What does it mean to “be born of water and of the Spirit”?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5 KJV)

Welcome today to sweet bible study! We shall be seeing into this word used by Jesus with a view to understanding what it means.


Just like many other words of Jesus, many have found this term difficult to explain. Even though everyone is entitled to his own opinion, we can spot out any fallacious interpretation of scripture wherever we find it if only we hold on to a guide submitting to the Spirit. Alleluia!


First, I want to say that this word "be born of water and the Spirit" should not so much worry the Christian. It never gave Nicodemus to whom that word was spoken to so much a headache in finding its interpretation as it seems to be giving most Gentile Christians today. There are proofs Nicodemus got the message Jesus was passing; and I think any Jewish man would also grab it easily because it was a Jewish terminology. But a gentile Christian may not understand it.

“I’m not water-baptized. Can I make it to heaven if I die without it?”

Wow! Intelligent questions require intelligent answers. Desperate to know the truth! Not gonna hide it! Let Bible be standard. "Oh God, what do you say concerning water baptism? I have not been baptized in water for some reasons; or I have been baptized still would love to know what would have happened if I had not. What does the scripture has to say?"

Seeking bible truth on water baptism? We once published a post on What the Bible teaches on water baptism. Read it: it's a little in-depth than this. You're blessed!

Jesus is honoured in this place. The reader receives illumination in His name. Amen!

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:15-16 KJV)

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:20 KJV)

6 Things Water Baptism Is Not or Cannot Do

Thank God for another time to share in the Word! We just take a glance at some six things water baptism cannot or does not do. Recall that we took on a topic sometimes ago on "What the bible teaches on water baptism". Hope you enjoyed that then? Without wasting time, let's go!!

Water Baptism does not equal salvation

I think a lot of people should not have problem with this. Salvation apart, water baptism apart! In no way is a man who is water-baptised saved by it. Water baptism is works, salvation is grace through faith. Water baptism is "of yourselves": salvation is "the gift of God". Anyone could boast of water baptism because it is of works; but none can boast of salvation because it is of grace. Thus, in no way is water baptism equal to salvation.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

What does the bible teach on water baptism?

What is water baptism? What does the bible says on water baptism? How should I do water baptism? Why should have a water baptism? Should I have my water baptism at all? Need Biblical approach to this topic? Sit, relax and pay attention with or without your bible around. We'll be blessed, promises to be a sweet time in bible study today again. Don't forget to share, tell a friend about this teaching if you think it would interest them too. This topic should have been a whole book but I have made it so short that you won't have to read a so long article: it's concise and straight to point. Lord we receive Your word again today.

Water baptism!

Here is what the man I call the Father of water baptism has to say concerning his pivotal baptism ministry. I mean John the Baptist.

And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

(Luke 3:15-16 KJV)