Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say unto you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God ~ John 3:5 NKJV
I was thrilled beyond words to be well enough to attend church today. During the teaching hour, the gentleman spoke about John 3:1-12. While the whole lesson (as well as the sermon hour) was great, this was one of the highlights for me.
I (as well as most professing Believers I'm sure) have always heard that when Jesus is speaking of being "born of water", He is referencing physical birth. However, this is not culturally or Spiritually accurate.
*Culturally: Although the "water-break" associated with physical birth is almost universally known today, in the time of Nicodemus and Christ, the amniotic sack was generally not associated with physical birth.
*Spiritually: In the Old Testament, water was the sign of spiritual cleansing (Ezekiel 36:24-27), something that Nicodemus, as a Pharisee, member of the Sanhedrin, and "teacher of Israel" would've understood.
Thus salvation is a result of both spiritual cleansing and the Holy Spirit. Man is mentioned NOWHERE in regards to salvation in this passage, as is pointed out in verse 8. Mankind has no control over the wind. We cannot command it to come and go, and we do not decide if, when, or how strongly it blows. Salvation is completely the work of the Sovereign God of the Universe. We cannot command the Holy Spirit to do a work unto repentance and salvation in the hearts of anyone, including ourselves. We are dead in our sins unless The Lord chooses to do a supernatural work in our hearts, and the hearts of His elect.
Salvation is the will of the Fathe and the Son, and the work of the Holy Spirit! Thank you GOD for YOUR irresistible grace!!
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