Water in Scripture

The Waters of Creation (Genesis 1:2, 6-10)

The Spirit of God hovers over the deep waters. God separates waters above from waters below, then gathers seas to reveal dry land. Water is both the raw material of creation and the chaos that God orders.

The Waters of Judgment (Genesis 7:11-24)

In the flood, the windows of heaven open and the fountains of the deep burst forth. Water that was separated in creation returns to un-create, while Noah's ark preserves life through judgment -- a type of baptism (1 Peter 3:20-21).

The Red Sea Crossing (Exodus 14:21-31)

God parts the sea, leading Israel through on dry ground while drowning the Egyptian army. Water becomes simultaneously a wall of salvation and a wave of judgment. Paul calls this a baptism 'into Moses' (1 Corinthians 10:1-2).

Water from the Rock (Exodus 17:1-7)

At Horeb, God commands Moses to strike the rock and water gushes forth for the thirsty people. Paul identifies this rock as Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4), who was struck once to provide living water.

The Jordan Crossing (Joshua 3:14-17)

Israel crosses the Jordan on dry ground into the Promised Land, echoing the Red Sea crossing. The Jordan becomes a boundary between wilderness wandering and covenant rest, later the site of Jesus' baptism.

Living Water Offered (John 4:10-14; 7:37-38)

Jesus offers the Samaritan woman 'living water' that becomes a spring welling up to eternal life. At the Feast of Tabernacles, he cries out that rivers of living water will flow from those who believe in him.

Baptism in Christ (Romans 6:3-4)

Christian baptism unites believers with Christ in his death and resurrection. Going under the water symbolizes dying with Christ; rising from the water symbolizes newness of life.

The River of Life (Revelation 22:1-2)

In the new Jerusalem, a river of the water of life flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb. The tree of life stands on its banks, and its leaves heal the nations. The story of water reaches its eternal consummation.