What does it mean to be "born again"?

[Lambano]

It's is also about that, but I see it mostly being about baptism. At the very least it mentions it several times

I wouldn't have noticed it if you hadn't pointed it out (for which I thank you, because baptism may be relevant to understanding the Nic at Night vignette). The baptism part is pretty much incidental to the story, except to point out that Jesus's disciples were baptizing more followers than John the Baptist. (John 4:1). John the Evangelist was always a bit competitive. Let the eternal record of God's Word show that "The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved" beat Peter in a footrace to the empty tomb:

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. (John 20:3-4)

Okay; that's not fair. The fact that Jesus was amassing more followers than John the Baptist is quite relevant to the author's point that Jesus was superior to the prophet.

 

[Lambano]

And just so we are both on the same page,
What is your definition of being born again?

That's one of the reasons I wanted to participate in this discussion.

My family went to a Baptist church when I was in my early adolescence. The Baptists threw around the term "born again" quite loosely, I'd say. That was over half a century ago. I've gone to Methodist churches since I was in high school; we don't use the term much, if at all.

I suppose my understanding of being "born again" is influenced by Reformed Theology's concept of "spiritual regeneration". A person is "spiritually dead" until his spirit is "quickened". That sounds kinda like being "born again".

That Sara Groves song I put in post #4 describes her experience nicely: Something's Changed. Though I'd be hard-pressed define what that "something" is. Or even say definitively whether I've experienced that change.

 

[Armour of God]

That's one of the reasons I wanted to participate in this discussion.

My family went to a Baptist church when I was in my early adolescence. The Baptists threw around the term "born again" quite loosely, I'd say. That was over half a century ago. I've gone to Methodist churches since I was in high school; we don't use the term much, if at all.

I suppose my understanding of being "born again" is influenced by Reformed Theology's concept of "spiritual regeneration". A person is "spiritually dead" until his spirit is "quickened". That sounds kinda like being "born again".

That Sara Groves song I put in post #4 describes her experience nicely: Something's Changed. Though I'd be hard-pressed define what that "something" is. Or even say definitively whether I've experienced that change.

Ok but you did admit that water does appear to symbolise the water of a baptism.

I grew up in a Catholic family and went to Catholic school. I never heard of the term born again. Although I don't adhere to many of the doctrines of the RCC I think they and the Orthodox churches are right on this one, that born again refers to water baptism.

I don't think there is much of a connection between water and spirit and the modern interpretation of born again.

 

[Rockerduck]

Ok but you did admit that water does appear to symbolise the water of a baptism.

I grew up in a Catholic family and went to Catholic school. I never heard of the term born again. Although I don't adhere to many of the doctrines of the RCC I think they and the Orthodox churches are right on this one, that born again refers to water baptism.

I don't think there is much of a connection between water and spirit and the modern interpretation of born again.

confusion again. Born from above/born again is from the spirit regeneration which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit; there is no water involved.

 

[Lambano]

I grew up in a Catholic family and went to Catholic school. I never heard of the term born again. Although I don't adhere to many of the doctrines of the RCC I think they and the Orthodox churches are right on this one, that born again refers to water baptism.

I've run into the term "baptismal regeneration" before. I asked Co-Pilot for a summary. Does this represent your view?

Baptismal regeneration is the belief that baptism is a sacrament through which God imparts spiritual regeneration, cleansing a person from sin and incorporating them into the body of Christ.​

​

Baptismal regeneration is a theological doctrine asserting that baptism is not merely symbolic but instrumental in salvation, marking the believer’s spiritual rebirth and reception of the Holy Spirit. In this view, baptism is a means by which God grants grace, washes away original sin, and unites the individual with Christ. It is often considered essential for salvation, particularly in traditions that practice infant baptism, where the act initiates the child into the covenant of salvation before they can exercise personal faith.​

​

The doctrine has roots in the early church. Church Fathers such as Cyprian, Origen, Augustine, Justin Martyr, and Irenaeus articulated views that baptism conveys grace and is linked to salvation. Cyprian, for example, described baptism as the “laver of saving water” through which a person is “born again” and receives new life by the Spirit. Early Christian practice of infant baptism also reflects this belief, emphasizing the cleansing of original sin and initiation into the Christian community.​

Note: Most Protestant denominations consider sacraments like baptism and holy communion to be outward and visible signs of an inward reality, rather than instrumental. Lutherans and certain Anglican denominations are apparently notable exceptions. The Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches do teach baptismal regeneration in some form.

In this framework, "born again" (or "born from above") is pretty much synonymous with "spiritual regeneration". Baptism is the "ordinary means" through which God accomplishes "spiritual regeneration".

The next question would be about what "spiritual regeneration" is and why it's necessary.

 

[Armour of God]

confusion again. Born from above/born again is from the spirit regeneration which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit; there is no water involved.

John says born again from water and spirit.

Saying that water stands for birth fluid of the original birth is not a very good explanation in my opinion because birth fluid is not water.

 

[Armour of God]

I've run into the term "baptismal regeneration" before. I asked Co-Pilot for a summary. Does this represent your view?

Baptismal regeneration is the belief that baptism is a sacrament through which God imparts spiritual regeneration, cleansing a person from sin and incorporating them into the body of Christ.​

​

Baptismal regeneration is a theological doctrine asserting that baptism is not merely symbolic but instrumental in salvation, marking the believer’s spiritual rebirth and reception of the Holy Spirit. In this view, baptism is a means by which God grants grace, washes away original sin, and unites the individual with Christ. It is often considered essential for salvation, particularly in traditions that practice infant baptism, where the act initiates the child into the covenant of salvation before they can exercise personal faith.​

​

The doctrine has roots in the early church. Church Fathers such as Cyprian, Origen, Augustine, Justin Martyr, and Irenaeus articulated views that baptism conveys grace and is linked to salvation. Cyprian, for example, described baptism as the “laver of saving water” through which a person is “born again” and receives new life by the Spirit. Early Christian practice of infant baptism also reflects this belief, emphasizing the cleansing of original sin and initiation into the Christian community.​

Note: Most Protestant denominations consider sacraments like baptism and holy communion to be outward and visible signs of an inward reality, rather than instrumental. Lutherans and certain Anglican denominations are apparently notable exceptions. The Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches do teach baptismal regeneration in some form.

In this framework, "born again" (or "born from above") is pretty much synonymous with "spiritual regeneration". Baptism is the "ordinary means" through which God accomplishes "spiritual regeneration".

The next question would be about what "spiritual regeneration" is and why it's necessary.

That's a very complicated explanation and it's the first time I have heard of the term spiritual regeneration.

My view is much simpler. Its that the term born again, from water and spirit, that Jesus describes in John 3 most probably refers to baptism.

 

[Lambano]

That's a very complicated explanation and it's the first time I have heard of the term spiritual regeneration.

My view is much simpler. Its that the term born again, from water and spirit, that Jesus describes in John 3 most probably refers to baptism.

Okay. What is your understanding of verse 8?

“The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

 

[Lambano]

That's a very complicated explanation and it's the first time I have heard of the term spiritual regeneration.

Here you go:

What is regeneration according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is regeneration according to the Bible? What does it mean to be regenerated spiritually?

www.gotquestions.org

What is spiritual REGENERATION? - ChristianAnswers.Net

answers, description, explanation with references and links

christiananswers.net

 

[Rockerduck]

John says born again from water and spirit.

Saying that water stands for birth fluid of the original birth is not a very good explanation in my opinion because birth fluid is not water.

John 3:6 also said that which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. No water tank involved.

 

[Rockerduck]

Think of falling in love. You know when your are in love. Can you describe being in love? Can you get water baptized to be in love?

 

[LoveYeshua]

Jesus wasn't baptizing, His disciples were. John 4:2. You must put the together John3: 5 and 6

John 3:5-6 - Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 (again) That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Born first of water (flesh) and Born again (spirit). That's why Nicodemus was confused and said "Can I enter a second time into his mothers womb and be born?"

When Jesus told Nicodemus, “Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:5-6), He was speaking to a teacher of Israel who was expected to understand the Scriptures. Jesus even asked him, “Art thou the teacher of Israel, and understandest not these things?” (John 3:10). This tells us that the meaning of being born of water and the Spirit was already revealed in the Old Testament.

The clearest background is found in God's promise through Ezekiel: “And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you... and I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.” (Ezekiel 36:25-27). Here, the clean water represents God's cleansing from sin, followed by the giving of a new heart and His Spirit. This closely matches Jesus' words about being born of water and the Spirit, showing that He was speaking of an inward cleansing and renewal performed by God.

The Old Testament also connects water with the life that comes from God. Through Isaiah, God promised, “For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and streams upon the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.” (Isaiah 44:3). Here again, water and God's Spirit are joined together as pictures of spiritual renewal and life.

Jesus continued this same teaching when He spoke of the living water. To the Samaritan woman He said, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life.” (John 4:14). Jesus was clearly not speaking about ordinary water, but about the life that He gives from God, leading to eternal life.

Later, during the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus cried out, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38). John immediately explains what Jesus meant: “But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive.” (John 7:39). Jesus Himself therefore connects living water with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus also explained that His own words bring cleansing when He told His disciples, “Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:3). In His prayer to the Father He said, “Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17). God's truth cleanses the heart of the one who receives it with faith and obedience.

Before Jesus began His ministry, John the Baptist called the people to repentance through baptism with water. The water itself did not remove sin, but it was an outward sign of an inward turning to God. Jesus Himself was baptized, not because He needed cleansing, but to fulfill all righteousness. This shows that water was connected with repentance and preparation for the work of God in the heart.

Some have suggested that the water in John 3 refers to natural birth because a baby is born surrounded by fluid. However, there is no Old Testament passage that uses water in this way, and Jesus expected Nicodemus to understand His words from the Scriptures. The prophecies of Ezekiel and Isaiah provide that foundation, and Jesus' own teaching about living water confirms it.

When Jesus continued by saying, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”(John 3:6), He was contrasting natural human life with the new spiritual life that comes from God. Entering the Kingdom of God requires more than physical birth. It requires God to cleanse a person from sin, give that person a new heart, and place His Spirit within them so they can walk in His ways.

Taken together, the Old Testament and the words of Jesus show that being born of water and the Spirit is the work of God by which He cleanses a person from sin, renews the heart, and gives new spiritual life. The water is not ordinary water, but the cleansing and life that God promised in the Scriptures and that Jesus later called the living water. It is the fulfillment of God's promise to make His people clean, to satisfy their spiritual thirst, and to put His Spirit within them so they may have eternal life and walk in His commandments.

 

[Rockerduck]

When Jesus told Nicodemus, “Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:5-6), He was speaking to a teacher of Israel who was expected to understand the Scriptures. Jesus even asked him, “Art thou the teacher of Israel, and understandest not these things?” (John 3:10). This tells us that the meaning of being born of water and the Spirit was already revealed in the Old Testament.

The clearest background is found in God's promise through Ezekiel: “And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you... and I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.” (Ezekiel 36:25-27). Here, the clean water represents God's cleansing from sin, followed by the giving of a new heart and His Spirit. This closely matches Jesus' words about being born of water and the Spirit, showing that He was speaking of an inward cleansing and renewal performed by God.

The Old Testament also connects water with the life that comes from God. Through Isaiah, God promised, “For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and streams upon the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.” (Isaiah 44:3). Here again, water and God's Spirit are joined together as pictures of spiritual renewal and life.

Jesus continued this same teaching when He spoke of the living water. To the Samaritan woman He said, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life.” (John 4:14). Jesus was clearly not speaking about ordinary water, but about the life that He gives from God, leading to eternal life.

Later, during the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus cried out, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38). John immediately explains what Jesus meant: “But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive.” (John 7:39). Jesus Himself therefore connects living water with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus also explained that His own words bring cleansing when He told His disciples, “Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:3). In His prayer to the Father He said, “Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17). God's truth cleanses the heart of the one who receives it with faith and obedience.

Before Jesus began His ministry, John the Baptist called the people to repentance through baptism with water. The water itself did not remove sin, but it was an outward sign of an inward turning to God. Jesus Himself was baptized, not because He needed cleansing, but to fulfill all righteousness. This shows that water was connected with repentance and preparation for the work of God in the heart.

Some have suggested that the water in John 3 refers to natural birth because a baby is born surrounded by fluid. However, there is no Old Testament passage that uses water in this way, and Jesus expected Nicodemus to understand His words from the Scriptures. The prophecies of Ezekiel and Isaiah provide that foundation, and Jesus' own teaching about living water confirms it.

When Jesus continued by saying, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”(John 3:6), He was contrasting natural human life with the new spiritual life that comes from God. Entering the Kingdom of God requires more than physical birth. It requires God to cleanse a person from sin, give that person a new heart, and place His Spirit within them so they can walk in His ways.

Taken together, the Old Testament and the words of Jesus show that being born of water and the Spirit is the work of God by which He cleanses a person from sin, renews the heart, and gives new spiritual life. The water is not ordinary water, but the cleansing and life that God promised in the Scriptures and that Jesus later called the living water. It is the fulfillment of God's promise to make His people clean, to satisfy their spiritual thirst, and to put His Spirit within them so they may have eternal life and walk in His commandments.

I have Ezekiel 36:25-27 marked in my bible for every time the book of John is studied. You put this together good

 

[Lambano]

The clearest background is found in God's promise through Ezekiel: “And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you... and I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.” (Ezekiel 36:25-27). Here, the clean water represents God's cleansing from sin, followed by the giving of a new heart and His Spirit. This closely matches Jesus' words about being born of water and the Spirit, showing that He was speaking of an inward cleansing and renewal performed by God.

I have Ezekiel 36:25-27 marked in my bible for every time the book of John is studied. You put this together good

I agree.

Though the and I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes clause is problematic if believers still violate Torah. If believers still sin, does that mean that NOBODY is yet "born again"?

 

[Rockerduck]

I agree.

Though the and I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes clause is problematic if believers still violate Torah. If believers still sin, does that mean that NOBODY is yet "born again"?

It was Ezekiel's vision for after Pentecost. Jesus chastised Nicodemus for not knowing this. Jesus is revealing this vision in the presence of Nicodemus and Apostle John recorded it. So, we can read about it.

 

[1stCenturyLady]

@Rockerduck @Lambano @LoveYeshua @Armour of God @IndianaRob @Debp @SavedInHim @complete
Ever since Adam disobeyed God, and obeyed the devil, our nature changed from a clean human nature to a sin nature. It is that nature that must be born again, because Romans 3 tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This is the whole reason why Jesus came to earth. Because a human sinned (Adam), a pure human must be sacrificed (the second Adam, Jesus).

It appears that "the water" is our natural birth. Read this and see what you think:

1 Cor. 15
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

The "spirit" rebirth is easy to understand, except for those raised in false teachings about SIN, the very reason Jesus came. It is the truth that will set you free, John 8:32, 34-36, removal of SIN. 1 John 3:5 "And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin." Our nature must be reborn from a sin nature, also called "the old man" and "carnal flesh." We all must have our own Day of Pentecost, the start of the New Covenant and receive the Holy Spirit. Our nature must be born again from a sin nature to a clean nature that may partake of the divine nature of God. 2 Pt. 1:2-4. A sin nature cannot partake of the spiritual things of God; it is foolishness to him. 1 Cor. 2:2-16.

Jesus also came to destroy the works of Satan, and when born again, you can feel the change. For me I felt a heaviness lift out of my body, and immediately I fell in love with Jesus and loved what He loved, and hated what He hated. We became one. It is an actual experience, and nothing you just claim to be without any change in your nature.

1 John 3:8-9
8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

 

[LoveYeshua]

I agree.

Though the and I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes clause is problematic if believers still violate Torah. If believers still sin, does that mean that NOBODY is yet "born again"?

The Holy Spirit is given to believers now as the beginning of God's work. He teaches, convicts, strengthens, and helps us obey Jesus, but we still struggle because our mortal nature remains. The complete fulfillment of Ezekiel 36, where God's people naturally and perfectly walk in His statutes, appears to belong to the Kingdom after Christ returns, when our hearts and even our bodies are fully transformed. At that time God's will shall truly be done on earth as it is in heaven, and His people will obey Him without the weakness of the flesh.

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to guide His followers into the truth, not to replace His teachings but to help them understand and live them. Even so, Jesus also recognized the present weakness of our human nature when He said, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41). Every believer knows this struggle. We desire to obey God, yet we still battle temptation, weakness, and the limitations of our mortal bodies.

The promise spoken through Ezekiel points to something even greater than what we experience today: “And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you... and I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep mine ordinances, and do them.” (Ezekiel 36:25-27). This wonderful promise has already begun in those who believe in Christ, but its complete fulfillment appears to await His return, when God's people will be fully transformed and no longer struggle against the weakness of the flesh.

Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.” (Matthew 6:10). This prayer looks forward to a future day when God's will shall be perfectly carried out on earth just as it is in heaven. That day has not yet arrived, for sin, suffering, and death still remain in the world.

The prophets also looked ahead to this coming Kingdom. “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9). This is a picture of a world where all people know God and gladly walk in His ways, something we do not yet see today.

The Apostle John also points to this future transformation: “Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is.” (1 John 3:2). We already belong to God, but we are not yet what we will become. When Christ appears, His people will be changed into His likeness.

The book of Revelation describes the eternal Kingdom where God's work of redemption is complete: “And there shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean.” (Revelation 21:27). In that day there will be no more rebellion, no more sin, and no more struggle against God's commandments. The promise of Ezekiel will have reached its full and glorious fulfillment. God's people will have clean hearts, His Spirit will dwell fully within them, and they will walk in His statutes with joy, not because they are forced to, but because their nature has been perfectly renewed. What begins today through the gift of the Holy Spirit will be completed when Jesus Christ returns in glory to establish His everlasting Kingdom.

The Holy Spirit begins the work of renewal now, while the complete transformation of God's people awaits the return of Christ and the fullness of His Kingdom.

Blessings.

 

[Pierac]

1Co 15:50 Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed,

You must be Born again..... Possibly the Ressurection or changed when He returns. Jesus is the First Born from the Dead... Was He was born again?

Just a thought

 

[LoveYeshua]

1Co 15:50 Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed,

You must be Born again..... Possibly the Ressurection or changed when He returns. Jesus is the First Born from the Dead... Was He was born again?

Just a thought

I agree that we must be born again, because Jesus Himself taught it. “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5). This new birth is the beginning of God's work within us. He gives us a new heart, puts His Spirit within us, and begins changing us from the inside, just as He promised: “And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean... A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you... and I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.” (Ezekiel 36:25-27).

However, Jesus also taught that the resurrection of the body is still future. “This is the will of him that sent me, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:40). He also said, “Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, and shall come forth...” (John 5:28-29). This shows that while the new birth begins now, the complete transformation of our bodies takes place when Christ returns.

As for Jesus, the Bible never says that He was "born again." Jesus taught the new birth for those who need to be made new because of sin. He Himself was without sin and therefore had no need to be born again. Instead, He spoke of His resurrection and His authority over death: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19). He also declared, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” (John 11:25).

Jesus' resurrection was not a new birth from sin but His victory over death. He is the One who gives the new birth to His followers, and He is the One who will raise them at the last day. That is why He repeatedly points our hope forward to His return and the resurrection.

Blessings

 

[Taken]

What does this term "born again" mean to you?

That…
*Forgiveness, for having HAD Not Believed, and Now Heartfully Believe.
*Flesh body is “accounted” in the Lambs book of Life, having Received the Lambs Baptism.
*Soul “restored” to very good, as it was when God gave it into a body, Saved unto God.
*Baptism of the Lamb, Having received, the SEED of God (ie Christ), the POWER of God (ie Christ), the TRUTH of God (ie. Jesus, Spirit of Truth)…
Gods Spirit, With you, With-IN you, With you Forever.
*Natural spirit ( natural truth ), Rebirthed of Gods Seed, Gods Truth.
*Sanctification (ie. set apart from all the unsaved)
*Justification (ie. Already accounted, Free from Sin…Delivered From Gods Great Tribulations, Gods Anger, Gods Wrath.)
*Sealed by the ONE who Forgave, Restored, your soul, Rebirthed your Spirit, Redeems, claims, Resurrects your Body.

OT faithful men=BY God
….after Physical Death
NT faithful men=BY Christ the Lord Jesus
….after Body Crucified With Jesus
Modern men (still under the Law)=BY God
…after Physical Death

And how can you be sure you are "born again"?

BECAUSE I read, I Learned, From Scripture…HOW TO…and Freely Chose to Follow and accept the Lord Gods WAY…
And fully Trust He is Faithful to Fulfill His OWN Word.

How does "water and spirit" apply to your understanding of being born again?

*Water is “symbolic of Cleansing Dirty Flesh”…
(Satisfying to mens Eyesight)
Preparation, for man to be / stand /or enter a holy place.
*Spirit is Invisible, and Cleanses the Flesh of Sin, (satisfying to Gods Sight) with Jesus BLOOD.

Glory to God,
Taken