What benefits does Baptism give? It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare. Which are these words and promises of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
Acts 2:38--And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Devotion--Everyone who is baptized and who puts their faith in Christ Jesus has the forgiveness of their sins. This creates a special bond between all believers in Christ Jesus. The Bible paints a clear picture that every single person who is created in this world is separated from God because of the infection of sin from Adam and Eve. Every person, regardless of when or where they were conceived, or even in what manner, carries the taint of sin, which calls for condemnation.
That's a harsh truth, and it's one that the Christian faith sometimes seems to forget. And yet, despite such a grim reality, there is good news. All who believe have been rescued from that condemnation. And even better, the action of baptism brings the gift of forgiveness and rescues us from condemnation.
Now, if you were rescued from a burning building along with a number of other people, do you think that you might spend some time talking about how you had been rescued? And then, even years later, if you happened to see one of your fellow people who had been rescued, don't you think that you would relive the rescue? It might even seem unnatural not to do so.
As Christians, speaking with one another often about our baptism, and about our forgiveness, would seem like one of the most natural things to do. And yet, how often have you been involved in a discussion about your baptism, even at your local congregation? Maybe it's time to remember what you have been rescued from, and then start reliving the experience with those who have also been rescued.
Prayer--Lord Jesus Christ, You have rescued me from death and the devil, and have given me the forgiveness of sins. Thank you for rescuing me and others. Help me to relive that experience with my fellow believers, and help us all to build each other up in the gifts You have given through baptism. I ask this in Your holy name. Amen.
Acts 2:38--And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Devotion--Everyone who is baptized and who puts their faith in Christ Jesus has the forgiveness of their sins. This creates a special bond between all believers in Christ Jesus. The Bible paints a clear picture that every single person who is created in this world is separated from God because of the infection of sin from Adam and Eve. Every person, regardless of when or where they were conceived, or even in what manner, carries the taint of sin, which calls for condemnation.
That's a harsh truth, and it's one that the Christian faith sometimes seems to forget. And yet, despite such a grim reality, there is good news. All who believe have been rescued from that condemnation. And even better, the action of baptism brings the gift of forgiveness and rescues us from condemnation.
Now, if you were rescued from a burning building along with a number of other people, do you think that you might spend some time talking about how you had been rescued? And then, even years later, if you happened to see one of your fellow people who had been rescued, don't you think that you would relive the rescue? It might even seem unnatural not to do so.
As Christians, speaking with one another often about our baptism, and about our forgiveness, would seem like one of the most natural things to do. And yet, how often have you been involved in a discussion about your baptism, even at your local congregation? Maybe it's time to remember what you have been rescued from, and then start reliving the experience with those who have also been rescued.
Prayer--Lord Jesus Christ, You have rescued me from death and the devil, and have given me the forgiveness of sins. Thank you for rescuing me and others. Help me to relive that experience with my fellow believers, and help us all to build each other up in the gifts You have given through baptism. I ask this in Your holy name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment