birth process is the result of two things coming together to make ONE new creature. In the spirit, there must be two things: the word (believed) and FAITH (acting on the word received). The new birth requires one to reject sin.

BEGOTTEN: The cause that produces a birth

1 Corinthians 4:15 - I (Paul) have begotten you through the gospel.
James 1:18 - Of His own will He has begotten us through the word of truth.
1 Peter 1:23 - We are born again of the word of God.
1 Peter 1:3 - Begotten you unto a lively hope-resurrection of the dead.
Romans10:13-18 - How can you hear without a preacher.
1 Timothy 1:12 - Death abolished and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

CONCEPTION: The word enters the heart

Romans 6:17 - you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctorine (gospel).
Ephesians 1:13 - After you heard the word of truth you were sealed with the promise (Holy Ghost).
1 Thessalonians 2:13 - You received the word not as from men but as the Word of God.
Acts 10:43-44 - The Holy Ghost fell on them that heard the word of God.
Luke 8:15 - These are they who heard and received the word or seed and kept it.

BIRTH: Brought into life

Ephesians 1:13 You are sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise.
Ezekiel 36:26 - God to give a New Heart and New Spirit.
Romans 6:1-4 We rise (from baptism) to walk in the newness of life.
Isaiah 28:11 - With stammering lips and another tongue God speaks to His people.
Joel 2:28 - I (God) will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.
Acts 2:4 - The day of Pentecost-They spake with other tongues as God gave utterance.
Romans 6:13 - yield yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead.
John 5:24-26 - We have passed from death unto life.
Ephesians 2:1 - You hath he quickened who were dead in trespass and sin.
Gal. 2:20 - The life I now live, I live by the faith of Jesus Christ.
1 John 5:11-12 - He that has the Son hath Life.
Colossians 1:13-14 - We have been translated into the Kingdom of God�s dear Son!

THE NEW BIRTH BRINGS US INTO A NEW FAMILY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!

Ephesians 2:18-19 - We are fellow citizens of the Household of God.
1 Corinthians12:12-13 - By one Spirit are we all baptized into on body.
1 Corinthians 15:15 - Flesh and Blood does not inherit the Kingdom of God.

THE HOLY GHOST: HOW IT IS RECEIVED AND WHAT IS IT?

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were with one accord and in one Place. And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them with the Holy Ghost, and BEGAN TO SPEAK IN OTHER TOUNGES AS THE SPIRIT GAVE THEM UTTERANCE." Acts 2:1-4

"Then Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38

"And, behold I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with the power on high." Luke 24:49

The Holy Ghost is the Gift and Promise made by God to give to his people. Note: Joel 2:28. A gift is something freely given for which no price is to be paid.

Luke 24:49 - I will send the promise of my Father.
Acts 1:4-8 - Stay in Jerusalem until you receive the promise.
Acts 2:33 - Have received the promise of the Father.
Ephesians 1:13 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
John 20:22 - Breathed on them and said, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.
Joel 2:28 - I will pour out my spirit on all flesh.
Ezekiel 36:27 - I will put my Spirit within you.
Isaiah 28:11 - WITH STAMMERING LIPS AND ANOTHER TONGUE WILL GOD SPEAK.
Isaiah 44:3 - I will pour out my Spirit on your seed.
Matthew 3:11 - Jesus to baptize with Holy Ghost and Fire.
Luke 11:13 - Father to give the Holy Ghost to those who ask.
John 4:10 - If thou had known the GIFT of God.
John 4:14 - The Holy Ghost, a well of water.
John 7:37-39 - Out of the belly shall flow rivers of living water.
John 14:16-18 - Give another Comforter-Spirit of truth.
John 14:26 - The Comforter which is the Holy Ghost.
John 15:26 - The Comforter whom I will send.
John 16:7 - It is expedient for you that I go away or the Comforter will not come.
2 Corinthians 1:12-22 - The anointing comes from God.
1 John 3:24; 4:13 We are his because of the Spirit he has given.

The Holy Ghost as the Gift of God: John 4:10; Acts 2:38; 8:20; 10:45; 11:7; Hebrews 6:4.
1 John 5:11-12 To have the Holy Ghost is to have Life (Spirit of God).
Romans 8:9 If ye have not the Spirit of God/Christ, then you are none of His. (These had only been baptized, had to receive the Holy Ghost)
Acts 10:44-48 While Peter spoke, the Holy Ghost fell on them. For they heard them speak with tongues (Acts 11:17).
Acts 19:1-6 Receiving the Holy Ghost is the top priority.

THE HOLY GHOST IS GOD'S SEAL

Ephesians 1:13 We are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 God has sealed and given to us the earnest of His Spirit.

THE SAMARITAN CHRISTIANS (Acts 8:12-23)
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto 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 CHRIST. Then LAID THEIR HANDS ON THEM, AND they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through LAYING ON OF THE APOSTLES' HANDS the Holy Ghost WAS GIVEN, he offered them money, saying, give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. BUT Peter said unto him, thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for THY HEART IS NOT RIGHT IN THIS SIGHT OF GOD. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the GALL OF BITTERNESS, AND IN THE BOND OF INIQUITY.

THE EPHESIAN BELIEVERS (Acts 19:1-6)
...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 Johns baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the bapism 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...

The foundation of the church is built on the teachings of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. Our guide to truth is the Apostles doctrine and not the THOUGHTS and OPINIONS of men. The scriptures define the Holy Ghost: what it is, who it is, its purpose, what it does, how it is received, and the evidence of its presence.

John the Baptist, as part of his ministry, pointed out he would baptize with water, BUT ONE GREATER THAN HIMSELF, THAT IS JESUS CHRIST, WOULD BAPTIZE THEM WITH THE HOLY GHOST AND WITH FIRE Luke 3:16. Paul instructed believers on the procedures of baptism. When they had received Paul's instruction they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, THEN PAUL LAID HIS HANDS UPON THEM, AND THE HOLY GHOST CAME ON THEM; AND THEY SPAKE WITH TONGUES AND PROPHESIED.

Jesus instructed Nicodemus, by telling him that he must be born again before he could enter the Kingdom of God, and Jesus further explained to him that this new birth consisted of being born of water and of the Spirit.

The new birth has two parts, water baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost which constitutes ONE NEW BIRTH. Water baptism alone or receiving the Holy Ghost alone are incomplete by themselves, but must include both water baptism and the Holy Ghost if the New Birth is to be a complete birth. (John 3:3-9)

In Romans 6:1-6, water baptism is referred to as being buried with Christ, dead to the old way of life, while the Holy Ghost is likened to RISING AGAIN TO WALK IN THE NEWNESS OF LIFE. This phrase implies a spiritual resurrection enabling one to begin a new life free from sin's guilt. Note: water baptism is for the remission of sin and is applied to one who has repented by turning FROM sin and through their faith in the shed blood of Christ, is cleared of the charges of guilt. They are dead to sin and ready to receive the SPIRIT OF LIFE (Acts 2:38).

Keep in mind that there is only one Spirit and that is the Spirit of Jesus Christ which is God, "by one Spirit are we all Baptized into one body" (1 Corinthians 12:13); therefore, it is the Spirit of God/Christ that comes to dwell/live/abide within us. He empowers us with the ability to subdue our spirit to fulfill the will and desire of His Spirit.

Why did God Choose tongues? Maybe it is because the tongue is the most unruly member of our body and with His Spirit he captures control of our being. God used tongues to divide mandkind at the tower of Babel who were opposed to Him (Genesis 11:6-9), and then used the same method to join believers into a single body by giving them the language to speak. Isaiah gave the method centuries before it even happened (Isaiah 28:11-12): "FOR WITH STAMMERING LIPS AND ANOTHER TONGUE WILL HE SPEAK TO HIS PEOPLE. TO WHOM HE SAID, THIS IS THE REST WHEREWITH YE MAY CAUSE THE WEARY TO REST." Tongues are God's doing.

The only valid way to receive the Holy Ghost is by God's initiative. He and He ONLY gives His Spirit when the heart is ready to receive Him. When one receives the Holy Ghost it is because God fills them with His Spirit and they will speak with other tongues AS THE SPIRIT OF GOD GIVES THEM UTTERANCE. IT IS AN ACT OF GOD AND NOT MAN.

"BUT YE ARE NOT IN THE FLESH, BUT IN THE SPIRIT, IF SO BE THAT THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELL IN YOU. NOW IF ANY MAN HAVE NOT THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, HE IS NONE OF HIS." (Romans 8:9) Two things are evident in this verse. First, the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ are one and the same Spirit. Since there is only one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4-6), then Jesus must be God, and God (Spirit) must be in Jesus. See John 14:1-20. To see Jesus is to see the Father, for the Father dwelleth in me (John 14:9-10). The second point is simply, without the Spirit of Christ (the Holy Ghost), one has no claim to Christ, nor does Christ have claim to them.

The Holy Ghost is LIFE, ETERNAL LIFE. There is no hope of eternal life without it. And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life (1 John 5:11-12). To have the Son of God is to have His Spirit, the Holy Ghost (Romans 8:9; John 1:4; John 17:2-3; Galatians 3:27-29; John 4:4). The Holy Ghost is the quickening power of God that resurrects us from the deadness of sin and trespasses (Ephesians 2:1-4).

The Holy Ghost is God's Seal on the believer that they are God's possession purchased with His shed blood. By having the seal of the Holy Ghost, a testimony is presented to the world that this soul belongs to God (Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22). It is also earnest proof of our inheritance of Christ's assurance we have an inheritance reserved in heaven for us (Ephesians 1:14; 1 Peter 1:4-5).

The Holy Ghost is God's power in us - Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you (Acts 1:8). With this power comes authority to preach and witness in His name and by His authority. No one is ready to face Satan, live for God or minister in His Kingdom until they have been endued with the power of the Holy Ghost. Many are preaching, working miracles, casting out demons etc., to no avail, simply because God does not know them. Why does God not know them? Because they are ministering without His authority and without possessing His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

Having The Holy Ghost is to be made a partaker of His Divine Nature (2 Peter 1:4). To be in Christ one becomes a new creature. Old things are passed away and all things are become new. As a new creature they can conduct themselves pleasing before God and are free to exercise the Divine Attributes of God.

The Holy Ghost is Another Comforter (John 14:16-26). He is the one that stands with us and pleads our case. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Truth. He could not come until the Body of Jesus had departed this earth.

The function of the Holy Ghost is to guide us into all truth and to reveal things to come (John 16:13). He is a teacher and a memory shaker (John 14:26), and last He is a keeper, a preserver unto the day of his appearing.

The Holy Ghost is the ANOINTING God gives to those who will accept the terms of the New Birth and embrace His name in baptism and receive the Gift so freely given to the honest believer of the Gospel. The anointing is God's personal touch that empowers one to work for Him and do His will.

The Gift of God is "living wter", a "well of water" where one can drink and refresh their soul (John 4:10-14; Isaiah 12:13; Isaiah 28:11-12). Jesus further identifies the Holy Ghost as RIVERS OF LIVING WATER FLOWING OUT FROM THE BELLY (John 7:37-39; Psalms 46:4).

Please Study the Scriptures to show yourself approved unto God. Make all man a liar but God the WHOLE TRUTH. He is the only way truth and life and no one can go to the Father except by Jesus Christ. We must accept the entire word of God without comprimising!!!

When I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, He spoke through me. This was NOT the same as the GIFT of speaking in tongues. It only lasted during that time that I received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. I am NOW born again, and live a NEW life in Christ. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is wonderful because He is the power that has entered into me and caused me to die to self. Now with that power I am able to come against principalities and darkness of this evil world. I am able to glorify God in the SPIRIT, because He now dwells within me. Furthermore, the Holy Ghost is what has sealed me until the day of redemption.

God Bless You and I pray that you will receive understanding as you study.