uses the term "born again" to refer to at least six different occurrences. Note each of these life-changing
experiences:
a) When a Gentile converts to Judaism.
b) When an individual is crowned king.
c) At age 13 when a Jewish boy chooses to embrace YHWH's covenant and be numbered with the
believers.
d) When an individual gets married.
e) When an individual becomes a rabbi.
f) When an individual becomes the head of a rabbinical school.
6) Jewish law requires at least three witnesses made up of qualified leaders to be present for certain
immersions (Yebam 47b). Ordinarily, a member of the Sanhedrin performed the act of observing the
proselytes‘ immersion; but in case of necessity, others could do it. Secret baptism, or where only the mother
brought a child, was not acknowledged.
Repentance Without Baptism:
One of the most important teachings in Judaism is that of repentance. According to both Scripture and
rabbinic literature, no matter how great the sin, if a person repents and forsakes the sin before YHWH, he
can be forgiven. As we see in the case of Yochanan, Y‘shua and all New Covenant writers, repentance was
always involved. The Jerusalem Talmud states, "nothing can stand before repentance" (Yebamos 47b).
According to Dr. David Flusser, the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as the New Covenant, teach that water can
purify the body only if the soul has first been purified through repentance and righteousness.
Water and Blood Both Illustrate YHWH's Cleansing In Judaism:
Both water and blood are used constantly in the Torah and the New Covenant as the two main agents to
illustrate YHWH's cleansing. The Jews believe that uncleanness is not necessarily physical, but rather a
spiritual condition as related in Lev 11:44 where it states by wrong actions one can make the "soul unclean‖.
Therefore, the purification through ritual immersion as commanded in Scripture, is basically involved with the
soul rather than the body. Note how both water and blood are cited in Scripture:
Blood is used in cleansing in relation to the Passover Lamb (Exod 12).
Blood is used in cleansing in relation to the Day of Atonement (Lev 16).
Blood is used in cleansing in relation to the Feast Offerings (Lev 23).
Blood is used in cleansing in relation to the five Levitical Offerings (Lev 1-7).
Blood is used in cleansing in relation to the atonement for the soul (Lev 17:11-14).
Water is used in cleansing in relation to the separation and the ashes of the Red Heifer (Num 19).
Water is used in cleansing in relation to the consecration to priestly ministry (Lev 8:6).
Water is used in cleansing in relation to the cleansing of the leper (Lev 14:1-8).
Water is used in cleansing in relation to the different washings of the Law (Heb 9:10).
Water is used in relation to the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5; Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16; Rom
6:3; 1 Peter 3:20-21; Eph 5:26; John 19:34; I John 5:6; Heb 9:19- 23).
Summary:
A detailed study of the Hebraic roots of Believers baptism shows that it is vitally important. Obviously, the
convert must repent to have a part in the life to come. The emphasis seems to be pointing to the adoption of
a new "believer" status illustrated as a "new birth" by immersion. In any covenant with YHWH, the three
items of YHWH's Word are always present (Gen 17:11). Y‘shua also was always cautious to have three
witnesses in everything He did. ―For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word,
and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit,
and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one‖. (1 John 5:7-8).
For more information on Baptism, Mikveh, and other related topics—please see information following the
exegesis of Matt 3:17
3:7-8 The Pharisees and Sadducees
―(7) But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O
generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (8) And think not to say within
yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise
up children unto Abraham‖.
(7) ―Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who
hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?