“Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” John 3:5
The Pharisees had rejected God’s will when they were not baptized by John the Baptist (cf. Luke 7:29-30). Jesus told Nicodemus, a Pharisee, that one cannot enter the kingdom of God if he is not born again of water and the gracious working of the Holy Spirit through that water. Baptism, as the Bible says, is “the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Tit. 3:5). It is “the washing of water by the word” through which God cleanses us from our sins and makes us His own dear children and heirs of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:26; cf. Gal. 3:26ff.).
Grant, O Lord, that I not neglect the means of grace or prevent souls from entering Your kingdom through the waters of baptism. Amen.
[Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]