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John 3:5-6 - Must Be Born of Water and Spirit to Enter Heaven.John 3:5-6 (NLT) Jesus replied, "I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.John 3:5-6 (ESV) Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. WORD STUDY Born of water and the Spirit. Parallel with "born again" (vv. 3, 7) and "born of the Spirit" (v. 8), emphasizing a (single) Spirit-produced birth. This makes several interpretations unlikely: (1) that "born of water" refers to natural birth (no ancient sources picture natural birth as "from water," where "water" is the amniotic fluid that breaks before childbirth); (2) that "born of water" refers to Christian baptism (these words would have had no relevance to Nicodemus at the time); (3) that "born of water" refers to John's baptism (also, vv. 9-12 then do not logically follow); (4) that "the Spirit" refers to the Word of God (John's other metaphoric uses of "water" in this Gospel refer to Spirit-produced life [4:14; 7:38-39], not to God's Word). The most plausible interpretation of "born of water and the Spirit" is the purifying and transforming new birth. Since Jesus expects Nicodemus to understand what he means (vv. 7, 10), the background to the concept is previous Scripture. Water in the OT often refers to renewal or cleansing, and the most significant OT connection bringing together water and spirit is Ezek 36:25-27, where water cleanses from impurity and the Spirit transforms hearts. So "born of water and the Spirit" signals a new birth that cleanses and transforms. [NIV SB 2018 Carlson] Born of water and the Spirit. Jesus referred not to literal water here, but to the need for "cleansing" (e.g., Eze 36:24- 27). When water is used figuratively in the OT, it habitually refers to renewal or spiritual cleansing, especially when used in conjunction with "spirit" (Nu 19:17- 19; Ps 51:9-10; Is 32:15; 44:3-5; 55:1-3; Jer 2:13; Joel 2:28-29). Thus, Jesus made reference to the spiritual washing or purification of the soul, accomplished by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God at the moment of salvation (cf. Eph 5:26; Tit 3:5), required for belonging to His kingdom. [MacArthur Study Bible 2024] Born of water and the Spirit in 3:5 refers to spiritual birth, which cleanses from sin and brings spiritual transformation and renewal. Water here does not refer to the water of physical birth, nor is it likely that it refers to baptism. The background is probably Ezek. 36:25-27, where God promises, "I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean.... And I will give you a new heart.... And I will put my Spirit within you." For further discussion of being born again, see 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18. [ESV SB 2008] COMMENTARY PEARL He said to Nicodemus, It is not theoretical knowledge you need so much as spiritual regeneration. You need not to have your curiosity satisfied, but to have a new heart. You must receive a new life from above before you can appreciate heavenly things. Until this change takes place, making all things new, it will result in no saving good for you to discuss with Me My authority or My mission... The fountain of the heart must be purified before the streams can become pure. He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. There is no safety for one who has merely a legal religion, a form of godliness. The Christian's life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit... When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven... The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God. DA171-173 COMMENTARY The Universal Question When I was preaching in Hollywood, a group of people from the movie industry asked me to talk to them. After my address we had a discussion period, and the very first question asked was, "What is conversion?" In almost every university and college group where I have led discussions, this same question is invariably asked: "What do you mean by 'born again'?" In my book How to Be Born Again (Word, 1976), I described the process this way: This new birth happens in all kinds of ways. It may seem to happen over a period of time or in a moment. That encounter with Christ is the beginning of a whole new path in life under His control. Lives can be remarkably changed, marriages excitingly improved, societies influenced for good - all by the simple, sweeping surge of individuals knowing what it is to be born again. How has your life been changed by being born again? [Peace for Each Day by Billy Graham] CLOSING THOUGHT Alive By Grace Have you ever accidentally locked yourself out of your house? If you have, you know you'll need the right key to get back inside. When the Jewish religious leader Nicodemus met with Jesus, he was trying to figure out: What is the key that allows someone to get into the kingdom of God? Maybe you've wondered that too. What do you need to do or believe to get into God's kingdom? Jesus' answer is that you have to be "born again." Jesus knew that sin makes us spiritually dead, and the only way to become alive again is through the gospel of God's grace. That's why He called salvation a "new birth." You don't get into God's family by being good enough or trying your best. You need a Savior to pull you from out of your grave and stand you back on solid ground. Thankfully, God has provided you that opportunity through Jesus, and if you believe in Him, you'll have the right key to enter the kingdom of God. Dear God, You have allowed me to be born again, and because of that my only response is to worship You. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY John 3:3 - You Must Be Born Again To Enter The Kingdom Of God. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230128-0904.html John 3:7 - You Must Be Born Again! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230429-0911.html John 3:6, 7 - Twice Born Required for Heaven. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210614-1111.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |