What Does "Born of Water" Mean?

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JohnRH

Junior Member
Mar 5, 2018
683
330
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#81
Okay...would you drink it. Be honest, people are watching.

By the way so is urine.

Amniotic fluid is not water except for those who need it to be.
By that reckoning, the fluid flowing in the Jordan River wasn't water either. But the Bible calls it water, so that's good enough for me. Amniotic fluid wasn't known by men back then and Jesus was talking to a man so that the man could understand.
 

Lamar

Active member
May 21, 2023
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#82
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

When someone believes that Jesus is the Christ they have already been born again according to this verse.
You would be correct if one of the following would be true:

1. There were no other verses in the Bible on the subject of salvation.
2. There was a definitive in your verse such as only, just, alone, etc.

Since there are many other verses on the subject of salvation, this verse cannot be used to negate the others.

Since this verse has no definitive, it is a true but rather general axiom by nature. In other words, this scripture is not meant as a all- encompassing statement.

Keep in mind if we were allowed to simply take any verse and label it as all-encompassing then nothing in the Bible would be safe.

Would you label James 1:27 as all-encompassing?
 

Lamar

Active member
May 21, 2023
955
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#83
Song of Solomon 4 refers to a spouse as a well of living water.

“You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your oils than any spice! Your lips drip nectar, my bride; honey and milk are under your tongue; the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon. A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a spring locked, a fountain sealed. Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates with all choicest fruits, henna with nard, nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all choice spices— a garden fountain, a well of living water, and flowing streams from Lebanon.”
‭‭Song of Solomon‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭15‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/sng.4.9-15.ESV
Again, Jesus did not use the biblical term for human childbirth "born of woman" in John 3:5 (Matthew 11:11, Job 14:1-2, Galatians 4:4-5 etc).

He used "born of water" which is not a term for human childbirth.

You cannot accept this because it goes against your present theology.
 

Lamar

Active member
May 21, 2023
955
143
43
#84
By that reckoning, the fluid flowing in the Jordan River wasn't water either. But the Bible calls it water, so that's good enough for me. Amniotic fluid wasn't known by men back then and Jesus was talking to a man so that the man could understand.
You are the one referring to "born of water" as amniotic fluid.

The Bible refers to human birth as "born of woman" not "born of water".
 

studentoftheword

Well-known member
Nov 12, 2021
1,747
609
113
#85
Interesting read from got questions on this

What does it mean to be born of water (John 3:5)?

https://www.gotquestions.org/born-of-water.html

In John 3, Jesus uses the phrase “born of water” in answer to Nicodemus’s question about how to enter the kingdom of heaven. He told Nicodemus that he “must be born again” (John 3:3). Nicodemus questioned how such a thing could happen when he was a grown man. Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5).

Being “born of the Spirit” is easily interpreted—salvation involves a new life that only the Holy Spirit can produce (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:6). But there are a couple different schools of thought on what Jesus meant when He said, “born of water.” One perspective is that “born of water” refers to physical birth.
Unborn babies float in fluid in the amniotic sac for nine months. When the time for birth arrives, the amniotic sac bursts, and the baby is born in a rush of “water,” entering the world as a new creature. This birth parallels being “born of the Spirit,” as a similar new birth occurs within our hearts (2 Corinthians 5:17). A person once-born has physical life; a person twice-born has eternal life (John 3:15–18, 36; 17:3; 1 Peter 1:23). Just as a baby contributes no effort to the birth process—the work is done by the mother—so it is with spiritual birth. We are merely the recipients of God’s grace as He gives us new birth through His Spirit (Ephesians 2:8–9). According to this view, Jesus was using a teaching technique He often employed by comparing a spiritual truth with a physical reality. Nicodemus did not understand spiritual birth, but he could understand physical birth so that was where Jesus took him.

The other perspective is that “born of water” refers to spiritual cleansing and that Nicodemus would have naturally understood it that way.
According to this view, “born of water” and “born of the Spirit” are different ways of saying the same thing, once metaphorically and once literally. Jesus’ words “born of water and the Spirit” describe different aspects of the same spiritual birth, or of what it means to be “born again.” So, when Jesus told Nicodemus that he must “be born of water,”
He was referring to his need for spiritual cleansing.

Throughout the Old Testament, water is used figuratively of spiritual cleansing. For example, Ezekiel 36:25 says, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities” (see also Numbers 19:17–19; and Psalm 51:2, 7). Nicodemus, a teacher of the law, would surely have been familiar with the concept of physical water representing spiritual purification.

The New Testament, too, uses water as a figure of the new birth. Regeneration is called a “washing” brought about by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God at the moment of salvation (Titus 3:5; cf. Ephesians 5:26; John 13:10). Christians are “washed . . . sanctified . . . justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). The “washing” Paul speaks of here is a spiritual one.

Whichever perspective is correct, one thing is certain: Jesus was not teaching that one must be baptized in water in order to be saved. Baptism is nowhere mentioned in the context, nor did Jesus ever imply that we must do anything to inherit eternal life but trust in Him in faith (John 3:16). The emphasis of Jesus' words is on repentance and spiritual renewal—we need the “living water” Jesus later promised the woman at the well (John 4:10). Water baptism is an outward sign that we have given our lives to Jesus, but not a requirement for salvation (Luke 23:40–43)
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,256
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#86
Jesus is my Lord and savior, but I have never been water baptized.
The word reveals that everyone is to submit to water baptism in the name of Jesus for remission of sin. Those, no matter what nationality, who believe and act in obedience to the entire gospel message "take hold" of what Jesus died to provide. (Acts 2-4-41, 8:12-18, 9:17-18, 10:43-48, 19:1-7, 22:16)

The Apostle Paul addressed the importance of baptism:
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:3-6
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
61,132
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#87
You would be correct if one of the following would be true:

1. There were no other verses in the Bible on the subject of salvation.
2. There was a definitive in your verse such as only, just, alone, etc.
Can you supply a verse that contradicts what was said?
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
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#88
what about the thief on the cross?
The OT was still in effect when the thief died. Water baptism in the name of Jesus for remission of sin is part of the NT rebirth and is available for all those living after Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Jesus prophesied about this in Luke 24:46-47;

"...Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Just as Jesus prophesied this was part of the gospel message first presented to people in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, "Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sin..." Acts 2:38
 

Everlasting-Grace

Well-known member
Dec 18, 2021
6,066
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#89
I know what it is not

It is not water baptism.

for all the workers that want to add water baptism to the gospel. like the jew added circumcision.

Jesus never once mentions water baptism when he tells Nicodemus HOW to be born again ( a second time) by the spirit.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,256
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#91
how did he get baptized he was physically being crucified on the cross by the Romans. That doesn't make any sense.. He got baptized by the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Ghost/Spirit was poured out on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:4, 33)
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
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#92
Again, so solider who repent and accept Jesus on their death bed who have not been water baptized go to hell?
The word indicates everyone living after Jesus' sacrifice must repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus for remission of their sin and receive the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2-4-41, 8:12-18, 9:17-18, 10:43-48, 19:1-7, 22:16)

Notice what Ananias told the Apostle Paul: "...arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins calling upon the name of the Lord." Acts 22:16
Ananias was speaking of water baptism.

Note all detailed accounts in the NT reveal water baptism was administered in the name of the Jesus. (the Lord) See the list above.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,256
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#93
Actually he was baptized by John the Baptist

Matteüs 3

14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
There is no record of the thief being water baptized by John.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,256
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#94
ok this makes sense I didn't know that.
The scripture referenced is not about the thief. It is the account of Jesus' water baptism by John the Baptist.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,256
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#95
So what does that sentence mean to you? Either is the truth or its not,

Let's use King James

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Believing in Jesus involves much more than a mental acknowledgement:

"And being made perfect, he (Jesus) became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" Heb 5:9

"As he spake these words, many believed on him.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:30-32

"And he (Jesus) said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:15-16


Hearing, believing and submitting to water baptism in the name of Jesus in accordance with the gospel message literally opens eyes to the truth...
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,256
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#96
Here is what chatgpt says:

The question of whether Christians need to be baptized by water to be "born again" and saved has been debated across various Christian traditions, and the answer often depends on doctrinal beliefs. Here's a breakdown of key perspectives:
  1. Evangelical/Protestant Belief (Many Baptists, Pentecostals, etc.):
    • Many evangelical Christians believe that salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ alone, and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). They emphasize that being "born again" refers to a spiritual rebirth that happens when a person repents of their sins and places their trust in Jesus.
    • Water baptism is viewed as an important public declaration of faith, but it is not considered necessary for salvation. Rather, it is an outward sign of an inward change.
    • Key scripture: John 3:16 (salvation through faith), Romans 10:9-10 (confession and belief in Christ bring salvation).
  2. Catholic and Orthodox View:
    • Both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions hold that baptism is necessary for salvation. They interpret being "born of water and the Spirit" in John 3:5 as a reference to water baptism as the means through which one is spiritually reborn and cleansed from original sin.
    • Baptism is considered a sacrament, and in Catholic doctrine, it is the first step in the process of salvation, removing both original and personal sin.
    • Key scripture: John 3:5 (Jesus’ teaching on being "born of water and the Spirit").
  3. Church of Christ and Some Other Denominations:
    • Some Christian groups, like the Churches of Christ, teach that water baptism is essential for salvation. They interpret scriptures like Acts 2:38 ("Repent and be baptized... for the forgiveness of your sins") to mean that baptism is part of the salvation process.
    • For these groups, faith, repentance, and baptism are all necessary for a person to be saved.
In summary, while water baptism is universally seen as important, its role in salvation differs across Christian traditions. Some believe it is essential for being "born again," while others view it as an important, but not required, step in demonstrating one’s faith.
Jesus said that all will be judged by the word. (John 12:48-49) So, regardless of what man's tradition teaches, the bible clearly states everyone is to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus for remission of sin (water) and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2-4-41, 8:12-18, 9:17-18, 10:43-48, 19:1-7, 22:16)

Scripture warning:
"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." (Col. 2:8)
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,256
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#97
...Jesus was not teaching that one must be baptized in water in order to be saved. Baptism is nowhere mentioned in the context, nor did Jesus ever imply that we must do anything to inherit eternal life but trust in Him in faith (John 3:16). The emphasis of Jesus' words is on repentance and spiritual renewal—we need the “living water” Jesus later promised the woman at the well (John 4:10). Water baptism is an outward sign that we have given our lives to Jesus, but not a requirement for salvation (Luke 23:40–43)
Jesus said: "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak." John 12:48-49

"And being made perfect, he (Jesus) became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; " Heb 5:9


"As he (Jesus) spake these words, many believed on him.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:30-32
 

Lamar

Active member
May 21, 2023
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#98
Can you supply a verse that contradicts what was said?
You want me to "supply a verse that contradicts" 1st John 5:1???

Why would you want such a thing?
We as Christians are not to negate one scripture with another.

It is JBTN who is attempting to use 1st John 5:1 as a all-encompassing verse that would make Acts 2:38 and others null and void.

There is no need to contradict 1st John 5:1, the verse stands true unless you add a grammatical definitive to change its scope.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
61,132
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#99
You want me to "supply a verse that contradicts" 1st John 5:1???
That is not what I said. I shall ignore the rest of your blather in that post.
 

Lamar

Active member
May 21, 2023
955
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That is not what I said. I shall ignore the rest of your blather in that post.
That was most certainly what you wrote. I answered your question fairly. You just don't like the answer.