A. John 3:3, 7 "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above. . . Do not be astonished that I said to you, ?You must beborn from above.’"

B. Baptism is the "New Birth", the "Birth from Above", being "Born of The Spirit"

a. Please note the following points:

1) Jesus’ words in v. 5 ("no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit") are the response to the question of Nicodemus in v. 4: "How can anyone be born after having grown old?" The words "born of water and Spirit", therefore, answer the question of "how" one is to be "born from above"

2) A close reading of these verses shows the following: "born from above"(v.3) = "born of water and Spirit"(v.5) = "born of the Spirit"(v. 6)

a) These, too, are born, not of any natural human means, but "of God." This is a supernatural birth, "from above".

b. That Baptism is referred to is shown also from the verses immediately following the encounter with Nicodemus

1) John 3:22-26; 4:1-2 "After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he spent some time there with them and baptized. . . . ."

2) According to Raymond Brown (see above, 155), ". . .the present location [ie. of these verses] probably reflects a desire to bring out the baptismal motif of the Nicodemus story."

C. Testimonies from the Early Church that shows the Church understood the New Birth referred to in John 3 to be Baptism

"Moreover, those things which were created from the waters were blessed by God, so that this might also be a sign that men would at a future time receive repentance and remission of sins through water and the bath of regeneration—all who proceed to the truth and are born again and receive a blessing from God." St. Theophilus of Antioch, To Autolycus, 2,16 (c. A.D. 181) in William Jurgens, The Faith of the Early Fathers, v. 1, 75"Formerly there was Baptism, in an obscure way; in the cloud and in the sea; now however, in full view, there is regeneration in water and in the Holy Spirit." Origen of Alexandria, (post A.D. 244),

"But afterwards, when the stain of my past life had been washed away by means of the water of re-birth, a light from above poured itself upon my chastened and how pure heart; afterwards through the Spirit which is breathed from heaven a second birth made of me a new man." St. Cyprian, (c. A.D. 246), To Donatus, 4 in William Jurgens, The Faith of the Early Fathers, v. 1, 217"For from Baptism we receive the Spirit of Christ . . . and those who are baptized are clothed in Him. For the Spirit is absent from all those who are born of the flesh, until they come to the water of re-birth; and then they receive the Holy Spirit. . . in the second birth, that through Baptism, they receive the Holy Spirit from a particle of the Godhead." Aphraates the Persian Sage, (c. 336),

"Since man is of a twofold nature, composed of body and soul, the purification is also twofold: the corporeal for the corporeal and the incorporeal for the incorporeal. The water cleanses the body, and the Spirit seals the soul. Thus, having our heart sprinkled by the Spirit and our body washed with pure water, we may draw near to God. When you go down into the water, then, regard no simply the water, but look for salvation through the power of the Holy Spirit.  For without both you cannot attain to perfection. It is not I who say this, but the Lord Jesus Christ, who has the power in this matter. And He says, ?Unless a man be born again’---and He adds the words ?of water and of the Spirit, ---he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.’ He that is baptized with water, but is not found worthy of the Spirit, does not receive the grace in perfection. Nor, if a man be virtuous in his deeds, but does not receive the seal by means of the water, shall he enter the kingdom of heaven. A bold saying, but not mine; for it is Jesus who has declared it." St. Cyril of Jerusalem, (c. 350), Catechetical Lectures, 3,12 in William Jurgens, The Faith of the Early Fathers, v. 1, 348-349

1. John 3:3, 7 "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above. . . Do not be astonished that I said to you, ?You must be born from bove.’"

2. Mark 16:16 "The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned."

3. Compare the passage from Mark 16:16 with the combined teaching of John 3:3-8 and John 3:16-18. The teaching of Jesus in Mark 16:16 is no different from that of John 3:3-18: it is, in fact, the same.

E. Testimony from the Early Church as to the necessity of Baptism for Salvation

"The Church received from the Apostles the tradition of giving Baptism even to infants. For the Apostles, to whom were committed the secrets of divine mysteries, knew that there is in everyone the innate stains of sin, which must be washed away through water and the Spirit." Origen, (post A.D. 244), Commentaries on Romans, 5,9 in William Jurgens, The Faith of the Early Fathers, v. 1, 209"If any man does not receive Baptism, he does not have salvation." St. Cyril of Jerusalem, (c. 350),

"Since man is of a twofold nature, composed of body and soul, the purification is also twofold: the corporeal for the corporeal and the incorporeal for the incorporeal. The water cleanses the body, and the Spirit seals the soul. Thus, having our heart sprinkled by the Spirit and our body washed with pure water, we may draw near to God. When you go down into the water, then, regard no simply the water, but look for salvation through the power of the Holy Spirit. For without both you cannot attain to perfection. It is not I who say this, but the Lord Jesus Christ, who has the power in this matter. And He says, ?Unless a man be born again’---and He adds the words ?of water and of the Spirit, ---he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.’ He that is baptized with water, but is not found worthy of the Spirit, does not receive the grace in perfection. Nor, if a man be virtuous in his deeds, but does not receive the seal by means of the water, shall he enter the kingdom of heaven. A bold saying, but not mine; for it is Jesus who has declared it." St. Cyril of Jerusalem, (c. 350), Catechetical Lectures, 3,4 in William Jurgens, The Faith of the Early Fathers, v. 1, 348-349

"The Church was redeemed at the price of Christ’s blood. Jew or Greek, it makes no difference; but if he has believed, he must circumcise himself from his sins so that he can be saved; . . . for no one ascends into the kingdom of heaven except through the Sacrament of Baptism." St. Ambrose of Milan, (A.D. 387), Abraham,2,11,79 in William Jurgens, The Faith of the Early Fathers, v. 2, 169

A. Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.

B. Mark 16:15-16 And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned."

A. Acts 2:38-39 Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise [ie. of the Holy Spirit, v. 33] is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord calls to him."

B. Acts 2:41-42 So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

A. Acts 2:41 Those who received the Word were baptized---they were added to the Church

B. Acts 8:12 The Samaritans believed the preaching of Phillip and were baptized

C. Acts 8:35-39* The Ethiopian Eunuch accepted the good news and was baptized immediately

1. Note: For the Ethiopian to have requested baptism when he saw the water also indicates that he had received teaching from Phillip regarding baptism as part of his total instruction in the Gospel

D. Acts 9:17-19 (cf. 22:16) Saul (Paul) was baptized after his conversion

E. Acts 10:43-48* The family and friends of Cornelius were baptized after Peter’s preaching, and after they had been filled with the Spirit. Even though they had received the Spirit, they were still baptized in water

1. The reception of the Holy Spirit did not negate the need for baptism in water. This indicates clearly the importance placed on baptism in water

2. Peter ordered, commanded them to be baptized in water (cf v. 47)

3. From this it seems clear that, for the early church, both water and Spirit were necessary for Christian initiation. This also shows that they understood Jesus’ teaching to Nicodemus as referring to baptism

F. Acts 16:31-34 The jailer in Philippi and his household believed and were baptized immediately

G. Acts 18:8 Many Corinthians became believers and were baptized

H. Acts 19:1-6* Some who had received John’s baptism (a pre-Christian baptism) were baptized in the name of the Lord and hands laid on them and received the Spirit. Notice that believing and being baptized are used almost interchangeably

A. Jesus said that to enter the Kingdom of God one must be baptized (= born of water and the Spirit = born from above = born of the Spirit = born of God)

1. The early church understood the new birth from above to be baptism

2. The early church understood that baptism was necessary for salvation

B. Jesus commanded his follows to go and make disciples, by baptizing

C. At the birth of the Church on Pentecost, Peter’s command was: Repent and be baptized

D. The Acts of the Apostles shows the church fulfilling Jesus’ command by preaching the gospel and baptizing those who believed.

E. From the above it is clear that one became a Christian by being baptized: this is how one entered the Kingdom of God and the Church

F. From the evidence of the Acts of the Apostles, it is clear that "to believe" was "to be baptized"; and "to be baptized" was the action one took when one "believed", the way that "believing" was expressed. Baptism is always seen as connected with faith, and faith is the foundation and basis of baptism. Baptism is, therefore, the Sacrament of Faith

G. Thus, the teaching of Jesus, the command of Jesus to the apostles, and the practice of the Church from the Day of Pentecost onward join together in one testimony as to the place and importance of Baptism in the faith, the teaching and practice of the Church.

A. Romans 6:3-8, 11 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin.

For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. . . So you must also consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

B. Colossians 2:ll-13 In him also you were circumcised with a spiritual circumcision, by putting off the body of the flesh in the circumcision of Christ; when you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. And when you were dead in trespass and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him.

C. Colossians 3:1-3 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

A. Romans 6:6-8 . We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him

B. Colossians 3:9-10 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator.

C. Galatians 3:27-28 As many of you were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

A. Galatians 3:27 As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

B. Romans 6:3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

C. I Corinthians 12:12-14 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body---Jews or Greeks, slave or free--- and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

1. Note that "the Body" and "Christ" are here identified---to be baptized into "the Body" is to be baptized into "Christ"

a. Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit

b. Acts 9:4-5 He (Saul/Paul) fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting."

1) In persecuting the Church of God (Galatians 1:13) he was persecuting Jesus

2) We may find here the beginnings of Paul’s understanding of the Church as the Body of Christ

2. Baptism is how one is incorporated into "the Body", the Church—it is how one becomes part of the Church

3. Please notice that there is no separation here between being baptized "into Christ" and being baptized "into the Church". To be baptized into Christ is to be baptized into the Church, the Body of Christ. To be baptized into the Body of Christ, the Church, is to be baptized into Christ. One and the same sacramental action causes/conveys both realities.

D. Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

A. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, ?Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit.’

B. I Corinthians 12:12-14 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body---Jews or Greeks, slave or free--- and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

C. John 7:39 Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

1. From the evidence of the Acts of the Apostles, it is clear that "to believe" was "to be baptized"; and "to be baptized" was the action one took when one "believed", the way that "believing" was expressed. Baptism is always seen as connected with faith, and faith is the foundation and basis of baptism.

2. A comparison of this passage with John 3:3-18 will make it clear that the reception of the Spirit is linked with Baptism, and this is placed in the context of faith, of believing

E. Titus 3:4-6 "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water [lit. washing] of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."

F. Ephesians 1:13 In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit. (cf Acts 2:33,38; see Ephesians 4:30)

G. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, by putting his seal on us and giving us his Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.

A. Galatians 3:26-29 For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.

1. For Paul’s understanding that those who who have faith in Jesus Christ are children of God and receive the Holy Spirit, see also Galatians 4:1-7, Romans 8:9-17, and Ephesians 1:5,13-14

2. Please note that Paul uses the imagery of "adoption" in speaking of how we become children of God

B. John 3:3-7 "Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?" Jesus one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ?You must be born from above.’"

2. I John 5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child.

a. See in particular the references in I John to being born of God, and being children of God b. Please note that John uses the imagery of new "birth" in speaking of how we become children of God

A. Romans 4:25 [Jesus our Lord] who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.

1. Since it is baptism which unites us to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, in being raised with him in baptism we experience the grace of justification

B. I Corinthians 6:11 You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

C. Titus 3:5-7 He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

1. See also Matthew 28:18-19, where people become "disciples" through baptism, and Romans 3-5

A. Acts 2:38 Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven.

B. Acts 22:16 An now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name.

A. Mark 16:15-16 And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved.

C. Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

A. 2 Corinthians 5:17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!

A. Hebrews 10:21-22 Since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

2. "All praise and thanks to you, most merciful Father, for adopting us as your own children, for incorporating us into your holy Church. . . ." BCP 311, Prayer of Thanks

2. "Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior." BCP 307, Thanksgiving over the Water

1. "Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ. . ." BCP 303, Preparation for renewing the Baptismal Covenant

1. "All praise and thanks to you, most merciful Father, for adopting us as your own children . . ." BCP 311, Prayer of Thanks

1. "We thank you, Father for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection." BCP 306, Thanksgiving over the Water

2. "Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who are here cleans from sin. . . " BCP 307, Thanksgiving over the Water

3. "N., you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever. Amen." BCP 308, Ritual of Chrism

2. "Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of grace." BCP 308, Post-Baptismal Prayer over the Candidates

1. "Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which we are born again by water and the Spirit. In this sacrament God adopts us as his children, unites us to Christ in his death and resurrection, makes us members of Christ’s Body the Church, forgives our sins, and gives us new life in the Holy Spirit." A Prayer Book for The Armed Forces, 1988, About Holy Baptism

"One cannot very well read the New Testament without recognizing the primary necessity of Baptism for all Christian people. Said our Lord, ?Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.’ His final command to the Apostles was perfectly clear---?Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.’" Frank E. Wilson, Faith and Practice, 149"Baptism is more than a sign; it is an instrument. It is not only an indication that something has been done, but it is the means by which it is accomplished. We are not baptized in order

"So, then, Baptism is the primary Sacrament of the Christian faith. It is the door into the Kingdom of God, the agency of a new birth, the beginning of a new life. It unites us with Christ, makes us members of His Church, imparts forgiveness of sins, and equips us to receive further gifts of God’s grace." Frank E. Wilson, Faith and Practice, 167