5. A new start: water and the Holy Spirit

Nicodemus visits Jesus

One night an important teacher called Nicodemus came to Jesus. He knew a lot about God, but Jesus told him something surprising: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

Nicodemus was puzzled: “How can a grown-up be born again?” Jesus explained: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

Being born again means getting a brand-new start with God – a new life inside.

Baptism in water

When people believed in Jesus and turned to God, they were baptized in water. Peter said: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).

Going under the water and coming up again shows that our old life is finished and a new life with Jesus has begun (Romans 6:4).

The gift of the Holy Spirit

Peter also said: “Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” The Holy Spirit is God living in us, helping us to love God, to pray and to tell others about Jesus (Acts 1:8).

And this promise is for children too: “For the promise is unto you, and to your children” (Acts 2:39).