Jesus, however, assures His disciples that the wicked “world” has no part in the Spirit.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you (John 14:16-17).
The world cannot “see” the Spirit, for He is invisible and known through faith. The world cannot hear the Spirit of “truth,” for the world is listening to the father of lies. The Holy Spirit of truth is separated from all that is sinful and false. Therefore He deals with us, like God the Father, on the basis of sins removed by Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. You recall how the Spirit says that water baptism “saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). Now notice a similar statement through the same writer.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… (1 Peter 1:3).
Christ’s resurrection empowers new birth (1:3). Christ’s resurrection empowers water baptism (3:21). Why use baptism for birth? Because, dear friend, this is your spiritual resurrection. You are
“buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead” (Colossians 2:12).
The Holy Spirit does not accept or live with sin. You must therefore “… be baptized and wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16). As divine blood removes your sins they no longer offend God. They no longer keep His Spirit at a distance. He can then work in you to raise and renew you. This is birth through “water” and “Spirit” (John 3). Or, stated another way, through “washing” and “renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
… he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit… (Titus 3:5).
Yes, this is God’s way for all to be born as sons and qualify to receive His Spirit. The Spirit’s wording leaves no room for exceptions.
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 (Acts 2:38).
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).
You are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:26-27).
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6).