0908. The Master's Answer–Born of Water

The Master's Answer–Born of Water

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God" (Joh_3:5).

When we sat alone with the open Bible, and saw, in our vision, a ruler of the Jews standing before Christ with an honest query as to the new birth, we knew the Lord would not leave him in the dark. Therefore, we determined to search out Christ's words to Nicodemus, and to discover just what Christ said in reply. The seven steps presented by the next seven sub-leaders, cover our findings.

Let us at once, then, discuss our first finding:

Christ told Nicodemus: "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God."

There are some who think the word "water" refers to the natural birth; there are others who think that it refers to baptism. We believe that it refers primarily to the Word of God. Let us notice the reasons for this conclusion.

1. The washing of regeneration (see Tit_3:5 and Eph_5:26).

The Word of God is constantly used in the Bible in connection with our cleansing or washing. "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word" (Psa_119:9).

"Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you" (Joh_15:3).

"Sanctify them through Thy Truth, Thy Word is Truth" (Joh_17:17).

"Ye have purified your souls in obeying the Truth" (1Pe_1:22).

2. Begotten by the Word. "Of His own will begat He us with the Word of Truth" (Jam_1:18).

This passage clearly shows the place of the Word, in our regeneration.

3. Born again by the Word of God.

"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" (1Pe_1:23). This passage at once brings before us Joh_1:13, where it says, "which were born, not of the flesh, nor of blood." This "flesh" is contrasted with the Word of God. in 1Pe_1:24, 1Pe_1:25. "For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass, * * but the Word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the Word which by the Gospel is preached unto you."

4. The Seed is the Word of God. In Luk_8:11, Christ is described as sowing the Seed. This Seed is said to be the Word.

The Holy Spirit takes the Word and sows it in the heart. When the Word is heard and believed it brings forth eternal life (see Joh_5:24). It seems to us that no one can read the Word of God with an honest heart, and an open mind, seeking salvation, without being born again.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR