What Should Nicodemus Have Understood? John 3:3-5

[JBTN]

The biblical Mikveh reference to Judaism conversion is only found in the Talmud. However, commands relevant to cleansing in the Mikveh

Jesus stated that Nicodemus should have understood what being born of water and Spirit meant. (John 3:3-10) A study of the significance of Old Testament washings shines light on what Jesus was talking about.

Nicodemus should have been familiar with an OT washing that changed the status of a stranger (Gentile) into a Jewish child of God. The bible depicts such as proselytes. In order for an individual to be “born” into the Jewish community, the stranger/Gentile had to obey the OT law of circumcision and submit to a Mikveh/Mikvah. The Old Testament Mikveh/Mikvah parallels the New Testament water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Surely, Nicodemus was aware of John the Baptist’s message and Jesus approval of water baptism as evidenced by Jesus’ presence during baptisms. As a teacher of Jewish concepts, Nicodemus should have seen water and Spirit baptism (Acts 2:38) as the antitype that brings about an actual change of status in the NT believer as a born again child of God.

As Jesus stated everyone must be born of water and Spirit. The Spiritual rebirth is needful to both SEE (comprehend) the kingdom of God as well as ENTER into it. (John 3:3-5)

The following is an article about the Jewish Mikveh (Mikvah). The Mikveh was a construct that held a sufficient amount of water to accommodate total immersion. It is considered a “womb” according to myjewishlearning.com. Consider the principles of this foreshadow of the NT water baptism.

“The water of the mikveh is designed to ritually cleanse a person from deeds of the past. The convert is considered by Jewish law to be like a newborn child. By spiritually cleansing the convert, the mikveh water prepares him or her to confront God, life, and people with a fresh spirit and new eyes--it washes away the past, leaving only the future…

In a sense, it is nothing short of the spiritual drama of death and rebirth cast onto the canvas of the convert's soul. Submerging into waters over his/her head, he/she enters into an environment in which one cannot breathe and cannot live for more than moments. It is the death of all that has gone before. As he/she emerges from the gagging waters into the clear air, he/she begins to breathe anew and live anew--as a baby struggling to be born. If we take this graphic metaphor a step further, we can sense that the mikveh is a spiritual womb. The human fetus is surrounded by water. It does not yet live. The water breaks in a split second and the child emerges into a new world. "As soon as the convert immerses and emerges he/she is a Jew in every respect… The newborn Jew takes on a Hebrew name, but a given name only is not sufficient to locate a person within the Jewish tradition. When Jews sign legal documents or are called up to the Torah, their parents' names are appended to their Hebrew names to locate them in Jewish spiritual space. A convert traditionally adopts Abraham and Sarah as spiritual parents and in legal situations is referred to as "ben Avraham Avinu," "son of our Father, Abraham," or "bat Sarah Imenu," "daughter of our Mother, Sarah.

“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.5.1.ESV

If everyone who believes has been born of God, then doesn’t that rule out the possibility that the water in John 3:5 is water baptism?

 

[Wansvic]

Yes indeed the name of father son and Holy Ghost in one

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:19-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2:8-10‬ ‭

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭52:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called

Wonderful,

Counsellor,

The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9:6-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:30-33, 36-39‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I agree his name is the only name there really is to be baptized into for a “Christian “ and he is the manifestation of the one God in the flesh the name revealed that all things are accomplished by is Jesus of Nazareth who it the promised messiah and the one who has promised us life by his name and word by his blood and his intercession for us even still.

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him,

seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭7:25‬ ‭KJV‬‬


Amen !! of course it’s Jesus name the whole Bible is about him prophecy and epistles the New Testament and even promises made to Abraham are based upon Jesus name for all nations

But also I dont think if someone’s pastor baptized them in “ the name of the father son and Holy Ghost “ it means they aren’t baptized or don’t have what I have because mostly everyone is saved according to thier faith . what they know in other words , not what they don’t know it wasn’t my choice to be baptized in Jesus name had my pastor said other words from the Bible I still would have been the same guy acting in faith of Jesus

But I agree in Jesus name is found everything

Keep in mind what is occurring in water baptism. Those who believe are being buried with Jesus by baptism into His death. The scripture is specific it is to be done in association with Jesus' death. It says nothing about being buried into the death of the Father or the Holy Ghost.

If it did not matter whether titles or name of Jesus was used in baptism. There would be records of both being done. There are not. The word states that there will always be 2-3 examples as evidence of the truth on any given subject. What many fail to realize is that the apostles obeyed Jesus command from Matthew 28:19. Jesus said to baptize in the NAME of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. That name is in fact Jesus. This was a consistent practice as shown in the word, and in historical records until the forerunners of the Roman Catholic Church made the decision to usurp what the bible so clearly conveys. They in fact removed the powerful name of the Lord Jesus from water baptisms and this is still occurring today around the entire world.

Also, interesting is that the Roman Catholic Church of today considers itself to be the mother church. And all Protestant churches that water baptize in the titles as its daughters. Wow. Think, one world religion. Unfortunately Ecumenism and Interfaithism are both alive and well.

 

[Wansvic]

So, is there any reason why a Christian shouldn't be baptized with water, 'In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
If there is a reason, what would it be?

The apostles obeyed Jesus command by baptizing in the name of the Lord Jesus. It is a point many neglect to consider. All water baptism was administered in the name of Jesus. Significant? Yes. God always has a reason for His designs. Those who failed to obey His commands faced harsh and sometimes deadly consequences.

 

[Wansvic]

But also I dont think if someone’s pastor baptized them in “ the name of the father son and Holy Ghost “ it means they aren’t baptized or don’t have what I have because mostly everyone is saved according to thier faith . what they know in other words , not what they don’t know it wasn’t my choice to be baptized in Jesus name had my pastor said other words from the Bible I still would have been the same guy acting in faith of Jesus

But I agree in Jesus name is found everything

• Acts 17:30 (KJV)
  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

 

[Wansvic]

Baptism without water...it's a spiritual birth into Jesus Christ.

The bible shows both water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus and receiving the Spirit are required. Receiving the Spirit is not seen as replacing water baptism in the word. John the Baptist said he baptized with water, and Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

 

[Wansvic]

“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.5.1.ESV

If everyone who believes has been born of God, then doesn’t that rule out the possibility that the water in John 3:5 is water baptism?

The result of believing in Jesus includes accepting all He said and commanded. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all those who OBEY Him. (Heb. 5:9) All who believe in Him will obey His word and they will repent, get water baptized in His name. And will receive the Holy Ghost.

 

[JBTN]

The result of believing in Jesus includes accepting all He said and commanded. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all those who OBEY Him. (Heb. 5:9) All who believe in Him will obey His word and they will repent, get water baptized in His name. And will receive the Holy Ghost.

1 John 5:1 puts being born of God in the past for someone who believes, not something that will happen at a future time.

 

[PennEd]

Jesus stated that Nicodemus should have understood what being born of water and Spirit meant. (John 3:3-10) A study of the significance of Old Testament washings shines light on what Jesus was talking about.

Nicodemus should have been familiar with an OT washing that changed the status of a stranger (Gentile) into a Jewish child of God.

I see you were unable to support this claim with Old Testament Scripture. Where is it stated that anything but circumcision was needed to become a proselyte?

There is NO OT washings that changed a Gentile into a Jewish "child of God". Whatever that is.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Keep in mind what is occurring in water baptism. Those who believe are being buried with Jesus by baptism into His death. The scripture is specific it is to be done in association with Jesus' death. It says nothing about being buried into the death of the Father or the Holy Ghost.

If it did not matter whether titles or name of Jesus was used in baptism. There would be records of both being done. There are not. The word states that there will always be 2-3 examples as evidence of the truth on any given subject. What many fail to realize is that the apostles obeyed Jesus command from Matthew 28:19. Jesus said to baptize in the NAME of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. That name is in fact Jesus. This was a consistent practice as shown in the word, and in historical records until the forerunners of the Roman Catholic Church made the decision to usurp what the bible so clearly conveys. They in fact removed the powerful name of the Lord Jesus from water baptisms and this is still occurring today around the entire world.

Also, interesting is that the Roman Catholic Church of today considers itself to be the mother church. And all Protestant churches that water baptize in the titles as its daughters. Wow. Think, one world religion. Unfortunately Ecumenism and Interfaithism are both alive and well.

yes I agree with you a lot but what I’m saying is God doesn’t hold things against people who don’t know the difference

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭23:34‬ ‭KJV‬‬

most people don’t even know the difference is my point I do , and you do , and some do . But if they don’t he’s looking for reasons to save not to condemn . Honest mistakes or
Ignorance of something goes somewhere with God it always has if we know we know and are accountable , if we don’t know he’s not going to cast us away for what we don’t know

but brother that’s just my thought on the matter like others here just my two Cents nothing official or anything like that 🤠

 

[Pilgrimshope]

• Acts 17:30 (KJV)
  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Um yep false idol Making and worshipping isn’t allowed for sure new or Old Testament

I’m not too sure that reflects on some basic Christian not knowing the difference in being baptized in Jesus name , or as some Christian pastors do they baptize in the name of father son Holy Ghost

I don’t think that reflects on a believers decision to be baptized for remission of sins

I do agree with you , but I’m saying people who don’t know the difference or we’re baptized not the same as I was in Jesus name ….I don’t think the technicality is going to matter , but how they live tbier life with Jesus as lord ? Or themselves and those own desires as lord ? Will tell the story

but that’s again just my thinking

 

[JBTN]

The result of believing in Jesus includes accepting all He said and commanded. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all those who OBEY Him. (Heb. 5:9) All who believe in Him will obey His word and they will repent, get water baptized in His name. And will receive the Holy Ghost.

“And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:23‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.3.23.ESV

Belief is obedience.

 

[John146]

Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit

Without water...that's the New Testament church

 

[Wansvic]

1 John 5:1 puts being born of God in the past for someone who believes, not something that will happen at a future time.

According to the word sins are not blotted out until after repentance as well as water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus. These actions are seen after one believes:

Luke 13:3
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Luke 13:3
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
KJV

Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
KJV

Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
KJV

 

[Wansvic]

Um yep false idol Making and worshipping isn’t allowed for sure new or Old Testament

I’m not too sure that reflects on some basic Christian not knowing the difference in being baptized in Jesus name , or as some Christian pastors do they baptize in the name of father son Holy Ghost

I don’t think that reflects on a believers decision to be baptized for remission of sins

I do agree with you , but I’m saying people who don’t know the difference or we’re baptized not the same as I was in Jesus name ….I don’t think the technicality is going to matter , but how they live tbier life with Jesus as lord ? Or themselves and those own desires as lord ? Will tell the story
but that’s again just my thinking

What many are being obedient to, as I was in the past, is a man-made tradition. We are admonished to follow Godly principles and beware of accepting traditions of men. Notice Paul actually cautions about following tradition in the Colossians scripture referencing water baptism below.

My sincere desire is to point out what the bible says in hopes people will consider and adhere to scripture. We will be judged by the word not what is commonly accepted. (John 12:48)

Col 2:6-12
6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
KJV

 

[Wansvic]

“And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:23‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.3.23.ESV

Belief is obedience.

Belief precedes the command for everyone to repent, and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus in association with Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Also, necessary is the requirement to receive the Holy Ghost.

Rom 8:9-11
"Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."
KJV

 

[Wansvic]

Without water...that's the New Testament church

Baptism in water in the name of the Lord Jesus began when the NT church was birthed on the Day of Pentecost. Prior to that time, people were not water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Jesus said that would begin in Jerusalem, and it did as recorded in Acts 2:38. (Luke 24:47)

 

[JBTN]

According to the word sins are not blotted out until after repentance as well as water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus. These actions are seen after one believes:

Luke 13:3
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Luke 13:3
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
KJV

Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
KJV

Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
KJV

The Greek word translated as repent means to change one’s mind or think differently afterwards. When a person comes to believe in Jesus their mind has changed from unbelieving or unknowing to believing. The meaning of the Greek word for repentance (metanoeo) is satisfied.

 

[JBTN]

Belief precedes the command for everyone to repent, and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus in association with Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Also, necessary is the requirement to receive the Holy Ghost.

Rom 8:9-11
"Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."
KJV

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/eph.1.13.KJV

 

[Wansvic]

The Greek word translated as repent means to change one’s mind or think differently afterwards. When a person comes to believe in Jesus their mind has changed from unbelieving or unknowing to believing. The meaning of the Greek word for repentance (metanoeo) is satisfied.

Peter's interaction with the hearers on the Day of Pentecost says otherwise. Notice the hearers believe Peter's message of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Afterward, they become upset and ask what shall we do? (Acts 2:37) Peter tells them what is expected of everyone. (verse 38-40) They are to repent, and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Notice verse 41 states that they gladly received what he said and were baptized. Furthermore, verse 42 says they continued stedfastly (firmly fixed, immovable) in this doctrine/teaching.

Acts 2:37-42
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine
KJV

Peter answered as follows: Repent, and he following is

 

[Wansvic]

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/eph.1.13.KJV

What word of truth did they hear and believe? This is a reference to the initial message and requirements given at Pentecost, and continued with the Samaritans, and the Gentiles. (Acts 2:38-41, 8:12-18, 10:44-48, ) And afterward Paul gave the same message to the Ephesus disciples. (Acts 19:1-6)