FRIDAY November 4, 2022
Baptized in the Faith
And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 2:40-42
Peter was an incredible exhorter––an encourager who sought to help believers mature in Christ. Those Jews who had just repented and accepted Christ by faith were encouraged to separate themselves from a perverse generation. They were to live a holy life, set apart to God.
Incredibly, Peter witnessed the response of three thousand men who readily gave their lives to Christ. It was a dynamic move of the Holy Spirit at work in the hearts of these men. Those who accepted Christ were baptized. The word baptize means “to immerse.”
Understand that baptism does not save a person, it is not for salvation. The water does not wash away anyone’s sin. Some churches teach that in order to receive salvation you have to be baptized, only then are you saved and eternally secure. That is not biblical.
Baptism is symbolic. As your body is submerged all the way under water, it represents the death of your old man––your sinful life. Then, coming up out of the water, you rise in newness of life. You become a brand new person in Christ. Water baptism is the outward sign of the glorious transformation that has happened inwardly in a believer’s life.
As a Christian, you need to be baptized, as it is a biblical doctrine. If you were baptized as a child or sprinkled with water, that is according to manmade tradition. Children are dedicated to the Lord; they are not baptized (1 Samuel 1:19-28). Those who are young need to reach an age of accountability; this is when they can make up their own minds about receiving Jesus as their Savior. It is important for them to understand what they are doing.
Remember, according to biblical doctrine, a person is to repent of their sin and place their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
You can contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.
~Jonathan Edwards~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
