He saved us through the washing of rebirth …
Summary: What is going on? Today’s passage is key to understanding what the Bible is all about. Paul explains the who, what, when, where, why, and how of salvation by God.
There are six little words that every police detective and reporter knows and uses. They are who, what, when, where, why, and how. Today’s verse and the one before it answer all six of these questions.
Who are we talking about? Answer: God, our Savior.
When? Answer: When he (Jesus) appeared on earth.
What? Answer: He saved us from eternal separation from himself.
Where? Answer: People here on earth.
Why? Answer: Because of his mercy.
How?
The answer to the question, “How?” begins with these words: “Through the washing of rebirth.”
If you do not believe in God, these words will not make any sense. If you have never read Genesis 3 or John 3, they will not make sense, even if you do believe in God.
In Genesis 3, we read about Adam and Eve being deceived by the serpent. The consequence of this deception is that they disobey God and eat from the tree of death.
Oh, I know. In the Genesis account, the tree is referred to as the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” (Genesis 2:17) But it is really the tree of death. Verse 17 goes on to explain, “for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”
Because Adam and Eve do not physically die, people are sometimes confused on this point. But God did not say that they would die physically. God’s definition of death is very different than ours.
When God created people, he created us in two parts. Like a hand in a glove, our spirit animates and directs our body. When the body stops working, which is what we call physical death, the spirit continues. The entire Bible is a testament to this fact. Every reference to our spirits and what happens after death is a description of what really happens. These are not just fairy stories someone made up.
The Genesis account continues with a description of what happens to Adam and Eve. It describes how they are suddenly embarrassed to be seen by God without clothing and how God evicts them from his Garden. The physical consequences of their disobedience are listed in verses 16 through 19 of Genesis 3. The spiritual consequences are written in the rest of the Bible.
It is four thousand years later when Jesus teaches Nicodemus about being “born again.” Jesus says:
“Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’” (John 3: 5-7)
How are we saved? Paul writes that it is “Through the washing of rebirth.” He compares being spiritually reborn to being washed. It is as if spiritual death is a kind of dirt that is washed away. In a way, that is an accurate description of what is going on.
Application: Understand that salvation can only come from God. There is no other way.
Food for Thought: Which comes first, belief in God or understanding about God? Is one possible without the other?
What a zinger! I really had to think about that last question. I think back to my early childhood, in Sunday school, and the stories that were told from the Bible. I think for me, the belief in God came first with no real understanding of who God was/is. But I also do believe that as one’s understanding grows, so does their belief. Believing in God in faith without understanding is foundational; it is something that is crucial to a trusting relationship with God.
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Thank you, Chris!
I am tracking with you. I think of verses like Luke 18:17, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Interesting and great devotion brother. And I love Chris’s response. I think my answer would partly depend on what is meant by “understanding about God.” I can understand about God as in having knowledge that He exists without accompanying faith. James 2: 19. Faith is the correct response to knowing who God is. Acts 2: 14 – 41. I also agree with Chris’s response. How we define this understanding is important.
Interesting, Rich.
If I am “understanding” you correctly, I think you are asking whether we understand with our heart or with our mind. There is a BIG difference between the two.
Which comes first, belief in God or understanding about God? Is one possible without the other?
Today I have great comfort knowing I will never fully understand God. I have studied His Word for 43 years now, I have fought and continue to fight the battle against sin in my life, as well as the battle of accepting His Sovereign authority over me. I have come to know His power, wisdom, and ways, are beyond my understanding and I am at peace with this. I am at peace knowing my God is the one All Mighty God beyond my capacity to ever comprehend. He knows every minute detail about me, every thought is known by Him, nothing is hidden and He still loves me, He still uses me to do His little pieces of His will on this earth.
Job 5:9,11:7, 36:22-23, Romans 11:33-34,1 Corinthians 2:11, 2:16
There is only one way to God and that is through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not a faith that comes from human efforts, but an act of God. Faith is given to us by the Holy Spirit which we act on by accepting and are saved. Neither the thief on the cross or I had the time to research and understand God who revealed the truth to us by His Grace. With hearts prepared by the Holy Spirit we came to know Christ as the God and were both saved when we expressed this faith in Jesus.
Luke 23:39-43, Ephesians. 2:8–9, Acts 16:14, Hebrews 11:1,1 Corinthians 2:5,
Some highly educated people, teach we cannot have faith in God until we understand Him as He is described in Scripture and demonstrate this knowledge by living according to His will. However, the Bible teaches no other means of salvation other than trusting in Christ and resting in his finished work. Old Testament saints looked forward to Christ and New Testament saints look backward to Christ, but all hold to Christ’s work and salvation through faith. Then we begin to reach some level of understanding of God through His Word.
Matthew 18:3, Mark 10:15, Luke 18:17, Romans 1:17, 3:22, 4:16, 5:1,10:9
Both faith and an understanding of our God and His will for all mankind are critical if we are to be used by God for his purposes on earth. Faith comes first, then we begin the life we are called to live through study and application of His word.
Thank you, Ron!
Great verses. I think it was yesterday you told the story about the difference between religion and relationship. I hear you echoing that theme again today.
I am assuming we must have some understanding of God before faith? If not, then can I have faith in something or someone I have no knowledge of whatsoever? If I have never even heard of Jesus or Yahweh or Elohim, can I have faith in Him? Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10: 17. This suggests that faith is the child of hearing and responding to the gospel. Ephesians 1: 13 – 14. We must hear the gospel before we respond to it.