Born of Water by J. M. McLellan

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 12, 1857

Born of Water.

By J. M. McLellan

BRO. SMITH: As I have been an attentive reader of the Review from time to time on the subject of the new birth, I think there is light in the position taken by yourself and others as to the time and nature of this birth; i. e., the birth of the Spirit. And while I was reading your arguments I was in hopes of meeting with something that would show what the Saviour meant by being "born of water," and as I met with nothing touching this point, permit me to advance a few thoughts upon it for your consideration.

I have read and re-read the arguments of Messrs. Barry and Pinney upon this point, but cannot see any light in them as yet. I think there is great force in the expression of the Saviour, "be born of water." As it stands in our Bible it says, "Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John iii, 5. Here the Saviour positively declares that unless a man "be born of water . . . he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." This shows, if it shows anything, that a birth of water is just as necessary as a birth "of the Spirit," to secure an entrance for us into the kingdom of God. That the birth of the Spirit takes place at the resurrection, when the people of God are "born from the dead," is plain. But when does the birth of water take place? It must, in my mind, take place previous to the "birth of the Spirit;" for Christ says, "Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit," &c., showing that there are two births, and that both are necessary to make sure the entrance into the kingdom. The first of these births I think signifies conversion or baptism, the one being necessary to the other; and the other the resurrection. The reason why I think so, is because there will be none adopted into the family of God at the resurrection, [Rom. viii, 23.] only such as have previously "received the spirit of adoption," which prepares those who receive it, and hold fast the profession of their faith, for the birth of the Spirit, the first resurrection; for none but those who are "begotten by the word of truth," and are in possession of the spirit of adoption, will have part in the first resurrection.

That conversion and baptism are closely connected together, will be seen by consulting numerous passages of scripture. See John iv, 1, 2; Acts ii, 38-41; viii, 12, 13, 36, 38; ix, 18; x, 47, 48; xvi, 15, 33; xviii, 8. And that they receive the spirit of adoption at that time is also plain from Acts ii, 38; ix, 17, 18; x, 44, 48, as well as our own experience; and this I think is what our Saviour meant when he said, "Except a man be born of water," &c. When convicted of sin we are slain by the word of God, and are dead to sin. It is then the willing and obedient heart sees and feels its duty, and follows in the path marked out by the Son of God. Mark i, 9-11. And the person is "buried with him by baptism into his death; that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of his Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Born of water into new life.) And this prepares believers, who hold out faithful, either till death or the coming of Christ, for the spiritual birth.

At conversion we receive the spirit of adoption whereby we cry, Abba, Father, and move forward in the ordinance of baptism, or are born of water. And Paul says if the righteous are not raised, "What shall they do which are baptised for the dead?" 1 Cor. xv, 29. What are they baptized for? To secure a part in the first resurrection. Rev. xx, 4-6. To make sure the spiritual birth. 1 Cor. xv, 46-55.

Conversion and baptism prepare the way for spiritual birth into the kingdom of God. That baptism, in connection with repentance and faith, is a saving ordinance, see 1 Pet. iii, 20, 21. Noah and his family were "saved by water," and Peter says, "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us." See Acts xvi, 30, where the jailor cried out, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Mark the answer, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved and thy house." And what next? "The same hour was baptized, he and all his, straightway."

There are three steps in an individual's experience. 1st. At conversion he is convicted of sin, is slain by the word, repents and turns to God with a weeping and contrite heart. This is what the scriptures term, being dead to sin, dead to the world. Rom. vi, 2-11; 2 Tim. ii, 11; 2 Cor. iv, 10; Rom. vii, 4-6; Eph. ii, 1-5; Col. ii, 12, 13, 21; iii, 3; 1 Pet. ii, 24. 2d. Being dead, is "buried by baptism," in a watery grave. Rom. vi, 3-5. And, 3d. "Rises to walk in newness of life," having received the spirit of adoption. And all who have this spirit dwelling in them to witness with their spirits that they are begotten of God, will have their mortal bodies quickened (made alive) by it in the bright morning of the resurrection. Rom. viii, 11-17.

J. M. MCLELLAN.

Hastings, Mich.