John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 1. The identity of the water (John 3:5) a. Far too many people (even whole religions) believe this verse is a proof text for baptismal regeneration. b. They point to the water in John 3 along with some other verses taken out of context to teach this false doctrine: Water BAPTISM speaks of death—not birth. Baptism is never used a picture of birth or a but always directly pictures death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). Romans 6 says we are "buried" in baptism. Being born of the water is the first birth and not a baptism because baptism is not a birth; it always signifies death. It symbolizes an immersion, a covering, and death to the old man. (1) Also, the immediate context of John 3:5 gives no support for the interpretation that the water refers to baptism making it doctrinally false. c. The gospel of John uses water as one of the most versatile types; referring to everlasting life, the Holy Ghost, word of God, but never the NEW birth.
(1) Water is used in relation to everlasting life (John 4:14-15) (2) Water is used in relation to the Holy Ghost (John 7:37-39) (3) Water is used in relation to the word of God (cp. John 15:3 with Ephesians 5:26) d. In each of the three types mentioned, the meaning is easily identified by the context (impossible to make them all refer to water baptism). Additionally, the context in John chapter three identifies the meaning in the verse that follow verse 3. (1) Nicodemus asks (John 3:4). a) The first birth was in the mother's womb and Nicodemus understood that Jesus was talking about a natural
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
