WHY MUST WE BE BORN AGAIN, AND WHY DO WE NEED THE HOLY SPIRIT?

WHY MUST WE BE BORN AGAIN, AND WHY DO WE NEED THE HOLY SPIRIT?

1. Why Must We Be Born Again? (John 3:3–5)

Jesus said plainly:

“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)

Being born again is not church membership, not morality, and not religious effort.
It is a spiritual rebirth where God gives a person a new spirit.

What happens at the new birth?

Our old sinful nature dies (Romans 6:6)

We receive a new spirit created in righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:17)

We are forgiven completely (Colossians 2:13)

We become children of God (John 1:12–13)

Salvation is not behavior modification, but a new identity. When someone is born again, their spirit is made righteous instantly, even though the soul and body still need renewal.

2. Why Did Jesus Die for Us? (John 14; John 16)

Jesus did not die to make bad people good —
He died to make dead people alive.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)

Jesus’ death accomplished:

Full payment for sin (John 19:30 – “It is finished”)

Reconciliation between God and humanity (Romans 5:10)

Justification — declared righteous before God (Romans 5:1)

Access to eternal life (John 3:16)

Jesus’ work is complete and sufficient. Salvation is received by faith, not maintained by performance.

3. Why Do We Need the Holy Spirit in Our Lives? (John 14:16–17)

Jesus promised:

“I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.” (John 14:16)

Being born again gives us life.
The Holy Spirit gives us power, guidance, and revelation.

The Holy Spirit:

Lives inside believers (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Teaches us truth (John 16:13)

Empowers us to live victoriously (Acts 1:8)

Produces fruit in us (Galatians 5:22–23)

Many Christians are saved but not empowered, because they have not fully understood or received the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

4. Baptism of the Holy Spirit & Speaking in Tongues

In the New Testament, believers often experienced more than salvation alone.

“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues.” (Acts 2:4)

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is distinct from being born again

Speaking in tongues is a gift and benefit, not a salvation requirement

Tongues build up the believer spiritually (1 Corinthians 14:4)

Speaking in tongues:

Is prayer inspired by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:2)

Edifies the believer

Strengthens faith and spiritual awareness

5. What Does It Mean to Be “Convicted of Righteousness”? (John 16:8–11)

Jesus said the Holy Spirit would convict the world of:

Sin

Righteousness

Judgment

Many people misunderstand this.

Conviction of righteousness does NOT mean:

Constant guilt
Shame
Fear of punishment

It DOES mean:

Revealing that Jesus is righteous
Revealing that believers are righteous in Christ
Shifting focus from sin-consciousness to Christ-consciousness

I strongly emphasizes that the Holy Spirit does not condemn believers, but reminds them of who they are in Christ (Romans 8:1).

6. What Is the Purpose of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament?

According to Scripture, the Holy Spirit:

Reveals Jesus (John 15:26)

Guides believers into truth (John 16:13)

Empowers ministry and witness (Acts 1:8)

Produces holiness from the inside out

Confirms our identity as children of God (Romans 8:16)

The Holy Spirit is not optional — He is essential for Christian living.

7. Can a Born-Again Christian Still Go to Hell?

The Bible teaches that salvation is based on grace, not works.

“By grace you have been saved through faith.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Salvation is a one-time spiritual rebirth

The believer’s spirit is saved eternally

Sin affects fellowship and growth, not salvation itself

This aligns with Scriptures such as:

John 10:28 — “No one can snatch them out of My hand.”

Romans 8:38–39 — Nothing can separate us from God’s love

8. Does God Forgive Us When We Ask Forgiveness?

Yes — absolutely.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9)

However, forgiveness is not based on repetition or fear.
Jesus already paid for all sin — past, present, and future.

Confession is about restoring fellowship, not re-earning salvation.

Final Summary (For Easy Reading)
Biblical Truths:

We must be born again to enter God’s kingdom
Jesus died to give us eternal life
The Holy Spirit empowers believers
Speaking in tongues is a biblical gift
Conviction of righteousness reveals our identity in Christ
Salvation is secure in Jesus
Forgiveness flows from Christ’s finished work

As Scripture says:

“So great a salvation…” (Hebrews 2:3)