Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 20
September 26, 1968
NUMBER 21, PAGE 11a

Excepts Of Jesus (5)

John 3:3,5: 'Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily I say unto thee, EXCEPT one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." '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."

This new birth is a prerequisite to seeing (entering) God's kingdom. This "except" (the fifth in our series) again shows the clear and distinct way in which our Lord teaches man.

The term "verily, verily" is an expression of strong affirmation, denoting the certainty and the importance of what one is about to speak. It means "truly, truly," or "be it so."

This being born anew is explained by Jesus in verse five as a birth of water and the Spirit. It includes men of every nation, rank, and age. It is the only possible way to enter the kingdom of God. To escape from the damnation of sin, to be truly happy in this life and the world to come; it is necessary that man should be CHANGED in his condition. This change, or the beginning of a NEW LIFE, is called the NEW BIRTH, or regeneration.

It is called because in many respects it is a striking analogy to the natural birth. It is the BEGINNING of spiritual life; the moment when God becomes our reconciled Father and we are adopted into His family as sons. (Gal. 4:5)

The birth "of water and the Spirit" is baptism in water of the believing penitent as he is taught by the Spirit and for the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Col. 2:12; Titus 3:5). No responsible being can enter the Kingdom here and heaven hereafter UNLESS he experiences this new birth as appointed by the Saviour Himself.