John was ABSOLUTELY not talking about physical birth. Another mangling of scripture to fit what you want it to say. Water symbolizing washing away sins. There are are only exceptions to water baptism: It is possible to be saved through “baptism of blood,” (martyrdom for Christ), or through “baptism of desire”, that is, an explicit or even implicit desire for baptism, but you die before you can be baptised by water and the spirit.
Sounds like just your own interpretation of Scripture NK.
I’d suggest that you read the Epistles of Paul and you will see that he absolutely down played Baptism for salvation.
1 Corinthians 1:17 King James Bible
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Luke 3:16 King James Bible
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire
Once Jesus said it’s finished he Baptized by the Spirit not by corruptible flesh. It clears your conscience, but only Jesus Christ can save. By your reasoning man still has a part in Salvation and that has never been the case. Jesus Christ has been mans source of Salvation since the beginning. I know as a RC it’s hard for you to accept Spiritual things as you like the carnal senses of touch, smell, and taste, but that all ended with Jesus.
John 4:23-24 King James Version (KJV)
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Yes John was referring to water birth because you must be born again of the spirit.
John 3:6-7 King James Version (KJV)
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Water (symbolism) doesn’t cleanse the Spirit, but the Holy Spirit does and since the flesh is corrupted and will return to dust it doesn’t count for squat. It’s your soul that will live forever with a new incorruptible body.