John 3:5–6 (NKJV)
“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’”
Our Lenten journey under the theme Grace and Truth (John 1:16–17) leads us today into a profound conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. In this encounter, our Lord reveals a foundational truth of the Christian life: spiritual rebirth is not optional—it is essential.
Grace invites us. Truth confronts us. And in this passage, both meet in the necessity of being born of water and the Spirit.
1. The Necessity of the New Birth
Jesus begins with strong emphasis: “Most assuredly…” This phrase indicates spiritual urgency and certainty. Entry into the kingdom of God is impossible without spiritual rebirth.
Salvation is not by heritage, religious position, or moral effort. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews (John 3:1), yet he still needed to be born again.
The Scripture affirms:
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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV)
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“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us…” (Titus 3:5 NKJV)
The new birth is an act of divine grace, not human achievement.
2. Born of Water
“Born of water” has been understood in light of cleansing and repentance. The Word of God is often symbolized as water:
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“That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.” (Ephesians 5:26 NKJV)
Water represents purification. Before there can be transformation, there must be cleansing. Grace forgives; truth washes.
In the Lenten season, we are reminded to examine our hearts. Repentance prepares the soil for renewal (Psalm 51:10 NKJV).
3. Born of the Spirit
Jesus continues: “That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” Flesh produces flesh—human effort can only produce human results. But the Holy Spirit produces spiritual life.
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“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NKJV)
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“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14 NKJV)
The Spirit regenerates, renews, and empowers. Being born of the Spirit means receiving a new nature, new desires, and new direction.
This is the work of grace in action—the Holy Spirit making alive what was once spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1 NKJV).
4. Grace and Truth in the New Birth
John 1:16–17 declares:
“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
The law reveals truth about our condition. Grace provides the remedy.
The truth: we cannot enter the kingdom without rebirth.
The grace: God provides the Spirit to make that rebirth possible.
The new birth is where grace meets truth in personal experience.
5. Evidence of Being Born of the Spirit
A life born of the Spirit will manifest:
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Obedience to God (1 John 2:3 NKJV)
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Love for others (1 John 4:7 NKJV)
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Victory over sin (1 John 3:9 NKJV)
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Spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22–23 NKJV)
The evidence is transformation. Lent calls us not merely to religious activity, but to spiritual authenticity.
Pastor Ebenezer Adeyinka Daramola
Prayer Points:
- Our Father in Heaven, I thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your Kingdom through my spiritual rebirth by water and the Spirit, in Jesus’ name. (John 3:5).
- O Lord, I thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and the guidance provided to help me walk in truth and righteousness, in Jesus’ name. (Romans 8:14).
- I thank You for making me new through the Holy Spirit. Thank You Lord, that I am not my old self but a new creation in Jesus’ name. (2 Cor 5:17).
- Thank You, Lord for cleansing me with Your living water, the water that transforms, purifies and washes away the old me, in Jesus’ name. (Ezekiel 36:25-27).
- Have mercy on my soul for the sins stopping the daily renewal of my heart. Give me a repentant heart to prepare me for regular spiritual regeneration, in Jesus’ name. (Psalm 51:10).
- (For those not assured of their salvation). Prepare my heart for rebirth through the Spirit, any baggage I am holding onto in my heart that will stop me from being reborn, remove them in Jesus’ name.
(Matthew 19:23-24).
- Lord, help me deny myself daily and pick up my cross to follow You in Spirit every day in Jesus’ name. (Luke 9:23).
- O Lord, let me receive daily transformation, change and growth on my journey with You in Jesus’ name. (Romans 12:2).
- As my heart and soul are re-born in the Spirit, Holy Spirit enter my heart and soul like on the day of Pentecost in Jesus’ name. (Acts 2:34).
- I pray for the rebirth by water and Spirit of my family, friends and acquaintances. Lord, please prepare and make them accept Your spiritual rebirth in Jesus’ name. (John 3:3).
- I rebuke the spirit of spiritual stagnation, lack of faith, lukewarmness and pride that will try to stop my spiritual renewal and transformation in Jesus’ name. (Rev. 3:15-16).
- I thank You Lord, for Your grace and mercy which flows over my soul like a river that never runs dry, giving life to my spirit in Jesus’ name. (Titus 3:5).
- Holy Spirit, reveal and guide to spiritual rebirth the path of anyone who thinks they are born again in Spirit, but truly are not in, Jesus’ name. (Psalm 139:23-24).
- Jesus, help my faith in You always remain steadfast. Let me remain a child of God and worthy of Your Kingdom through my faith in You, in Jesus’ name. (1 John 5:1).
Thank You that my being born again allows me to spend eternity with You. I am thankful for the future I have in You, in Jesus’ name. (1 Peter 1:23).
