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NASB | 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. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 3:5 Jesus answered, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God. [Ezek 36:25-27] |
Subject: Verses where water alone means baptism? |
Bible Note: Thank you, Brother Ed. That principle (take the obvious meaning) is indeed one of the many principles of sound literary interpretation. However, you forgot the codicil: Take the obvious interpretation unless that interpretation contradicts what is set out more clearly in other passages. Remember the phrase analogia totius scripturae? Scripture interprets itself -- the total context of what the Bible has to say must be taken into account. These were hard won principles that have prevented a world of apostasy, heresy, and error. There are other principles of literary interpretation that must be applied as well. "Taking the obvious meaning" is not the most important of these principles. There is also the principle of progressive revelation. Christ was speaking to one of the best-of-the-best Rabbis of that day. The conversation was taking place in a specific, historical context. It was taking place in a specific point of Christ's ministry. Context is ignored at the cost of truth itself. I'm glad that the significance of John 3:5 is settled for you, Ed. I beg you to be patient with your lesser bretheren as we wrestle with the Word. In Him, Doc |