By Hank Hanegraaff
In John 3, Jesus told Nicodemus that “no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” Thus, the question: what does it mean to be “born of water and the Spirit”?
First, let me point out that from its very inception, the Church has clearly communicated that by “water” Jesus spoke of baptism and by “Spirit” He directly referenced the Holy Spirit. As such, being “born of water and the Spirit” entails being united to Christ in the waters of baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit through chrismation (the sacred act of anointing with myrrh by the hands of the Apostles). For, said Saint Ephraim, “By the seal of the Holy Spirit are sealed all the entrances into your soul; by the seal of anointing all your members are sealed.”
Furthermore, I should note that in the book of Acts we are alerted to the need for both—for both water baptism and anointing by the Spirit. For example, when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaritans “had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus,” they sent Peter and John to lay hands on them so that they might receive “the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:14–17). Moreover, in Ephesus Saint Paul told twelve disciples of John the Baptist that they should “believe on the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus. On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them” (Acts 19:4–6). Though the twelve had received the “baptism of repentance,” they nonetheless needed to be joined to Christ in baptism and receive the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit.
Finally, it is imperative to recognize that baptism and chrismation are singularly sacramental. Loosed from the restraining fetters of Apostolic Tradition, the Creeds, and the Councils, the Swiss Reformer Huldreich Zwingli did the unthinkable. He altered baptism and chrismation from a sacrament to a mere welcoming ceremony. Thus, the significance of the sacraments shifted from what the Savior does for the saved to what the saved do for the Savior.
This, of course, is no small matter. In the new birth a true mystery takes place. For by baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit we are mystically joined to new life in Christ and by chrismation (confirmation) we are energized by the Spirit to dwell in resurrection power.
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5).
***Note the preceding text is adapted from The Complete Bible Answer Book: Collector’s Edition: Revised and Expanded (2024). To receive for your partnering gift please click here. ***
