Jesus answered, "Most assuredly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can't enter into the Kingdom of God!
(5) But that is not all.  The new baptized convert, having a clear conscience, and being forgiven of all past sins, and having been added to the spiritual body of Christ, RECEIVES THE HOLY SPIRIT, not to make him a member of Christ (his baptism did that), but because he is a member  (Galatians 4:6).  This is the second element in the new birth.  But, is not this latter thing all that matters?  In a sense, perhaps, it is; but this all-important thing is connected with the ceremonial element (baptism) and made a contingent of it, a consequence FOLLOWING Christian baptism.  That is why both are required, both are essential and that they are not separate births but one new birth.  The apostles honored this requirement of both elements before there can be a new birth.  On Pentecost, Peter said: