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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | what does water refer to? | John 3:5 | New Creature | 57286 | ||
John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (NASB) Concerning the above verse, I have heard various thoughts about what the term "born of water" means Some think the "water" refers to water baptism Others think the "water" refers to our physical birth - the watery womb of our mother from which we were born of earthly parentage. Others think "water" refers to the word of God as the washing element. So what are the thoughts of this community concerning the meaning of "water" in John 3:5? The more responses the better Could you also please provide an answer as to why you believe as you do about this? |
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2 | what does water refer to? | John 3:5 | Robert Nicholson | 57287 | ||
Greetings New Creature: When I was a young Christian we were taught that the "water" of verse 5 is the Word of God. In Eph 5:26 we have the term "washing of water by the word" However, I believe it could refer to the physical birth. This is a view which I favor. In verse 4 Nicodemus who does seem to understand what it means to "be born from above" V3. refers to the natural birth V4. In Verse 5 the Lord Jesus parallels these thoughts: Born of water and born of the Spirit. In verse 6 we have the same parallel: born of the flesh and born of the Spirit. Nevertheless, in verse 7 Jesus emphasis the need to be "born from above" In verse 8 Jesus uses the metaphor of the wind to explain how the Holy Spirit works. As we continue on in chp. 3 the emphasis continues on being born again by believing in the Work of Christ. I do not think that the water of Verse 5 refers to believer's baptism which is not the topic. In verse 15 and 16 the Lord Jesus makes it abundantly clear that the new birth is available to "whosoever believeth in him". It is interesting to notice the Amplified rendering" Exept a man be born of water even Spirit". This rendering would should the Holy Spirit symbolized by the word. When we look at the message of the Gospel presented by the Lord Jesus in John 3 and in John's gospel we know that the Spirit of God applies the word of God to our soul and leads us to faith in Christ at which time we are born again. I am aware that there are differing opinions on this verse which is sometimes used by some to support baptism by water as necessary for salvation. Robert |
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