Welcome!

QUESTION 109
In John 3:5, we read, "except a man be born of water." Does this refer to water baptism?

ANSWER:
First, being born again is all from above. The word "again," means from above. It is in contrast to our first birth which is from below.

"Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:13. This verse makes it clear, it is all from God, we do nothing at all. It is performed upon us when we trust Christ as our Saviour.

Being born of water is a vital part of this birth. Let us see if this is water baptism, by seeking to find out what else is involved, apart from the Spirit. John says, there is a seed in the birth from above. "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." 1 John 3:9. Peter tells us what that seed is, " Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." 1 Peter 1:23. The previous verse says, "...Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit ..." Obeying here means, "heeding and giving attention to" the truth, which is, (the word of God). "Of His own will begat He us by the word of His truth." James1:18. Here again is the word of God and the new birth. Paul says, it is the "...washing of regeneration..." Titus 3:5. He further states, that Christ is sanctifying believers, "with the washing of water by the word." continued next question.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

Return to Salvation Questions Main Page

Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen