John 3:5 – Verse of the Day 8/15/13

 
Jesus spoke these words to Nicodemus after telling him in verse 3 that he must be “born again.” Here he explains that this new birth is both according to “water” and the “Spirit.” From the context it is clear that “Spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit, but it is not as obvious what Jesus meant by “water.” Most biblical scholars see this as a reference to the baptism of John the Baptist, which was a baptism of repentance that signified cleansing from sin. The Bible frequently connects the work of the Holy Spirit with cleansing from sin, and this seems to be what Jesus means when he says that we must be born again.

The gift of faith is so radical that it completely changes us. The change is so thorough that we really are “born again” as new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). As you pray, thank the Lord for this gift of new life, and pray that you would live in a way that demonstrates the reality of the change the Lord has brought in your heart.