Baptism, and Beyond!

My good friend and colleague Eve shared with me that she wanted to address the subject of salvation with our ministry blog readers. Since all of us here like to bounce our ideas off of each other before we put them out there for all to read, she let me critique her article. I really loved what she had to say about salvation and asked her if she wouldn’t mind if I could piggy-back on her idea.

Excitedly, I told her that I would love to talk a little bit more about baptism, which is an integral part of being saved. Of course, Eve, being the total sweetheart that she is, gave me her blessing. So, my blog contribution revolves around this question, “Okay, I’m baptized, now what?”

Dear readers, I am here to tell you that wonderful blessings come to those who respond to the gospel of Christ in baptism! What kind of blessings? How about these, for example: They receive remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:38-39) And, they also experience a washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5-7). One could look at it as being saved by God’s grace.

In addition, they are saved from their past sins (Mark 16:16). Their sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus (Acts 22:16; Ephesians 1:7). They have become heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:7). This all pretty comforting, for sure. But, even though they "are saved", in another sense they are still "to be saved." Confused? Being baptized is definitely an awesome achievement; but it’s what you do afterward that will ensure remaining faithful to the Lord. (Revelation 2:10)

Let me share some things that I hope will keep you strong in your faith. Remember that...

-You are now a new creature by virtue of being in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and having been raised with Christ to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4). God has given you new potential for living.
-You are a babe in Christ. We Christians all begin our new life as babes in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1). But, God allows you time to grow! (Hebrews 5:12-14)
-You are in a critical period. Satan often strikes hardest at the beginning of our service (Matthew 4:1-11). Satan would love to see you fail! (1 Peter 5:8)
-You face the possibility of falling, especially when you think you are strong (1 Corinthians 10:12) But, God can be trusted to help us through temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 John 2:1-2)
-You are to be a good example of those who believe in both deed and word. Others should be able to look to you as to how to live for Christ. (1Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7)

Here are some other helpful things you can do, as well. Be passionate in prayer (Colossians 4:2). In other words, pray like you really mean it! Be diligent in gathering together. Consistency is the key to avoiding spiritual stagnation (Acts 2:42; 20:7). Help save others. The Lord wants His disciples to make more disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20)

I know that I have just given you a lot of information to process. And to be honest, there is still so much more that we could discuss. But for now, I hope that you will take away what you need from all of this and absorb it into your hearts and minds.

Please take your time and go back over all of this material at your own pace. I have no doubt you will find it is time well spent. Thank you for letting me share my passion for God with all of you today!

Let's Pray:

Merciful Lord, you are never weary of speaking to my poor heart. Grant me grace that, if today I hear your voice, my heart may not be hardened. Amen.

May God bless you,

Adele