Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.”
John 3:5
Are you born of water and spirit? Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born of water and spirit. If he is not born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is the rule of the sovereign God over all creatures and things. Many do not accept this rulership of God. Some do not even think about the rulership of God over their own life even though the new birth brings them eternal life through Jesus Christ. It is interesting to note that Jesus told Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world [see John 18:36]. The Kingdom of God is God’s sovereign rule and authority. Do we believe in His rule and authority over our own life?
The Kingdom of God is like a woman with leaven who took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened [see Luke 13:21]. This means that the leaven uses an agent to make the dough rise. That agent is yeast, which is the Holy Spirit in the Bible. We must have the Holy Spirit in our life in order to grow and expand. This growth will produce fruit into our life. The fruit comes when we follow God’s will and not our own. The Holy Spirit will always point to Christ for He is the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus is also our foundation in which we stand [see 1 Corinthians 3:11]. Are you standing on a firm foundation?
The only foundation that is a sure one is when we have Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith. We believe that Jesus came in the flesh and that He is the son of God. We are assured that with Jesus as our foundation, we cannot go astray. It is Jesus who opens the door into heaven. It is Jesus who atones for our sins. It is Jesus who saves us from Satan. It is Jesus who gives us the Holy Spirit. It is Jesus who was baptized in the Jordan river.
Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:21-22
Baptism is full immersion in water. Baptism in water speaks to conversion from heathenism to God. Conversion of the old nature with its lusts to walking in the character of Christ. It is the washing away the dirt of sin and the selfish life to the life of Christ. It is the washing of regeneration as stated in Titus chapter 3, verse 5. John the Baptist preached for people to repent and be baptized. He also exclaimed that one would come after him who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire, [see Luke 3:16]. If we have been baptized into Christ by water, we have in faith put on the character of Christ.
“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
Galatians 3:27
Born of water and spirit is to follow Jesus through baptism in water and in the Holy Spirit. This is the condition to which we can enter into the Kingdom of God. A person asked Jesus the question if there are few that are saved? Jesus answered and said, “strive to enter in at the narrow gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able,” [Luke 13:24]. In Matthew chapter 7, verse 13 explains that the gate is wide that leads to destruction, and many are going in that way. Many are going in a different way instead of following Jesus.
I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me.”
John 14:6
There is only one way to the Father and that is through Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul told the Corinthains that he preached Christ crucified. It is Christ crucified who became the power of God [see 1st Corinthians 1:23-24]. If we can see this truth, we will be standing on a firm foundation. The power comes from Jesus being crucified on the cross for all mankind. Being born of the water and spirit means that we have become a new creation in Christ Jesus and the old things that we have been, are now passed away. Jesus became sin who knew no sin for our sakes. The father was pleased that Christ became the final sacrifice for all mankind’s sins. This is why we have the word and the ministry of reconciliation.
“To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”
2nd Corinthians 5:19
Pray that you enter in through Christ. Pray for the Spirit to come and fill you with living water so that you may not thirst any longer.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
John 7:38
Do you have rivers of living water flowing in your life? Now is the time for the living waters to flow into your life. Jesus prayed to the Father to give you the Holy Spirit of comfort. Ask for the Holy Spirit of comfort to come. Pray for the love of Jesus to flow into your heart and soul. Remember that Jesus said, “the wind blows, and we may hear it and not know where it comes from, or where it goes,” [John 3:8]. This is everyone that is born of the Spirit. Remember also that the Spirit will testify of Jesus [see John 15:26]. Without Jesus we can do nothing on our own, but with Jesus we can say with Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me,” [Philippians 4:13]. To follow Jesus, we first must be born of water and spirit. Be baptized in the water and in the Holy Spirit.