Subject: Were the disciples saved, Born Again? |
Bible Note: Hello Bowler: Welcome to the forum! If I may I'd like to give you my take on the significance of the water Jesus is referring to; I don't think John 3:5 refers to the water of natural birth, or water baptism, as some say it does. Here are my reasons. "just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word," Eph 5:25b-26 The Holy Spirit, works through the word of God to bring forth a change in the heart of man that we may Believe in Him. The Word of God is the water. Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." John 4:10 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.' John 7:38 When we speak the word of God it is the rivers of living water that flows from our hearts. Water, is referring to the Word of God that flows from our hearts. It is that very Word of God, the water of the Word, that "washing of the water with the word" that brings the lost the gift of faith in Him who is sufficient to save. "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Rom 10:17 And, Christ, is that living water, and it's by the Holy Spirit working through the word, that is the water that He is referring to in John 3:5 to be "born again". He is not speaking of temporal things, but spiritual things. "If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?" John 3:12 "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you." Ezekiel 36:25 "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:22 "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." Revelation 21:6 "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." Revelation 22:1 "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation 22:17 God bless John |