The Water is Repentance

[kenny2212]

John 3:5 (NKJV) - Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.

The water here is not the water of baptism nor is it the amniotic fluid.

It is REPENTANCE. Matthew 3:11 (NKJV) - I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Nicodemus whom Jesus was talking to understood what Jesus meant when he talked about being born of water and of the Spirit. 

Jesus' cousin John the Baptist baptized people who had REPENTED in water.

But why water? Because water signifies a new beginning.

2 Peter 3:5 (NIV) - But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water.

So John the Baptist baptized in water just to signify on the behalf of those being baptized, REPENTANCE (a change of mind). A new beginning so to speak (this is where water comes in). Sort of saying I've been doing A, now I want to be doing B (a change of mind).

So the act of baptism itself is not the most important thing, it's just an outward expression of a decision. So if you're not baptized in water but still believe in Jesus by faith, you're saved.

Eph. 2:8-9 (NKJV) - 8 For by grace you've been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

So do not let anyone persuade you into believing that if you're not water baptized you're not saved. 

Salvation is much more than flimsy water!

Thanks for reading. Any questions or comments?

Edited December 29, 2022 by kenny2212

[R. Hartono]

There is no water on earth that can make people holy unless they repent. Human take a bath every day and never become holy.

 

[kenny2212]

4 hours ago, R. Hartono said:

There is no water on earth that can make people holy unless they repent. Human take a bath every day and never become holy.

 

Correct!

[Wayne222]

Baptism is a commandment of God. So it's a requirement. Without faith it means nothing. It's not the physical water that saves us. But faith in Christ. The water represents being buried with Christ and coming up out of the water represents being raised from the dead. So it's very important. It's a sign that one trust Christ. I think that's why Jesus said unless you are born of water and the spirit you cannot enter the kingdom of God. The water represents faith and receiving the spirit means a new nature. 

[heartwashed3]

 

[tatwo]

The water is symbolic of the "Word"...bible worshippers are always challenged by that.

Tatwo...:)