Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ John

[Tomato Head]

Does John 3:5 really state thsat unless a one is born again of water and the holy ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God?

So people who don't have that can't go to heaven or?

[jimwalton]

Yes, it certainly does. My translation: "Jesus answered, 'I am being as deeply truthful as possible when I tell you that not a single person is able to participate in the kingdom of God unless he or she is born of both water and Spirit.' ”

> So people who don't have that can't go to heaven

Correct. I don't see any other way to interpret it.

[Thin]

If I might add, to clarify, the Spirit is the relationship to GOD, the faith in GOD'S existence, however the WATER is something not previously understood.

Previously, all sins were forgiven via BLOOD sacrifice. A life for a life, but the WATER is a cleansing of the SOUL via GOD forgiving us, which we give to others. This water is from GOD as a symbol of being washed like a baby.

GOD washes us clean, we forgive and and wash others. The cleanliness in the heart is LOVE itself. NO unclean, no anger, no hateful, no envious, no disrespectful spot remains.

It is beautiful.

[jimwalton]

You probably know there are many theories about what Jesus means by "water" here. Here are the main ones:

1. Baptism, and therefore it is essential to the new birth. Water would naturally suggest to Nicodemus the baptism of John. Baptism has a real and legitimate relation to the Kingdom of God. (If so, why is water mentioned only once in the 3 demands of Jesus: 3, 5, & 7?) (Vincent)

2. Water and Spirit refer to the one act: the cleansing work of the Spirit. (Calvin). He will cleanse your soul, and you consecrate to Him. (Titus 3.5; Jn. 7.37-39)

3. Biological birth from a sac of water. (Jn. 1.13)

4. Spiritual regeneration. Spiritual seed. (Morris)

5. The Word of God. Eph. 5.26.

6. The repentance ministry of John the Baptist. Water would naturally suggest to Nicodemus the baptism of John. Baptism has a real and legitimate relation to the Kingdom of God. (John Walvoord & Zuck)