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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | "Born-again Christian" redundant? | John 3:3 | Hank | 32917 | ||
Barry, the problem with the "water" interpretation being seen as referring to the watery birth in the womb, i.e, natural, physical birth, is that it has Jesus stating the obvious to Nicodemus. Jesus is not telling Nicodemus anything that the Jewish leader doesn't already know. Nicodemus already knew that he had been born of woman (John 3:4). So obviously Jesus was not saying to him, "Now, Nicodemus, your first step in being able to see the kingdom of God is that you've got to be born of woman." How is Nicodemus supposed to reply to that? By saying, "But, Lord, you can see for yourself that I've already been born of woman; otherwise, I wouldn't be standing here before you." .... Barry, please note how the Amplified Bible handles John 3:5: "Jesus answered, I assure you most solemnly I tell you, unless a man is born of of water and (even) the Spirit, he cannot (ever) enter the kingdom of God." "Water", used in conjunction with "Spirit," strongly suggests the idea of cleansing, of regeneration. This interpretation more closely fits the immediate context here and the broader context of other passages, some of which I cited in my previous post. --Hank | ||||||
2 | "Born-again Christian" redundant? | John 3:3 | Morant61 | 32955 | ||
Greetings Hank! I agree that John 3:5 is not referring to baptism. However, I think that a strong case can be made for "water" as a reference to physical birth. The "evidence" could be stated as follows: 1) The Jews thought that they were basically right with God because of their birth. Thus, Jesus wouldn't just be stating the obvious, but pushing Nicodemus beyond the current thought. Not only must you be born, but you must be born of the Spirit. 2) Jesus' answer would be consistent with Nicodemus' questions: How can a man be born again? Can he enter again into his mother's womb? 3) John 3:6 would fit well with this interpretation. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but Spirit gives birth to Spirit. I don't think we will ever know for sure, but it is pretty clear that baptism is not the subject. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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