The Second Birth: Understanding “Born of Water and of the Spirit”

One of the most profound teachings of Jesus is the necessity of being “born again.” This idea of a second birth is foundational to the Christian faith. But what does it mean to be “born again,” and how does it happen? Let’s explore the Scriptures for a clear understanding.

Jesus’ Conversation with Nicodemus

The phrase “born again” comes directly from the words of Jesus to Nicodemus in John 3:

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, KJV)

Nicodemus was confused and asked if a man could enter into his mother’s womb a second time. Jesus clarified:

“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)

Jesus taught that the second birth involves two essential elements: being born of water and being born of the Spirit.

Born of Water: Water Baptism

Many Bible scholars and teachers understand “born of water” as referring to water baptism. This interpretation aligns with the teachings and practice of the early church, where baptism in water was an essential part of responding to the gospel.

Water baptism symbolizes a burial of the old sinful life and a rising into newness of life:

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4, KJV)

Peter also connected baptism with salvation in his preaching on the day of Pentecost:

“Then Peter said unto them, 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, KJV)

Here we see that water baptism follows repentance and is tied to the forgiveness of sins. It is part of the process of being born again—born of water.

Born of the Spirit: Receiving the Holy Ghost

Jesus also said we must be “born of the Spirit.” This points to the receiving of the Holy Ghost, the baptism of the Holy Spirit promised to believers.

This was fulfilled first on the day of Pentecost:

“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4, KJV)

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked the spiritual rebirth of the believers, empowering them for holy living and bold witness. The Holy Spirit transforms the heart, writes God’s law within us, and makes us new creatures in Christ.

Jesus had promised this experience earlier:

“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…).” (John 7:38-39, KJV)

Thus, being born of the Spirit involves receiving the indwelling and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, enabling a new life led by God’s Spirit.

The Pattern of New Birth in Acts

We see this pattern of being born of water and Spirit repeated throughout the Book of Acts. For example, in Acts 8, Philip preached in Samaria, and many were baptized in water. Later, Peter and John came to lay hands on them to receive the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:14-17).

In Acts 10, Cornelius and his household received the Holy Ghost while Peter preached, and then they were baptized in water (Acts 10:44-48).

In Acts 19, Paul met disciples in Ephesus, and they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, then received the Holy Ghost when Paul laid hands on them (Acts 19:1-6).

This consistent pattern—repentance, water baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost—reflects what Jesus described as being “born of water and of the Spirit.”

The Necessity of the Second Birth

Jesus made it clear that being born again is not optional but essential:

“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John 3:7, KJV)

No amount of religious activity, good works, or natural heritage can substitute for the new birth. It is God’s way of bringing us into His family, making us new creatures in Christ:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV)

Conclusion

The second birth, according to Jesus, involves being born of water and of the Spirit. This is fulfilled through repentance, baptism in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, as demonstrated on the day of Pentecost and throughout the Book of Acts.

Through this new birth, we enter into the kingdom of God, become sons and daughters of God, and begin a new life empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Have you experienced this second birth? The invitation is still open today. Just as Peter preached:

“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, KJV)

May we all respond to God’s call and walk in the fullness of life that comes through being born again of water and of the Spirit.