👉 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from John 3:5. It’s a really profound statement about how we can come to God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that anyone who is truly born in the Spirit (a spiritual way) – meaning filled with God's love and grace – cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Let's unpack each part: “John 3:5” : This is a specific passage from the Gospel of John. It’s one of the most famous verses in the Bible. “Jesus answered…” : Jesus is speaking to someone, likely a person who’s questioning or seeking how to reach God. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee…” : This phrase is a way of emphasizing something very important. "Verily" means “truly” or “really.” "Verily, verily” adds weight and conviction to what Jesus is saying. “I say unto thee…” : This is Jesus telling someone something significant. “…except a man be born of water and the Spirit…” : This is the core of the message. It's asking how we can get into God’s kingdom. What does “water” and “Spirit” mean? “Water” (from the sea): This refers to baptism, which symbolizes being cleansed by God’s grace. It represents a new beginning and a connection to God's life. “The Spirit”: This refers to God’s Holy Spirit – that divine power and presence within us. It signifies a personal relationship with God. Putting it all together: Jesus is saying that genuine, spiritual faith is necessary to enter into the Kingdom of God. It's not about simply believing something; it’s about being transformed by God – filled with His love and grace - and having a connection to Him. The Significance: This verse is often interpreted as meaning that true salvation (getting into Heaven) requires more than just intellectual understanding or good works. It's about a personal relationship with God, rooted in faith and a spirit of obedience. In short, this verse highlights that entrance into the Kingdom of God isn’t achieved through human effort alone, but through receiving divine grace – a spiritual transformation fueled by the Spirit. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse further? Give you some examples of how this verse is interpreted in different traditions?
