Born of the Water and of the Spirit

John Chapter 3

We Must Be Born Again

The Savior declared that we must be “born again” (John 3:3). Review John 3:1–8; Mosiah 5:7. Then respond in writing to the following questions and instructions:

1.       What is the difference between “seeing” the kingdom of God and “entering” the kingdom of God?

“Seeing” refers to being ready for, or being able to see the signs of the Lords coming.  D&C 56:18 clarifies this meaning.  The verse states that only the pure in hear, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite shall “see” the kingdom of God coming.  “Seeing” is the precursor for entering.  It is the spiritual change that has to occur before you can physically enter the kingdom.  I believe entering is just that.  We shall enter into the kingdom of God with our perfect bodies after being spiritually reborn.

2.       What did Jesus Christ teach Nicodemus that he must do to enter the kingdom of God?

Jesus taught Nicodemus that he needed to change.  He needed to be spiritually reborn.  Nicodemus needed to change from his carnal fallen state to a state of righteousness.  Implied in the statement was that Nicodemus needed to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost in order to facilitate this change.

3.       What does it mean to be “born of water?”

Being “born of water” is to be baptized. 

4.       Read Moses 6:59 and list ways that baptism is a symbol of rebirth. Read Romans 6:4 and list how baptism can be a symbol of death.

We believe in baptism by immersion.  This means that one is fully immersed into water and raised back out.  This process symbolizes a death when immersed, and a rebirth when pulled back out.  We came into this life having been born in water in blood.  Therefore, baptism of water is as though we are being reborn, except this time it is a spiritual rebirth and not a physical one.  This process also is symbolic of washing away sins to be clean, and essentially start anew.

5.       What does it mean to be “born of the Spirit?”

Being “born of the Spirit” means to receive the Holy Ghost.  The Holy Ghost has cleansing and sanctifying effect on us.  It has been compared to being baptized by fire.  The Holy Ghost purifies us.

6.       What natural element does the Lord compare with the Spirit? Why is it an effective comparison?

The Lord compares the Spirit to the wind.  He seems to imply that the wind is somewhat of a mystery and that we do not fully comprehend how it works, or why it blows a certain way.  But, if we are born of the spirit we will feel it and hear it and know that it (the wind) is there.  Just like the wind, the spirit can have a great influence and many people in many different areas.

Review John 3:14–17, 35–36. Write a paragraph that describes who the Father loves, what He has done to show his love for his children and for Jesus Christ, what the purpose of the Savior was, and what blessings will come to those who accept the Son.

Our Father in Heaven loves the entire world.  He loves us so much that he has sent us help in the form of his Only Begotten Son.  This help was not sent to condemn us of our mistakes that we will inevitably make, but to save us from those mistakes.  This help is contingent on us believing in and following the Only Begotten Son, our Savior.  Not only does he love us enough to send us help, but if we follow his Son we are then blessed.  One of the greatest blessings God has in store for us is everlasting life.

I think each of the principles discussed in the verses and questions above requires much studying to fully comprehend.  I think my answers scratch the surface on many of the principles.  I have realized that full understanding of these principles requires the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Many of Christ’s teachings are done through symbolism and parables.  This requires each of us to put forth effort to comprehend the teachings.  Putting forth effort requires us to have faith.