John 3: Jesus Christ

                Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews and a Pharisee came to Jesus by night to tell Him that He came from God. Jesus tells Nicodemus that “…Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) Nicodemus, being puzzled, asks Jesus; “…How can a man be born again when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” (John 3:4) Jesus responds; “…Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)

                Even after Jesus had explained what being born again meant, Nicodemus was still puzzled at how this could be possible. Jesus tells him that if He were to tell him of earthly things, he would not believe, so Jesus asks him; “…how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?” (John 3:12) Jesus goes on to explain that God has a plan and anyone who follows that plan can obtain Eternal Life; “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John3:16-17)

After declaring these things, Jesus left with His Apostles to the land of Judaea, where they were baptizing. John was also baptizing in Enon, near Salim; “…because there was much water there…” (John 3:23) During the baptizing, a question arose between the Apostles and the Jews regarding purification during baptism. John tells them; “…A man can receive nothing, except it be given from heaven.” (John 3:27)

So, two things are taught about baptism; one you must have a lot of water, meaning you have to be baptized by immersion. Second, you must have the Authority from God to do the baptism. You cannot receive anything from man, except it be given from heaven first.