S – Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ⁷ Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

John 3:5–7 ESV

O – Commentary:

Various views are given to explain Jesus’ words about being born of water and the Spirit: (1) The “water” refers to the natural birth, and the “Spirit” to the birth from above. (2) The “water” refers to the Word of God (Eph. 5:26). (3) The “water” refers to baptism as an essential part of regeneration. (This view contradicts other Bible verses that make it clear that salvation is by faith alone; e.g., John 3:16, 36; Eph. 2:8–9; Titus 3:5.) (4) The “water” is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37–39). (5) The “water” refers to the repentance ministry of John the Baptist, and the “Spirit” refers to the application by the Holy Spirit of Christ to an individual.

The fifth view has the merit of historical propriety as well as theological acceptability. John the Baptist had stirred the nation by his ministry and stress on repentance (Matt. 3:1–6). “Water” would remind Nicodemus of the Baptist’s emphasis. So Jesus was saying that Nicodemus, in order to enter the kingdom, needed to turn to Him (repent) in order to be regenerated by the Holy Spirit.

3:6–7. There are two distinct realms: one is of fallen man (the flesh) and the other is of God (the Spirit). A fallen person cannot regenerate himself; he needs a divine operation. Only God’s Holy Spirit can regenerate a human spirit.

People should not stumble at or reject the importance of Jesus’ words. They must be born from above. The necessity is absolute and is universally binding.

 Edwin A. Blum, “John,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 281.

A – Jesus lays out how to have access to “The Kingdom of God” on earth and heaven.  Repentance and the work of the Holy Spirit to regenerate us are the essential components.  A challenge for Nicodemus who had hundreds of years of Jewish history and culture to overcome.  A challenge for us because it is so simplistic we wonder is it true and necessary.  We all have a choice to make and live out.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the source of repentance and new life.  We choose both from you today.  We repent of our sin, human failures and actions of our own will.  We invite your Holy Spirit to make us new in you and give us a new character that aligns with you.  We want to live a life that exemplifies our love for you and others.