Born of Water and of the Spirit by A. C.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 11, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 44.

Born of Water and of the Spirit

By A. C.

No. 660. Born of Water and of the Spirit.

WHAT is meant by being born of water and of the Spirit? John 3:5.

Born of the Spirit is what is referred to in verse 3, margin, "Except a man be born from above." It is a change, regeneration, a new creature. 2 Cor. 5:17; Titus 3:3-5. Born of water refers to baptism according to Scripture, the outward symbol of the inward union of the believer with Christ. It is putting on Christ before the world. Gal. 3:27. In Rom. 7:4 it is evidently referred to under the figure of marriage. Compare Rom. 6:3-6 with Rom. 7:4. In true marriage there is first union of heart and purpose. The marriage ceremony is the outward and legal ratification of those vows to the world, a witness of the believer's union with Christ, and of obedience to his commandments.