pastorbillrandles wrote:
“I believe that Jesus was talking in a language Nicodemus as a Rabbi, Sanhedrinist and expert in scripture would know well, Jesus was alluding to a specific scripture, Ezekiel 36.”
Of course, there is no indication of this at all in the context of John 3. However, since the recorded exchange between Jesus and Nicodemus leads immediately into the subject of baptism and John the Baptizer (John 3:22), why in world would you overlook the most obvious and nearby referent to Jesus’ words, that is to John’s baptism?
Well thank you for the post. It is refreshing.
A new birth with a new heart, a new mind, a new spirit, a new name in the new Jerusalem of a new Heaven.
Be renewed!
Pastor, I am very interested in learning about this. I have heard Pastor Stephen Davy on the radio preach that to be born “of water” means physical birth, meaning that water is the amniotic fluid. Pastor Davy also said that to be born of “the spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit coming into your heart.
From what I can see, you agree with Pastor Davy’s interpretation for “spirit” but not with his interpretation for “water.”
My question: Are you saying that Ezekiel 36 is a prophesy for the New Covenant and the body of Christ? If not, what do you believe “sprinkle clean water on you” means for us today?
I have learned a lot from your posts.