The Church, How It is Entered

Introduction:

1. In two prior studies concerning the church, we have:
   a. Shown from the Scriptures that it is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
   b. Shown from the Scriptures how the church may be identified.
2. Regarding it being the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, we focused on Isa. 2:2,3 and Eph. 3:8-11.
3. Regarding the identity of the church we observed that:
   a. It did exist in New Testament times.
   b. It is possible for it to exist today as it did in New Testament times.
   c. "Church" is used in two primary senses - universal and local.
   d. It may be identified by its own distinctive marks of identity.
4. Further observations:
   a. The Lord's church is the Lord's family (Eph. 1:22,23; 1 Tim. 3:15).
   b. Those who have citizenship in the kingdom of God have membership in the family of God (Col. 1:13,18).
      (1) This is why "church" and "kingdom" are used interchangeably (Matt. 16:18,19).
   c. Those who have been born again are members of the church (I Cor. 4:15)
   d. Those who have been born again are citizens of the kingdom (John 3:5)
      (1) Hence, the church is entered the same way the family of man is entered - - by a birth process.
      (2) In essence, then, one must be born again.
5. Therefore, in this lesson, we will be discussing the New Birth.

Discussion (John 3:1-8).
I. The Conversation of Jesus And Nicodemus.

  A. The Lord stressed the necessity of being born again (v. 3,5).
     1. Other passages stressing the importance of the New Birth (I Cor. 4:15; Jas. 1:18; I Pet. 1:22,23).
  B. Nicodemus had difficulty understanding the instructions of the Lord regarding the New Birth.
     1. Perhaps it was due to his not understanding the nature of the kingdom.
     2. And because of trying to give a literal interpretation to a figurative expression.
  C. People today have difficulty - and for the same reasons.

II. What we are Discussing.

  A. One birth - two elements.
  B. Consider the Holy Spirit first.
     1. John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:13; I Pet. 1:22,23.
  C. What does "Water" Mean?
     Note: No one tries to make the "Spirit" mean anything except the Holy Spirit.
     1. C. R. Nickel facetiously said "I think it means buttermilk."
     2. To what does "water" refer in John 3:23?
     3. Nevertheless, some say:
        a. "The word of God.
        b. "The natural birth."
     4. Why would anyone try to make "water" mean something other than water?
        a. Pulpit commentary - in essence, if it means water then that means "one has to be baptized in order to be saved." Note:
           This was one of the reasons given as to why they concluded "water" does not mean water!

III. Parallel Examples:

  A. Acts 2:37-41.
     1. cf Preacher who preached "for" to mean "because of" invited home "for" dinner.
  B. I Cor. 12:13.
     1. "By" expresses agency, not the element (cf Acts 18:9).
  C. Eph. 5:26.
     1. "By" expresses the agency; not the element; "by the word" - required by the word.
     2. "Having cleansed her by the washing of the water by the word" (NASV) in aorist tense.
  D. Tit. 3:3-5 - three things.
     1. Washing (by the washing that belongs to regeneration).
     2. Regeneration (PALl - again), (GENESIS - birth).
     3. Renewing of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 4:16).

Conclusion:

1. The parallel between a natural birth and a spiritual birth does not follow through in every detail.
   a. One is born naturally through no choice of his own.
   b. After one is born, he receives life apart from his parents and continues to live even though the parents die.
2. You were born naturally without making a decision, but you have a decision to be born again (Matt. 11:28).