Points and Problems 1. "Except a man be born again. he cannot see the kingdom of God" (v-3). The expression “bom again” should be literally translated “born from above.” Therefore the new birth or regeneration, is a Heavenly process. It cannot be accomplished by man. In no way can man produce it. Man can receive and enjoy it, but God does the work. The statement at once excludes baptism, good works, church membership, reformation or anything else of similar character. These things are subsequent to the new birth; they are of the earth, but the new birth itself is “from above.” 2. "Except a man be bom of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (v.5). The main problem of this verse is to determine the meaning of “born of water.” Many believe it refers to water baptism, hence they argue that baptism is essential to salvation. The writer be lieves this interpretation to be in error for the following reasons: (1) There is no evidence elsewhere in this chapter that the reference is to baptism, whereas, there is abundant evidence that by “water” God’s Word is meant, which, when received by faith, results in salvation. (John 3:14- 16). (2) Such an interpretation is out of harmony with the usage of “water” in the rest of John’s writings. For instance, in John 4:14, the water re ferred to clearly is not baptism. It is Christ’s own word. In John 6:35, re lief from spiritual thirst is shown to be secured by believing in Christ, that is, in His words. Jesus said to His disciples, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken uilto you” (John 15:3). (3) The testimony of the rest of the Scriptures is to the effect that “water” refers to the Word. For instance, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by tak ing heed thereto according to thy word” (Psa. 119:9). “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country” (Prov. 25:25). Then in Ephesians 5:26, Paul speaks of “the washing of water by the word.” (4) The baptism interpretation is not in harmony with scores of other pas sages of Scripture which show that the new birth, or salvation, is brought about through the convicting power of the Holy Spirit who works through God’s Word. (5) Furthermore, this interpretation would put baptism be fore the work of the Spirit, for “water” appears first in the text. Certainly this is out of harmony with the truth. It is unquestionably true that all that God does for men, He does through His Word which is basic. (6) Finally, baptism in Scripture speaks first of all of the burial of the old man, of death rather than of life (Rom. 6:4). It is not primarily a picture of life or the second birth. Hence, the con-
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THE K I N G ' S BU S I NE S S
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