1 John 5:6

This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

(v6, NIV)

Only the person who believes that Jesus is the son of God is the one who overcomes the world. So who is this Jesus Christ? He is the one who came by water and blood. What does it mean to come by water and blood? Well Jesus came in the flesh, so is that what it meant by blood? Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, so is that what it means by him coming by water and blood? It is true that Jesus came in the flesh, but that is not what the water and blood are referring to.

Water holds great significance in the bible. In particular, the gospels use water to signify cleansing through baptism. Jesus was baptized and he also baptized others. In addition, the water is related to the Spirit.

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is 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.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

(John 3:5-8, NIV)

The pharisee Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night to ask him a few questions. During their discussion, Jesus tells Nicodemus about being born of water and the Spirit. Water is related to the Spirit. This is the cleansing of the Holy Spirit. This is the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus came by water and blood. The water signifies cleansing. In particular, this cleansing is related to the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus left, he sent us the Holy Spirit. We need cleansing, for we are dirty.

Do you believe that Jesus came by water? Why would he need to come by the water if we aren't dirty? In order to accept Jesus' coming by the water, we need to realize that we are dirty. We need the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit. He came by water and blood.