In John 3:1-15 Jesus explained, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus was a ruler, a member of the Sanhedrin council, a student, and a teacher of the Scriptures. He obviously believed, as did many of the Jews, that as Abraham's descendant and a leader among the Jews, he deserved a place in God's kingdom. Jesus told him that those who wished to enter that kingdom must be born again. Nicodemus did not understand how he could reenter his mother's womb and be born a second time. He observed that Jesus must be a man of God, because no one could do the things that Jesus did "except God be with him." This was the purpose of Jesus' miracles (John 2:11). He was not an ordinary man (cf. John 20:30-31). Therefore, Jesus was more than qualified to explain the new birth to Nicodemus. Jesus explained that this new birth was of water and the Spirit and that it was essential if he wished to enter God's kingdom.

How is it possible to be born again? Two elements--WATER and SPIRIT-are necessary to the one new birth. Water must, of necessity, refer to water baptism. Christ commissioned water baptism (Matthew 28:10). Another must administer it. (This could not be Holy Spirit baptism, for it was given directly by God.) It could be obeyed (Acts 8:35-39). It is commanded (Acts 10:47,48). Peter said it saves us (1 Peter 3:20-21), and that it is necessary "for remission of sins." (Acts 2:38) Baptism washes away our sins (Acts 22:16). The water itself has no power, but in water baptism we reach Christ's death, where He shed His blood (Romans 6:3-4) "for remission of sins." (Matthew 26:28)

How is the Holy Spirit involved in the new birth? The Holy Spirit does not affect the new birth through some miraculous operation. Holy Spirit baptism is not part of the new birth. However, the Holy Spirit did give instructions regarding what we must do to be saved.

Shortly before His death, Jesus promised the apostles that the Holy Spirit would come upon them and direct them "into all truth." (cf. John 16:13) As we follow the apostles' teaching, we are "led by the Spirit." (Romans 8:14) It is the Holy Spirit who begets us through the word. Peter said, "Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently: having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth." (1 Peter 1:22-23)

When one obeys the word, he is born again, or brought forth by it. James said, "Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures... Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:18,21)

In John 3:6-15, Jesus explained to Nicodemus that He was talking about a different kind of birth. Jesus spoke of a spiritual birth that demands a different kind of life. Those born of flesh are flesh, but the spirits of those who enter the spiritual kingdom must be born again. This suggests man's dual nature (cf. James 2:26; Matthew 10:28). Man's inward part, his spirit, must be born again. Just as you cannot see the wind, neither can you see the spirit being born anew.

However, just as you see the effects of the wind, you can see the effects of the new birth. We see evidences of the new birth when we observe the changes manifested in the lives of those who receive it (Romans 6:6-14; cf. Ephesians 4:24-32).

The Romans 6 discussion shows that one who is dead to sin is separated from sin. Paul argued that if they knew they were baptized into the death of Christ, they should know they must not continue in sin. "Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him through baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4)

Baptism then, is more than a dipping in water. It is an act of surrender to Christ, the consummation of faith and repentance that results in a new life. The Apostle Paul continued, "And he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again... Wherefore if any man is in Christ, (he is) a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:15,17; cf Galatians 2:20).

Moses E. Lard observed, "... Here... occurs an ellipsis, which it is necessary to fill, in order to complete the sense. This done, and the clause reads: 'Thus we also, being raised up as Christ was, should walk in newness of life.' From this inference to be drawn is, that since we are to walk in newness of life, we cannot continue in sin." (Commentary on Paul's Letter to Romans, p. 201)

A Christian cannot be indifferent about sin; he must resist its efforts to reestablish its reign in his life (Romans 6:12-13). "True Christians are dead to sin in intent and purpose. Christ gave his life, was buried, and was resurrected to live unto God. When we were baptized into Christ we declared our old manner of life to be dead and buried. Shall a 'dead' man continue to be active? Having rejected our old manner of life, we must carry out our intent to live unto God" (Robert Turner; Plain Talk, Vol. 14, No.4, p4).

Have you been "born again?" Earthly birth or position does not entitle us to spiritual privileges. The kingdom is not composed of Abraham's sons, or nobles, or those who are prestigious, but of those who have been born again. It is not possible to enter the kingdom unless you are "born of water and of the Spirit." Baptizing a baby, or anyone who lacks faith ("faith comes by hearing..." Romans 10:17) cannot make the one who is baptized a member of the kingdom, because he is not born of the Spirit. Nor can one who claims he is born of the Spirit enter the kingdom unless he is "born of the water." Nicodemus, a leader and teacher of the Jews had trouble understanding these simple things. Will you accept them?

Sadly, this is a subject over which the religious world at large is greatly divided. How can there be so much confusion over a subject the Bible discusses so openly and plainly? All nine conversions in the book of Acts end with the baptism of the obedient believer. It is the only clear means of contacting the saving blood of Jesus Christ. Blood is the remedy for our sins (Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 1:5). Those who seek to remove the need to be "born again" do so to their own spiritual destruction. In discussing this vital subject with those outside of Christ, some have said, "it's just too easy, and it makes no sense. How can water play a role in my salvation?" They may need to talk with Noah, Naaman, the blind man of John 9, and early converts to the gospel of Christ. Maybe they could explain it better than I! (KMG)