INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Creation of the Natural Man
2. The Creation of the New Naaman
3. The Creation of the New Man
Remarks.
1. In this lesson we will answer an aged long question, and that will be: “is there water in the plan?” In every great event where God has dealt with man, favorable or unfavorable; water was in the plan. Today, beloved we will be discussing one of the most heated and debated topic regarding the work of God in the bible! For the devout bible student or the casual reader, the bible unfolds with event after event where God has used water in his work to make, destroy, and save man; to cleanse him, to open his eyes and even to heal him, and lastly to redeem him. Notice:
a. To Noah God warned that he would destroy the world with water. Yet, with the same element, He preserved Noah and his house. The Lord preserved the nation of Israel with water; and destroyed their enemy, the nation of Egypt in the same water - the Red Sea.
b. To the blind man Jesus said: "Go wash in the pool of Siloam and he came back seeing."
c. And to the man afflicted with Palsy, he recognized that cleansing which could be had - "in the water." This man had an affliction for 38 years; and lying before the pool of Bethesda, "waiting for the troubling of the water." Which one of these I just mentioned would argue, "That there was nothing in the water?"
d. The bigger question before us today is simply this: “is baptism essential to salvation?” Many religious leaders and believers would answer that it is not! To answer this question we will begin with the first man, and that is Adam, 1 Corinthians 15:45-47.
2. First, we will explore God’s use of water in the creation of the natural man - Adam. This was not completed without water. Science has proven that man's body is composed of nearly 70% water. Did this just happen? Or was this by design? Adam, the first Man was made by God. God fashioned him from water and dust; into His own image and likeness, Genesis 1:26-27. And water clearly, was in His plan.
3. Secondly, we will consider Naaman the Leper who was cleansed of his leprosy after dipping in the river Jordan 7 times. Naaman said: "Behold I thought, he (Elisha) will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper." But, the prophet did not; he only gave him instruction to go dip 7 times in the Jordan River. When Naaman washed 7 times, "His flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was cleansed of his leprosy,” 2 Kings 5:14.
4. Finally, we will investigate God’s work in the “new birth” or the “new man.” Jesus discussed with Nicodemus the necessity of a new man, by way of a new birth. And beloved, water was in the plan. No one would suggest that God could not have accomplished the new birth without water. Nor can anyone who is sincere argue that water is not a part of the new birth. It's in the waters of baptism we are forgiven of our sins. It's in the act of baptism man's faith and God’s grace comes together. If anyone can be saved without the new birth; he/she can be saved without the grace of God, Ephesians 2:4-10.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE CREATION OF THE NATURAL MAN
A. The creation of the natural man. "And God said; Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: ... God created in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them," Genesis 1:26-27. Illustrate: Male and female. Adam and Eve; not Adam and Steve! "Let us make man." Who is the “us” in this text? The phrase describes more than one person in the verse, (this affirms the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). Notice:
1. The Beginning: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him (the Word); and without him (the Word) was not anything made that was made," John 1:1-3.
2. The Word: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth," John 1:14. Jesus tabernacle among us! He pitched his tent, and was called: “Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us,” Matthew 1:23.
3. The One God: “The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord,” Mark 12:29.
a. One Godhead, Romans 1:20, Acts 17:29, Colossians 2:9.
b. Three Persons. There are three personalities in the Godhead. Can the “One God” have its divine expression, in Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost? Matthew 3:14-16; Matthew 17:1-5.
c. Can a man and his wife be one; yet have two separate and distinct personalities? Jesus said: “For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?” Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31-33.
d. Seen the Father: “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father,” John 14:9. Yet they are one: “I and my Father are one,” John 10:30.
e. Illustrate: Oneness doctrine, three glasses of tea, Ephesians 4:4-6.
B. God formed man: "But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul," Genesis 2:6-7.
1. Water and dust. Jehovah made man of dust and water. "For dust thou art, and dust thou shall return," Genesis 3:19. Illustrate: Made woman from Adam's rib, Genesis 2:18, 21-25.
2. God put Adam to sleep; opened his side; a brought him his bride. Christ too was sleep; when they opened his side; and he purchased his bride, John 19:34; Acts 20:28.
C. Man is a triune being, he consists of body, soul and spirit. Notice Paul: "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ," 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
1. First, the Jehovah’s Witnesses which say: “That man is a soul.” While God declares: “man has a soul.” God made man in his own image and likeness. He was made a “little lower than the angels,” Hebrews 2:7.
2. Further, man is wonderfully made. David said: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well,” Psalms 139:14.
3. Finally, “What is man, that thou are mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visiteth him?” Psalms 8:4. See also Hebrews 2:6.
D. The spirit of man. God has formed the spirit of man within him. Notice the prophet Zechariah: "The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel, saith the Lord, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him," Zechariah 12:1.
1. First, "But there is a spirit in man; and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding," Job 32:8. David said: “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,” Psalms 119:104-105.
2. Further, "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God," 1 Corinthians 2:11. See also, Philippians 3:3; and 1 Corinthians 14:14-15.
3. Finally, “For the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also,” James 2:26. James affirms that when the spirit (not the breath) departs the body; the body is dead.
a. When the “spirit” returns, one is revived, 1 Kings 17:21-22; 2 Kings 13:20-21.
b. Her “spirit came again, and she arose,” Luke 8:52-55; 2 Kings 4:32-37.
E. Spirit at death returns to God. At death the spirit of man returns to God which giveth it. Notice: "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it," Ecclesiastes 12:7.
1. The JW say: “breath is the spirit.” Illustrate: Jesus giveth up the Ghost, Matthew 27:50. Notice: "He yielded up the ghost" JW’s, New World Translation: "he yielded up [his] breath."
2. The Spirit and breath: "If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; all flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust," Job 34:14-15; Ecclesiastes 8:8.
3. Spirit and breath are not the same; in the word of God. This is only true in the JW's, NWT. - Revised AD 1961. It is used and distributed by Jehovah's Witnesses. See reference 1 below. Let’s consider now our next point.
II THE CREATION OF THE NEW NAAMAN
A. His position and condition. Naaman was: "Captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valor, but he was a leper," 2 Kings 5:1. Notice:
1. First, God reminds us all today; we might be bankers; businessmen; executives, or assembly line workers, but we are all sinners. Our stature in man’s eyes is not a measure of a person with God. "In every nation he that feareth Him and worketh righteousness is accepted of God," Acts 10:34-35.
2. Further, we are all afflicted with sin, Romans 3:23. Our position in life means nothing to God. "We are all as unclean things, and all of our righteousness are as filthy rags," Isaiah 64:6.
3. Next, there is no respect of persons with God. Notice Paul: "For there is no respect of persons with God," Romans 2:11. Further he adds: “Neither is there respect of persons with Him (God),” Ephesians 6:9. As there is no respect of persons with God; we are charge ourselves; not to show respect of persons with others, James 2:1. To show such, it is a sin in the sight of God, James 2:9.
4. Finally, God has provided a cure for our sins; like he would provide a cleansing of Naaman for his leprosy. A that cure would require “faith and obedience” to his words; regardless of how it might appear unto us.
B. A prophet in Israel. Naaman learned of the prophet in Israel, 2 Kings 5:2-4.
1. The maid of Naaman’s wife: “And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria; for he would recover him of his leprosy,” 2 Kings 5:2-3.
2. Naaman is told of the prophet: “And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel,” 2 Kings 5:4.
3. There came a great prophet unto us: “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people,” Acts 3:22-23. Peter tells the people listening to him the purpose of this prophet that had come into the world.
4. Purpose of this prophet: “Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities,” Acts 3:25-26. A greater prophet than Moses, Elisha, Isaiah and John the Baptist has come; to promise all that come unto Him that: “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more,” Hebrews 10:17.
C. A letter unto the king and his distress, 2 Kings 5:5-8.
1. The king Syria sent Naaman with a letter to the king of Israel: “And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. Naaman departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment,” 2 Kings 5:5.
2. The king of Israel was wrought: “And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy. And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? Wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me,” 2 Kings 5:6-7.
3. Elisha hears of the king’s distress: “And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, Saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? Let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel,” 2 Kings 5:8. Elisha told the king: “Let the man come; that he might see that there is a prophet in Israel!”
D. Naaman's visit to the prophet's house:
1. First, he arrives with horses and chariots, to impress Elisha: "So Naaman came with his horses, and chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shall be clean," 2 Kings 5:9-10.
2. Further, he was displeased with Elisha: "Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold I thought, He will surely come out to me, (seeing I am a mighty man), and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper," 2 Kings 5:11.
a. I would suggest that there will be many who will “turn away and leave mad” after hearing this lesson.
b. However, I must remind you; that this anger will not change your condition, or the commandment of the Lord.
3. Next, he didn't like the place of his promised cleansing. He argued: "Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? May I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage," 2 Kings 5:12. I implore you to consider:
a. You can leave here in a rage, but it doesn't change a thing.
b. You will still be a sinner; and the place of cleansing will not change – it is where God has directed it – and that is in the water.
c. Jesus asked a man: “Wilt thou be made whole?” See John 5:1-9.
d. Illustrate: The Troubling of the Water. It took the troubling of the water to first occur; then getting into it when the angel was in the water; for one to be made whole.
e. Jesus has troubled the waters; and if you get into the water with him, thou shalt be made whole. He will forgive you of all your sins. We will speak to this more as we conclude this lesson.
4. Finally, the rebuke of his servant. Notice: "And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, my father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? How much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?" See 2 Kings 5:13.
1. Sometimes it takes others outside of our immediate circle to point out how foolish we think and behave.
2. If we are beseeching God to save us; shouldn’t we follow His instruction on how to be saved?
3. Many make the mistake of minimizing, the terms of God’s plan of salvation. To God this is a test to the measure of our: “Faith and obedience to His will.” We cannot dictate to God how we want to be saved; we must obey His will. In every act of faith under the Old Testament of those that pleased God; with their faith, there was a corresponding act of obedience. Illustrate: Faith in 3D. Consider:
a. Faith defined, Hebrews 11:1.
b. Faith directed, Hebrews 11:6.
c. Faith demonstrated, Hebrews 11:7ff.
1) By faith Noah: “Being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, and prepared an ark to the saving of his house ... and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith,” Hebrews 11:7.
2) By faith Abraham: “When he was tried, offered up Isaac,” Hebrews 11:17-19; Genesis 22:5-8; Genesis 22:11-19.
3) By faith Israel: “Passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned,” Hebrews 11:29; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.
4. Conclusion: In every act of faith; there was a corresponding act of obedience. In the case of Naaman it will be the same. Notice his obedience to the words of the prophet.
E. Naaman’s faith and obedience. Naaman’s response: "Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan; according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean," 2 Kings 5:14. When was he cleansed of his leprosy? When he by faith went into the river Jordon and dipped seven times! Faith and a corresponding act of obedience.
1. God is not impressed with our millions; but with a contrite heart; and a willingness to obey His will and instruction. Notice:
a. The words of King Saul: "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams,"1 Samuel 15:22. His failure to obey God; caused him his kingdom. Our failure to obey God; could cause us our soul: “For what shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul,” Matthew 16:26.
b. The prayer of David: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise," Psalms 51:17.
c. Jesus said: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted," Matthew 5:3-4.
2. Our lessons learned:
a. God placed Naaman’s cleansing in the Jordan River.
b. If Naaman wanted to be clean of his leprosy, he had to get into the water.
c. There was no cleansing without dipping – washing (7 times).
d. Once he dipped – he was obedient to the prophet's directions.
e. Naaman came up out of the water cleansed of his leprosy.
f. This was a figure of “baptism unto him” for cleansing of his leprosy.
g. Like the man afflicted 38 years, was willing to get into the water to be made whole. Was there water in the plan? With this, let’s consider our last point.
III THE CREATION OF THE NEW MAN
A. The creation of the new man was and is Gods greatest work with water. Water has always been symbolic with cleansing. Jesus used water in his personal ministry for cleansing and healing. Notice:
1. The blind man in John 9. He made clay of spit and dirt. Placed it in the man’s eyes and told him: "Go wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing," John 9:7; John 9:11. Illustrate: I don’t want any spit in my eyes!
2. The man of palsy John 5. This man had this affliction for 38 years. Why was he there? Notice: "In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water; whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had," John 5:3-4.
3. We begin our discussion of the new birth with a religious leader coming to Jesus by night. His name was Nicodemus; a ruler of the Jews, John 3:1-2. He acknowledged the authority and power of Christ, when he said: “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these miracles that you do unless God is with him.”
a. Jesus introduces the new birth. The Master looks into the heart of this leader and replied to his deepest spiritual needs, that is, he needed to experience the “new birth.” Jesus said: “Truly, truly I say unto you except a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God,” John 3:3. Jesus begins to narrate his discussion of the kingdom of God and the new birth.
b. Nicodemus answer to Jesus. “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” This response implies the leader was confused about the nature of this birth. Jesus discusses its nature as well as its necessity in the remaining verses. Before looking at this, I want to review other references to the new birth in the New Testament Scriptures.
4. Other references to NEW BIRTH are:
a. Regeneration. Paul calls it regeneration in Titus 3:5. We will revisit this verse later in our lesson.
b. New man. It is also referred to as the “new man,” Colossians 3:9-10. And, “That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lust, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness,” Ephesians 4:22-24.
c. Inward man. It is called elsewhere as the “inward man: “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man,” Romans 7:22. Also, Paul wrote: “For which cause (reason) we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet our inward man is renewed day by day,” 2 Corinthians 4:16.
d. Inner man. Paul wrote: “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man,” Ephesians 3:16. And finally, Peter makes reference to the....
e. Hidden man of the heart. “Rather let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price,” 1 Peter 3:4.
B. New birth’s necessity. There is no disagreement in the necessity of the new birth. Jesus said: “Except a man is born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of God,” John 3:3. If it is not experienced: “He cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
1. Most religious leaders and believers agree that the “new birth” is necessary for an entrance into the kingdom of God.
a. This is clear from many old and sacred writings. Sermons by Billy Holiday, William Moody, John Knox, Mathew Henry, Billy Graham, as well as the noted TD Jake; agree the new birth is necessary.
b. All of these noted denominational ministers agree that one must experience the “new birth” to enter the kingdom of God; in order to enjoy the blessings and promises of God; that is eternal life.
2. However, they disagree vehemently on the nature and components of the “new birth.” Just as the religious leader Jesus instructed in our text. Nicodemus replied: “How can a man be born again when he is old? Can he enter into his mother’s womb and be born?” He theorized the, “new birth” to be natural; just as the one he experienced from his mother’s womb. Can a man enter again into his mother’s womb? This of course was not the case; nor possible!
a. Each of us have experience the natural birth, that, which brought us into the kingdom of this world; to experience all its trials, hardships as well as its blessings and opportunities.
b. The “new birth” in like fashion grant us entrance into the kingdom of God; where we experience all the spiritual blessings in Christ, and are assured of the hope of eternal life. “All spiritual blessing are in Christ,” Ephesians 1:3. We are: “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,” Ephesians 2:10.
C. The components of the new birth. The word regeneration occurs only in the New Testament. Paul wrote: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5. The concept or idea of regeneration, is common theme throughout the Bible. The literal meaning of regeneration is to be "born again." There is a first birth that is of the earth; and a second birth that is of heaven. The first, as Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Is of the flesh"; the second: "Is of the Spirit," John 3:6. Being born of the Spirit is essential before anyone is granted an: “Entrance into the kingdom of God.”
1. To understand the nature and components of the “new birth” we should review quickly the nature and components of the “physical birth.” This is not Sex 101. However, just for a moment let’s discuss the physical process of fertilization, conception, development and birth. Notice:
a. The soon to be parents experienced a moment of love and intimacy.
b. If the expulsion of an ovum from the ovary into the mother’s uterus occurred.
c. The father’s seed fertilizes the ovum, which results in fertilization.
d. If the time was right, conception occurred and the embryos begin.
e. Later, in the mother’s womb the fetus grows and develops (38 weeks).
f. Near the time of delivery, the amniotic sac will burst (water breaks).
g. After a period of labor, a baby, is born into this world.
h. To experience its challenges, its blessings and many opportunities.
2. With this explanation; a similar process occurs in the “new birth.” The male and female comes together; to begin the process of spiritual birth.
3. We will henceforth describe these two parties as “components” of the new birth. Some writers describe the new birth, as having only one component and that is of the Spirit. Citing Jesus: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit... so is everyone that is born of the Spirit,” John 3:6-8. However, the Lord mentions two components. Let’s consider them now.
D. What then, are these two components? Notice Jesus’ description of these two components: “Except a man is born out of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God,” John 3:5. In the original language: “gennao ek hudatos kai pneumatos.” The Lord speaks of two separate and distinct components of the new birth. They are: “The water and the Spirit.” I wish I had some help!
1. The components of this birth are outlined in John 3:5. To analyze this statement we will look into the Greek language for clarity. Notice:
a. The word “born” in Gr., is gennao (ghen-nah'-o); which means, “to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate: KJV-- beget, be born, bring forth, conceive, be delivered of,” 1 Corinthians 4:15, James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23.
b. The word “out of” in Gr., is ek (ek) or ex (ex); which is a primary preposition denoting origin (the point from whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; direct or remote). Often used in composition, i.e., “out of the water,” Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 1:10.
c. The word “water” in Gr., is hudor (hoo'-dore); hudatos (hoo'-dat-os), which means, from the base of water: KJV-- water.
d. The word “and” in Gr., is kai (ka-hee); a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and…often used in connection (or in composition) with other particles or small words: KJV-- and, also, both, but, etc.
d. The word “Spirit” in Gr., is pneumatos (pnyoo'-mah); by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle …etc., or (superhuman) an angel… or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit: KJV-- ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Here it means the Holy Spirit. Not the wind, air or some physical phenomenon; it is spiritual in nature, John 3:6.
2. Interpretation: “One is born out of the water and of the Spirit.” The Spirit is the male or the (father) of the birth, the water is the female or the (mother) of the birth; and the word of God is the “seed” that is planted in the human heart by preaching and teaching.
a. Spirit is the male of the birth: “Howbeit when he the Spirit of truth,” John 16:13. The Spirit sows the seed, the word of God into the heart of the hearer.
b. The seed: “Being born again not…corruptible seed,”1 Peter 1:23; Luke 8:11. The seed is planted by the preaching of the word of God, Romans 10:17. The believer acquires faith, compelled to repent, confesses the name of Jesus, and then demonstrates obedience unto God in baptism.
c. Water is the female of the birth: “So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging,” Jonah 1:15; Psalms 89:9; Luke 8:24. You will note that the bible says: “the sea ceased from her raging.” Notice:
1) The sea and the waters are also described as the womb of the earth.
a) Job wrote: “Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?” And, “Out of whose womb came the ice?” See Job 38:8; Job 38:28-29. The ice glaciers at the North Pole came from the womb of the sea!
b) God said: “And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly, the moving creature that hath life,” Genesis 1:20-21.
c) God created: “And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly,” Genesis 1:21.
2) Summary: Therefore, the water is the female of the birth; and the Spirit the male of the birth. Jesus knew what he was talking about; I’m not so sure of many of these so called preachers today! They think just like Nicodemus.
3) The new birth incorporates the fundamental principles of the "pattern of conversion," as outlined in the Book of Acts. We will discuss one example of conversion, as we extend heaven's invitation.
d. Conclusion: God has ordained that the sinner while in the waters of baptism with Jesus, to perform a “divine operation;” in putting off the old man; and putting on the new man (having forgiven all their trespasses and sins); that he/she might be brought forth – (born again): “Out of the water and of the Spirit” into the kingdom of God, as a new creature in Christ Jesus, Colossians 2:11-13; Romans 6:1-7; Ephesians 2:1-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17. (We go down into the water, “with Jesus” to be baptized “into Jesus;” in order to come up, out of the water “in Jesus!”) If any man be “in Christ he is a new creature.” Amen, and amen.
3. People’s wrote: “One must be born of water and of the Spirit. Whatever this may mean, it will be admitted by all (1) that no one is a member of the kingdom of God until he is born again; (2) that the Savior declares the impossibility of one entering who is not born of water and of the Spirit. All agree that the birth of the Spirit refers to the inward or spiritual change that takes place, and all candid authorities agree that born of water refers to baptism... Alford says: ‘All attempts to get rid of this have sprung from doctrinal prejudices,’” page 333. Reference: People’s New Testament with Explanatory Notes, by B. W. Johnson, Gospel Light Publishing Company, Delight Arkansas, 1891. I call it, “doctrinal malpractice.”
4. Now to consider this process in "real time" let's notice the conversion experience of the Ethiopian eunuch. This conversion experience, illustrates these two components in real time. Please turn your bible to Acts 8. We will begin at verse 26. Are all eyes there? Notice:
a. Philip sent to meet the man in Gaza. Sent by the angel of the Lord; told to join the chariot by the Holy Spirit, Acts 8:26-29.
1) Philip heard the man reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked: “Do you understand what your read?" The man responded: “How can I except some man guide me.” He asked that Philip: “Would come up and join him in the chariot,” Acts 8:30-31.
2) The place of the scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened not he his mouth... who shall declare his generation... for his life was taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or some other man,” Acts 8:32-34.
b. Philip preached Christ. Then Philip opened his mouth: “And began at the same scripture and preached unto him Jesus,” Acts 8:35. The seed was sown into the Ethiopian’s heart! Fertilization in the heart took place.
c. Believe in Jesus Christ. “As they went on their way... they came unto a certain water... And the eunuch said: See here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?”
1) And Philip said: “If thou believeth with all thine heart thou mayest.” If you have faith in Jesus as the Son of God, you may.
2) And he answered and said: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,” Acts 8:37. Faith is acquired; and conception, has now then place: “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17; Romans 10:9-10.
d. Philip baptized him in water. The Ethiopian now takes command of the event: “He commanded the chariot to stand still.” Notice:
1) Both went down into the water: “And they went down into the water both Philip and the eunuch.”
2) Baptism took place in the water: “And he baptized him.”
3) Both came up out of the water: “And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord,” Acts 8:38.
e. Conclusion: It was at this time the eunuch experienced the “new birth,” John 3:5. “And went on his way rejoicing,” Acts 8:39. Now, we have seen the Spirit’s work in this birth; and the water from which he was “born out of the water and of the Spirit.” Before I conclude, let me address some of the arguments regarding the water in John 3:5.
E. Washing of Regeneration. Recall I mentioned earlier that we would revisit Titus 3:5. Now that we have seen the work of the Holy Spirit and water in conversion let’s see how Paul makes mention of these two components in the process of regeneration. He wrote: “But after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy he saved us:”
1. First, “By the washing of regeneration.” We are saved through the bath or “washing of regeneration.” This refers to the “new birth or being born again” which we have already discussed and illustrated in this lesson.
a. People’s wrote: “Two elements enter into the saving; these are referred to in John 3:5 as the birth of water and of the Spirit. God's Spirit (affects) the renewal of the spirit of man by bringing him to faith and repentance through the preaching of the gospel; thus the renewal of the Holy Spirit is begun, and the gift of the Holy Spirit is promised as a sequence of baptism. Romans 6:1-8, show that the sinner dies to sin, is buried by baptism, rises to a new life, and is a new creature.”
b. People’s continues: “Washing of regeneration. Literally, (the) "Bath of regeneration." All commentators of reputation refer this to baptism, such as Meyer, Olshausen, Lange, Plumptree, Schaff, Canon Cook, Wesley, etc. Regeneration is due to the Holy Spirit, but baptism is an outward act that God requires to complete the fact (or act of regeneration),” Page 290. These are (--) my corrections or insertions to the quote from People’s New Testament.
c. Reference: People’s New Testament with Explanatory Notes, by B. W. Johnson, Gospel Light Publishing Company, Delight Arkansas, 1891.
2. Next, “By the renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Here Paul speaks of being given the gift of the Holy Ghost in the process of regeneration. To the Ephesians he wrote: “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 the Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13-14.
3. Also, “Which He (Holy Ghost) shed (poured out) on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.” In obtaining the “remission of our sins;” we were also granted the “gift of the Holy Spirit” through repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, Acts 2:38.
4. Additionally, “That, being justified by His grace.” We were not saved by our works of righteousness; but, by the grace of Jesus Christ. Paul again: “For by grace are ye saved through the faith... it is the gift of God... not of works lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:1-2.
5. Finally, “That, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life,” Titus 3:4-7.
a. Paul to the Galatians wrote: “Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ,” Galatians 4:4-7; Galatians 3:26-29.
b. Paul to the Romans wrote: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear; but, ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ,” Romans 8:14-17.
6. Beloved brethren, visitors and friends, let me begin my conclusion of the lesson by stating God’s terms of pardon for the sinner. Consider them:
a. The sinner is taught the gospel; and told he/she must believe in its power to save, Romans 1:16; Romans 10:17.
b. The believer is then taught of his/her need to repent of all sin and wickedness, Luke 13:3. The repentant believer is still in his/her sins.
c. The believer then confesses faith in Jesus Christ, as being the Son of God, Acts 8:37, Matthew 10:32-33. The repentant believer is still in his/her sins.
d. Finally, the repentant believer is commanded to be baptized, "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,” Matthew 28:19-20. The repentant believer is NOW forgiven of his/her sins after their obedience to God in baptism.
e. Peter commanded the repentant believers on Pentecost to: "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," Acts 2:38. Time permitting, review also Acts 10:44-48. In conclusion, let me summarize what we have presented in this lesson...
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Creation of the Natural Man
2. The Creation of the New Naaman
3. The Creation of the New Man
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we explored God’s use of water in the creation of the natural man - Adam. This was not done without water. Science has proven that man's body is composed of nearly 70% water. Did this just happen? Or was this by God’s design? The natural man was created by God-fashioning him through the use of water and dust; into His own image and likeness. Beloved, water was in his plan.
2. Secondly, we considered Naaman the Leper who was cleansed of his leprosy after dipping in the river Jordan 7 times. Naaman said: "I though He (Elisha) surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper." But, the prophet did not; he only gave him instruction to go dip 7 times in the Jordan River. And when Naaman complied and washed seven times, "his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean."
3. Finally, we investigated God’s work in the “new birth” or the “new man.” We looked at Jesus discussion of the necessity of a “new man,” by way of the “new birth.” And beloved, water was in the plan. No one would suggest that God could not have accomplished the “new birth” without water. Nor, should anyone who is sincere, argue that water is not a part of the “new birth.” It's in the waters of baptism we are forgiven of our sins. It's in the act of baptism man's faith and God’s grace comes together. If anyone can be saved without the “new birth” he/she can be saved without grace, Ephesians 2:4-10.
C. Invitation. Review story of the two blind men, Matthew 20:29-34. Jesus asks: "What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him." As of this moment your eyes are now opened! Will you do as these, "follow him?"
D. Persuade. "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men," 2 Corinthians 5:11. "Today is the day of Salvation," 2 Corinthians 6:2. Illustrate: There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience.
E. Motivation. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering the sight of the blind, and to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord," Luke 4:16-19. Jesus is the answer. Won't you make the decision to follow him right now; as we stand and sing the song of encouragement?
Attachment to Lesson
A few arguments and answers to WATER in the new birth.
Now remember, the Lord defined these two elements or components. Notice:
1. The “new birth” is one of the Holy Spirit alone. However, Jesus included both “water and Spirit” in the new birth, John 3:5. “By one Spirit,” 1 Corinthians 12:13.
2. Water is not water. Some argue the water in verse 5 is not water at all. The word is symbolic for something else. Consider:
a. If you would, the word water in John 3:23. Notice: “And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.” Is the word water here, something other than water?
b. The word “water” “hudatos” in verse 5 is the same as the word “water” “hudata” in verse 23. They are the same word. Baptism was always performed where there was much water.
c. People’s: “And John was baptizing in Ænon near Salim. The site was first identified by Lieut. Conder, of the British Palestine Exploration. He found a village of Ainun near another named Salim, not far from the Jordan, northeast of Samaria, with, as he says (Tent Work, p. 92), “the two requisites for the scene of baptism of a large multitude;--an open space and abundance of water.” Prof. McGarvey, who visited it, says: "Pools, well suited for baptizing are abundant." John baptized there because there was much water there, (John 3:23). This explains, not why John preached at Ænon, but why he baptized there. "Much water" was essential to baptism in New Testament times,” page 335-336. Reference: People’s New Testament with Explanatory Notes, by B. W. Johnson, Gospel Light Publishing Company, Delight Arkansas, 1891.
3. Water is the spirit. Some teach that the “water” is really the “spirit.”
a. These leaders conclude the water is really the spirit. The “water” in John 3:5, refers really to the “spirit.” If that is so:
b. If the water is really the spirit; then, the spirit is really the water.
c. The word “spirit” “pneumatos” in John 4:23-24; should read, “water” rather than “spirit,” if we follow their logic. We must worship the Father in “spirit” and “truth.” This could not be referring to “water.” This violates sound analytic deduction. It also wrest the soundness of the scriptures, 2 Peter 3:15-16.
4. The water is the word. Paul wrote: “That he might sanctify and cleanse it (the church) with the washing of water by the word,” Ephesians 5:26.
a. This verse does not classify the “water” as the “word;” but, certifies that the church is: “Sanctified by the washing of water through the direction of the word (or Spirit - ref.),” John 17:17; Acts 20:32.
b. Notice the bible, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are life,” John 6:63; Psalms 119:50; Psalms 119:93.
5. The water is the “living water,” of John 4:10-11. Jesus states unto the woman at the well – the “water” that he would give her would spring up into eternal life, John 4:14. Jesus makes a similar reference to the “living water” in John 7:38-39. It is true Jesus is discussing something other than “water” in these two passages. Consider:
a. The text in John 7:38-39; had to do with the Holy Ghost which Jesus promises to all those that believe on him.
b. Therefore, the text in John 4:14; had to do also with the Holy Ghost, which Jesus promised to the woman at the well. Jesus here promises her, that if she would drink of the living water; she would thirst no more, Matthew 5:6; Psalms 107:9.
c. The Holy Ghost was promised to the believers, when they: “Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins,” Acts 2:38.
d. This reference had no connection to the “water” in the new birth – but rather to the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is promised to all that obey Christ, Acts 5:32. It is a sign of their seal of redemption, Ephesians 1:13-14.
6. The water is the after-birth. One prominent leader called the water of John 3:5, as the “after-birth” of the natural birth. Jesus however, removed the natural elements from the “new birth” in John 3:5-8.
