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The
last view says Jesus appealed to Nicodemus' knowledge of Ezekiel
36:25-27 where God promised Israel that in the last days He would
cleanse their hearts with clean water, remove their stone heart,
and send the Holy Spirit. Nicodemus would have been very, very familiar
with Ezekiel 36:25-27 since he was a master-teacher of Israel. The
Jews ritualistic cleansing (John 2:6; 3:25) was done with water.
The concept of water and cleansing was commonplace. John the Baptist
baptized people only after they repented of their sins, and not before.
Baptism did not forgive. Baptism was an outward act of an inner heart
felt repentance. When we come to Jesus, our sins are washed away
(Isa. 1:18; John 3:5) and at the same time we are given His Holy
Spirit. In fact, none will really come to Jesus to have their
sins forgiven unless they are repentant of their sins.
Conclusion: What
is necessary to enter the kingdom of God? The answer is believing
or depending on Jesus to forgive your sins. Repentance over your
sins will lead you there. Without it, there is no real desire to
want God's forgiveness.
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