The phrase “born of water” appears in John 3:5, where Jesus says to Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” There are several main interpretations of what it means to be “born of water”:
Water Baptism
Many Christians believe being “born of water” refers to water baptism. According to this view, water baptism is essential for salvation and entry into the kingdom of God. Supporters of this position appeal to passages like Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, and 1 Peter 3:21, where baptism is tied to forgiveness of sins and salvation. However, these verses do not conclusively prove baptism is required for salvation, and there are also verses suggesting people were saved before being baptized (Acts 10:44-48). Overall, the Bible’s teaching on baptism and salvation is complex.
Natural Birth / Amniotic Fluid
Another view is that being “born of water” refers to the physical birth process – emerging from the waters of the womb. The amniotic fluid that surrounds a baby in the womb is primarily water. According to this view, Jesus was referring to being physically born in addition to being spiritually born again. However, this seems like an unusual way for Jesus to describe physical birth.
Spiritual Cleansing
Others think being “born of water” refers figuratively to spiritual cleansing. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, water is used metaphorically to symbolize spiritual cleansing and renewal (Ezekiel 36:25-27, Ephesians 5:26, Titus 3:5). This view fits with the spiritual rebirth theme in Jesus’ teaching to Nicodemus. However, elsewhere Jesus speaks of being “born again” or “born from above” without mentioning water (John 3:3, 7).
Word of God
A fourth view is that “water” in John 3:5 represents the Word of God. This connects being “born of water” to 1 Peter 1:23, which says believers have been “born again…through the living and enduring word of God.” Water can symbolize the cleansing, renewing power of God’s Word in a person’s life. However, this seems less obvious than the symbolic use of water for spiritual cleansing.
Church Traditions
The Roman Catholic Church has historically interpreted “born of water” to mean the waters of baptism, along with being born of the Spirit, are necessary for salvation. Some Protestant churches such as Baptists and Churches of Christ also link water closely with baptism in their understanding of being born again.
Other Protestants such as Presbyterians separate water and Spirit as referring to baptism and regeneration. Still others like Methodists affirm baptism while allowing that the thief on the cross demonstrates salvation without water baptism.
Putting the Pieces Together
In summary, there are several main ways Christians have interpreted Jesus’ phrase “born of water”:
- Water baptism
- Physical birth / amniotic fluid
- Figurative spiritual cleansing
- The Word of God
Each view has its merits and difficulties. Given the breadth of what “water” can symbolize, perhaps Jesus had multiple meanings in mind – natural birth, spiritual cleansing, and the renewing power of the Word can all play a role in making someone ready to be “born of the Spirit.”
The safest conclusion is that being born again spiritually is absolutely essential for salvation, based on the thrust of Jesus’ teaching in John 3:3, 5-8. The precise meaning and role of “water” in the process remains open for debate. But all Christians affirms the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s work in transforming a person’s heart and bringing spiritual life.
Why Must We Be Born Again?
Jesus stresses to Nicodemus that “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Physical birth only produces physical life. In order to have spiritual life and a relationship with God, there must be a supernatural spiritual birth from above. The reason we must be born again is because:
- We are naturally dead in sin. Ephesians 2:1 says “you were dead in the trespasses and sins.” Without spiritual life, we are cut off from God and incapable of relating to Him (Romans 3:23; 6:23).
- We must have a new heart. To be reconciled with God, we need a radical heart transformation. As Ezekiel 36:26 says, God gives us a “new heart” and puts a “new spirit” within us when we are born again by His Spirit.
- We must become a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says in Christ “the old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Only the creative work of the Holy Spirit makes us spiritually alive in Christ.
Jesus described this birth from above as something mysterious that cannot be controlled or perfectly understood, like the wind (John 3:8). But the effects are clear – a transformed life of love for God (1 John 4:7). That is why being born again spiritually is essential for belonging to God’s kingdom.
How Does the New Birth Occur?
Although Jesus did not explain technically how the new birth happens, the rest of the New Testament gives insight into this mystery. Some key points about how spiritual regeneration occurs:
- It is a work of the Holy Spirit. John 3:5 makes clear being “born of…the Spirit” is fundamental. The Spirit is the agent who brings new life and transforms our hearts. (John 6:63, Titus 3:5-6).
- It is received by faith. When we hear and respond to the gospel in faith, we experience new birth. 1 Peter 1:23 says we are “born again…through the living and abiding word of God.”
- It results in a new creation. When the Spirit generates new life in Christ, we become a “new creation” (2 Cor 5:17). Old habits and desires pass away and are replaced with holy affections.
- It leads to a changed life. Those who are born again live differently because they have a renewed mind and walk in the Spirit (Romans 6:4, Romans 12:2, Galatians 5:16). Hatred for sin and love of righteousness become the pattern of life.
Although the new birth is ultimately a work of the Spirit according to God’s will, our response of faith to Christ is an essential part of the process. As we turn to Christ, the Spirit transforms us into new creations.
Evidence of the New Birth
Since the new birth is an inward spiritual transformation, what is evidence that it has genuinely taken place? Several passages describe outward fruit that demonstrates inner rebirth:
- Faith and confession of Christ – 1 John 5:1 says whoever believes Jesus is the Christ is “born of God.” Confessing Christ as the Son of God evidence spiritual life.
- Love of other Christians – 1 John 4:7 says “everyone who loves is born of God.” Love is the preeminent sign of new life in Christ.
- Victory over sin – 1 John 5:4 says those born of God overcome the world. Ongoing growth in holiness shows a new nature.
- Practice of righteousness – 1 John 2:29 states “everyone who practices righteousness is born of him.” A life pattern of righteousness gives evidence of new birth.
While conduct is not infallible proof of spiritual rebirth, a transformed life corroborates the inner change. Progress in godliness through the power of the Spirit confirms the regenerating work of God.
Necessity of Rebirth
Jesus’ imperative that we must be born again in order to enter God’s kingdom (John 3:5) raises a final question – is rebirth absolutely essential for salvation? Several passages underscore the critical necessity of spiritual rebirth:
- John 1:12-13 indicates receiving Christ and becoming God’s child is only possible through new birth.
- 1 John 5:1 states only those born of God have assurance of eternal life.
- Titus 3:5 teaches God saves us according to His mercy by “the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Salvation is inseparable from rebirth.
- 1 Peter 1:3 says God has caused us to be born again “into a living hope” of eternal inheritance. Rebirth undergirds the hope of salvation.
The consistent testimony of Scripture is that new spiritual birth is not a take-it-or-leave-it option. It is the indispensable doorway to eternal life. That is why Jesus’ call to all people is “you must be born again” (John 3:7).
In summary, being born again spiritually is a miraculous work of God through the Holy Spirit, in which He gives new life, new desires, and a new identity as children of God. All those who turn to Jesus Christ in repentant faith experience this radical inner transformation. The new birth is the pathway into God’s eternal kingdom, which makes it absolutely essential for salvation.