. . . baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. . .(I Peter 3:21 NIV).
When my grandson, Alexander, was baptized on Valentine's day I was thinking, "Now Alexander has officially chosen sides." In a sense, Alexander has been a Christian all of his ten years of life. He has Christian parents who have taught and modeled the teachings of Christ his whole life long. Ninety per cent of the time, when there is congruence between what the parents say they believe and their actual behavior, the children will adopt the parent's faith. That is the way it is with Alexander. But, on Valentine's Day, Alexander made it official. In baptism he made the pledge to serve our Lord Jesus Christ and to trust our savior, Jesus Christ, for salvation.
The term that is translated "pledge" is also translated "answer" in other versions of the Bible. Giving an answer or making a pledge are essential in making a vow or a covenant. In this case, in baptism, one swears by the blood of Jesus--the covenant is signed in the blood of Jesus and sealed in the Holy Spirit. Alexander now has all the blessings of the New Covenant available to him. He now has all of its responsibilities too, that of living a life of service to Jesus Christ.
Have you publicly pledged, on Christ's terms, not your own, your trust in and your service to Jesus Christ? Alexander has.
Grace&Peace,
Tom
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1 comment:
I'm glad to read about Alexander's decision! Some people go through life never choosing sides. They live by their feelings. That is why the country is in the shape its in.
--Husker Red
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