What does the Bible say about being born of water and the Spirit?

In John 3:5, Jesus tells Nicodemus, 'Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.' This phrase indicates that both the Word of God (water) and the Holy Spirit are integral to spiritual birth. Water represents the cleansing and sanctifying power of the Scriptures, while the Spirit is the divine agent who imparts new life and understanding of God's Word. Without both, one cannot truly grasp the fullness of salvation or enter into fellowship with God.