INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Narrative of the New Birth
2. The Nature of the New Birth
3. The Necessity of the New Birth
Introductory Remarks.
1. Today's lesson will answer the many objections and opinions regarding "the new birth." We will conduct an analytic review of this topic in light of the New Testament. Some describe this as - "Analytic philosophy - a movement that seeks the solution of philosophical problems in the analysis of prepositions and sentences - called also - philosophical analysis." Our purpose with God’s help today is to answer all the arguments that modern day religious leaders make regarding Jesus' narrative of the "new birth." Some contend it is clearly of the Holy Spirit; and He alone. The phrase: "born of the water and of the Spirit," have sparked much debate and controversy among these leaders. We will use “analytic philosophy,” to examine similar words, phrases, prepositions and sentences to refute all their arguments with New Testament scripture, biblical examples and necessary inferences in "line upon line, precepts upon precepts, here a little, there a little."
2. First, Jesus narrates the new birth to a religious leader. His name was Nicodemus. In our scripture lesson, Nicodemus came to Jesus by night to applaud his authority. He said: "Rabbi we know that thou art a teacher come from God, for no man can do these miracles which thou doeth except God be with him." The Master responded, "Except a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Jesus introduced and narrated to this leader and the world a discourse concerning the requirements of "the new birth." Jesus narrates this birth with great detail so that the leader and all can understand its nature and necessity.
3. Secondly, the Master defines the nature of this birth. The ruler asked: "How can a man be born again when he is old? Can he enter his mother’s womb the second time and be born?" Jesus replied: "Except a man is born out of the water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God," John 3:5. Jesus declares the components of the “new birth” is both "of water and of the Spirit." In the original language, the text is: "ek hudatos kai pneumatos." Many of these leaders will claim the "Spirit” but, deny the water as part of the “new birth.” They even attempt to interpret water in our text as the "word” or the "spirit." We will answer these arguments at the appropriate time.
4. Finally, Jesus tells the leader: "Except a man if born again he cannot enter the kingdom of God." He further stated to him: "ye must be born again." The new birth then, is necessary. To enter the kingdom of God, he must undergo or experience it. If one is to enter the kingdom of God: "He must be born again." There is no option, no getting around this truth. However, this is a topic of argument and debate among many religious leaders today, as well as the nature and components of this birth. We will deal with them all in this lesson. Let’s consider first the “narrative of the new birth.”
BODY OF LESSON
I. THE NARRATIVE OF THE NEW BIRTH
A. Our lesson opens 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."
B. Jesus introduces the new birth. The Master looked into this leader's heart and replied to his most profound spiritual need: 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." Jesus declares that one cannot enter the kingdom of God without the new birth.
C. 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 NT.
D. Other references to new birth are:
1. Regeneration. Paul calls it “regeneration” in Titus 3:5. "Not of works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit." We will revisit this verse later in our lesson.
2. New man. It is also referred to as the "new man." He penned: "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; Colossians 3:9-10.
3. Inward man. It is elsewhere as the "inward man." Notice: "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man," Romans 7:22. Also, "For which cause (reason) we faint not, but though our outward man perishes, yet our inward man is renewed day by day," 2 Corinthians 4:16.
4. 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 refers to it as the,
5. Hidden man of the heart. He penned: "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.
E. There is no disagreement regarding the merits of the new birth. Jesus said: "Except a man is born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of God," John 3:3. Jesus declares one "cannot enter the kingdom of God" without it.
1. Most religious leaders and believers agree that the "new birth" is necessary to enter the kingdom of God. This is clear from many old and sacred writings. You can consider the sermons of Billy Holiday, William Moody, John Knox, Mathew Henry, Billy Graham, and the noted TD Jake. These noted evangelical ministers and evangelists agree that one must experience the “new birth” to enter the kingdom of God. If we are to enjoy the blessings of forgiveness of sins, and the promise of eternal salvation we must be “born again.”
2. However, they all 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.
3. Each of us has experienced the natural birth that brought us into the kingdom of this world, to experience all its trials, hardships, blessings, and opportunities. The "new birth" in like fashion grant us entrance into the "kingdom of God," where we are privileged to experience all the spiritual blessings in Christ and enjoy the hope of eternal life, Ephesians 1:3. Consider with me now the "nature of the new birth."
II. THE NATURE OF THE NEW BIRTH
A. You recall that Nicodemus thought the "new birth" was natural; an old man entering his mother's womb and being born again. Was that possible? We all know the answer. He had missed the message, as many do today. Jesus corrected him by saying: "Except a man is born of the water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God," John 3:5.
B. Flesh is flesh. Jesus replied: "That which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit," John 3:6. Jesus points out that the nature of the "new birth" is one of the Spirit. The old man must experience "regeneration, transfiguration and rebirth" to be added to the kingdom of God. Notice:
1. The word regeneration occurs only in the New Testament, Titus 3:5. But the concept or idea is common throughout the Bible. The literal meaning of “regeneration” is to be "born again." There is a birth that’s of the earth; and a birth that’s 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 can "enter into the kingdom of God," John 3:7.
2. Physical conception and birth. This is not Sex 101. However, just for a moment let’s discuss the physical process of fertilization, conception, development and birth.
a. Our parents experienced a moment of love and intimacy.
b. An egg or ova was deposited in the wife’s uterus.
c. The husband’s seed fertilizes the ovum, resulting in fertilization.
d. If the time was right, conception will occur.
e. a fetus begins to grow and develop in the mother's womb.
f. In about nine months, a baby is ready to be born into the world.
g. To experience its challenges, its blessings and opportunities.
C. Spirit is spirit. The "new birth" is the work of the Spirit. I should clarify, by the direction and work of the Holy Spirit. Thus, regeneration is an act of God through the Holy Spirit, resulting in one "being born again" or "regenerated" to a new life in Jesus Christ. As Paul points out to the Corinthians: "For if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature," 2 Corinthians 5:17. The process of conception and birth into the kingdom of God is similar to that of the physical kingdom. We will discuss this process, completely later.
D. Born out of water and the Spirit. Hear this phrase in the original language: "gennao ek hudatos kai pneumatos." Let’s analyze it thoroughly. Notice:
1. First, gennao (ghen-nah’-o); to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); to regenerate: KJV-- bear, beget, is born, bring forth, conceive, be delivered of, gender, make, spring. Born or beget, 1 Corinthians 4:15; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23.
2. Further, ek (ek) or ex (ex); a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote). This word “ek” is often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
3. Next, hudor (hoo’-dore); genitive case, hudatos (hoo’-dat-os), etc.; from the base of water: KJV-- water. Water as the primary element, out of and through which the world before the deluge, arose and was compacted.
4. Also, kai (kahee); a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words: KJV-- and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, etc.
5. Finally, pneumatos (pnyoo’-mah); by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy Spirit: KJV-- ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind.
6. Interpretation: One is “born out of the water and the Spirit." The Spirit is the male (Father) of the birth, the water is the female (Mother) of the birth, and the word of God is the seed planted.
a. The Spirit, the male of the birth, John 16:13.
b. The water, the female of the birth, Jonah 1:15.
c. The seed of the birth is the word of God, Luke 8:11; 1 Peter 1:23.
ILLUSTRATION: The seed is planted by preaching the word of God. The believer acquires faith, compelled to repent, confesses the name of Jesus, and then demonstrates obedience in baptism. He is born "out of the water and of the Spirit." Notice if you would the conversion of the Ethiopian, in Acts 8:29-39.
d. The noble treasurer: Who inquired help in the scriptures from Philip the Evangelist.
1) Heard the preaching of Christ, Acts 8:35. As a result of the preaching of Philip the Evangelist, "He began at the same scripture and preached unto him Jesus." The seed was sown! Fertilization took place.
2) Believe the gospel of Christ, Acts 8:36-37. When he heard of the death and suffering of Christ he was moved, and believed the preaching of Philip that Jesus was the Christ, and the "lamb of God," John 1:29. He acknowledged his faith in Jesus saying to the preacher: "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God," Acts 8:37. Faith was acquired. Conception took place, Romans 10:17.
3) Baptized in water, Acts 8:38-39. Finally, he desired to be baptized to enter the kingdom of God. "He commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he was baptized. When they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip," Acts 8:38-39. Birth took place when he came up out of the water! He experienced the "new birth."
4). The eunuch "came up out of the water" being born into the kingdom of God. He then "Went on his way rejoicing," Acts 8:39.
6. Notice other examples of the phrase: "out of the water."
a. First Moses, "When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, "I drew him out of the water," Exodus 2:10. The name Moses means: "Saved from the water."
ILLUSTRATION: When does one become a son. When they are “drawn out of the water.”
b. Further, baptism of Jesus: "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him," Matthew 3:16.
c. Finally, Jesus again in Mark: "As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove." "Anabainon apo ton hudatos," or "going up from the water," Mark 1:10.
E. Enter the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is the house of God, and the place where all the save resides. Paul establishes this point in the Colossian Letter, that is "He (Christ) has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son (kingdom of God - ref)," Colossians 1:13. Notice Paul’s discussion of baptism, in Romans 6:3-7: Galatians 3:26-27. Finally, let’s notice the "necessity of the new birth."
III. THE NECESSITY OF THE NEW BIRTH
A. Finally, we notice that the "new birth" is necessary to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus said: "Marvel not that I said unto you, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit," John 3:7-8.
1. Brother Marshall Keeble in one of his famous lessons on baptism said: "The word ‘must,’ is one of the strongest words in the English language."
2. Jesus does not grant the seeker of salvation any alternative or exception. He said: "Ye must be born again" if you will "enter the kingdom of God," John 3:7.
B. How can any claim to have gained entrance into the kingdom of God without the "new birth?" And if the "new birth" is impossible without "being born out of the water and the Spirit," how can we minimize the importance of baptism in the conversion process? I contend today, that it is impossible to be a member of the kingdom of God without being "born again" or "born out of the water and of the Spirit."
C. Some arguments regarding the new birth.
1. The "new birth" is one of the Holy Spirit alone. However, Jesus includes the "water and Spirit" in the new birth, John 3:5.
2. Water is not “water.” Some argue that the water mentioned in John 3:5 is not water. How does this then relate to mentioning water elsewhere in the bible? How about this: "And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized," John 3:23. The word "water" in verse 5 is the same as the word "water" in John 3:23. I, therefore conclude, that they are the same thing. Baptism was always performed where there was much water, Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 8:26-39.
3. Water is the spirit. Some argue that the water mentioned in these verses is the spirit. Notice: "He that believeth on me as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given: because that Jesus was not yet glorified)," John 7:38-39. They suggest the “living water” is the Holy Spirit in John 3:5. Notice then their argument:
a. They conclude the “water” is the “spirit.”
b. Therefore, the water mentioned in John 3:5, is the “spirit.” So, they conclude!
c. Well, if the “water” is the “spirit.” Then, the “spirit” can also be the “water.”
d. Then, the Lord said: "Except a man is born out of the Spirit and of the water he cannot enter the kingdom of God." Now that cannot be right! Then, some suggest,
e. The “water” is the word. They cite this text: "That he (Christ) might sanctify and cleanse it (the church) with the washing of water by the word," Ephesians 5:26.
1) 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 the Spirit - ref.)."
2) Notice, John declaration of the word: "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.
3) Ananias commanded Paul: “To arise, and be baptized to wash away his sins,” Acts 22:16. Later to the Corinthians,
4) Paul wrote: “But you were washed, sanctified, and justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:11. The Corinthians were all washed, sanctified, and justified “through the word of the Spirit and baptism.” John 17:17.
5) The Gr., “washed” or “apolouo” is the same word in all these passages that refer to being “washed.”
ILLUSTRATION: Naaman was instructed to go “was in the River Jordan” to be clean of his leprosy, 2 Kings 5:10-14.
f. The “water” is the "living water," John 4:10-11. We have addressed this argument already in our discussion of John 7:38-39. These references concern the Holy Ghost, which Jesus promises to all who believe in him. The Holy Ghost is received after demonstrating an obedient faith, Acts 5:32, Acts 2:38. The final one,
g. The “water” is the mother’s “after birth.” One prominent leader called the “water” of John 3:5. Theorizing Jesus meant the “after birth” during a mother’s natural birth. Jesus, however, removed the natural elements from the "new birth," John 3:6. I believe no further discussion is required regarding this interpretation!
D. The kingdom of God. As mentioned earlier the kingdom of God would contain the "born again." This was not by chance, but by the design of God. Notice also these references:
1. Saved are to enter the kingdom of God, Matthew 19:24-26.
2. Converted are to enter the kingdom of God, Matthew 18:3.
3. Born again are to enter the kingdom of God, John 3:5.
E. Faith, repentance and baptism. These are required to enter the kingdom of God.
1. Faith and baptism required to be saved, Mark 16:15-16. Thus, those who obey have an entrance into the kingdom of God.
2. For sins to be blotted out, requires repentance and conversion, Acts 3:19. Thus, those who repent and are converted enter the kingdom of God.
3. Born again are to enter the kingdom of God. Early saints were "born again," 1 Peter 1:23. Thus, those "born out of the water and the Spirit" shall enter the kingdom of God. Before concluding, let's quickly review this lesson.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Narrative of the new birth
2. Nature of the new birth
3. Necessity of the new birth
B. Summary of main points.
1. First, we described Jesus' narrative of the new birth, to Nicodemus a ruler of the Jews. He instructed him that no one can enter the kingdom of God without the "new birth."
2. Second, we noted the nature and components of this birth include both: "water and Spirit." If we are to obey the Lord and experience the "new birth," then we must all conclude that it involves both the "water and the Spirit." We have considered the many arguments presented by the religious leaders of our time just as did Jesus then with Nicodemus.
3. Finally, we discussed the necessity of the "new birth" that grants entrance into the kingdom of God. One can experience its entire spiritual blessing and is granted that hope that springs up into "eternal life."
C. Invitation. Jesus’, invitation still stands today. "Except a man is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." If you would enter, believe what Jesus says about the "new birth." Decide in your heart to obey the gospel of Christ by repenting your sins, confessing your faith in Christ, and being baptized for the "remission of sins." Thus, you will be allowed to enter the kingdom of God by being "born out of the water and of the Spirit."
D. Persuade. Peter: "With many other words did he testify saying save yourself from this untoward generation," Acts 2:38-39. Also, Paul says, "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men," 2 Corinthians 5:10-11. Finally, Jesus: "He that rejecteth me and receive not my word hath one that judge him, the same word that I have spoken shall judge him at the last day," John 12:48.
E. Motivation. "Whosoever will, let him come," Revelations 22:17. Also: "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and sup with him, and he with me," Revelation 3:20. Finally, Jesus: "Come unto me all ye that labor," Matthew 11:28-30. Won’t you consider the "new birth" and trust the Lord today. Come now while we stand together and sing. Come the water is ready. You have heard the word of God; the seed has been sown in your heart. Come and be buried with Christ in water so you can be "born again." Won’t you come now, as we stand together and sing!
Sermon was updated by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on 4/22/2025.
