Tag put on Christ

Are you WASHED?

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Far from a mere ritual, BAPTISM is a divinely ordained step that aligns believers with Christ’s redemptive work. Through baptism, individuals experience a cleansing of sins, union with Christ’s church, salvation, and an inheritance as heirs of God’s promises.

1. Washing Away Our Sins

Baptism serves as a divine act of cleansing, washing away the stain of sin. In Acts 22:16, Ananias urges Saul, “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” This passage emphasizes baptism’s role in cleansing the believer’s conscience before God. Similarly, Acts 2:38 declares, “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.” Here, baptism is linked directly to the remission of sins and the reception of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, Matthew 26:28 connects the concept of forgiveness to Christ’s sacrifice: “For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Baptism, therefore, is the moment when a believer appropriates the forgiveness secured by Christ’s blood. Supporting this, Ephesians 5:26 describes Christ sanctifying the church “by the washing of water with the word,” reinforcing baptism’s cleansing power.

2. Added to the Church That Christ Built

Through baptism, believers are united with the body of Christ, the church He established. Acts 2:47 states, “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” This follows the account of 3,000 souls being baptized and added to the church after Peter’s sermon (Acts 2:41). Baptism is the entry point into Christ’s church, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:13: “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” This passage highlights the unity of believers in the church through baptism. Additionally, Colossians 1:18 affirms Christ as “the head of the body, the church,” underscoring that baptism incorporates individuals into this divine institution, built by Christ Himself (Matthew 16:18).

3. Saved Through Baptism

Baptism is intricately tied to salvation, as it is the moment when a believer’s faith is actualized in obedience to God’s command. 1 Peter 3:21 explicitly states, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” This verse clarifies that baptism is not a mere physical cleansing but a spiritual act that appeals to God for salvation. Mark 16:16 further supports this: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” The connection between baptism and salvation is also evident in Romans 6:3-4, which describes believers being “baptized into his death” and raised to “walk in newness of life,” symbolizing the transformative power of baptism in securing salvation.

4. Becoming Heirs of Abraham

Baptism establishes believers as heirs of the promises made to Abraham, uniting them in God’s covenant family. Galatians 3:27-29 explains, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ… And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” Through baptism, believers become part of the spiritual lineage of Abraham, inheriting the blessings of God’s covenant. Romans 4:16 reinforces this, stating that the promise to Abraham comes “to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.” Additionally, Ephesians 3:6 affirms that through the gospel, Gentiles are “fellow heirs” with Israel, a reality actualized in baptism as believers are incorporated into Christ’s body.

5. Putting on Christ

In baptism, believers clothe themselves with Christ, taking on His identity and righteousness. Galatians 3:27 declares, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” This vivid imagery portrays baptism as the moment when a believer is enveloped in Christ’s nature. Romans 13:14 echoes this, urging believers to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” a process initiated at baptism. Colossians 3:9-10 further supports this idea, describing believers as having “put off the old self with its practices and… put on the new self,” a transformation that begins with baptism’s symbolic burial and resurrection (Colossians 2:12).

6. Becoming a Disciple of Christ

Baptism marks the beginning of a life of discipleship, as believers commit to following Christ. Matthew 28:19 commands, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is the initiatory step in making disciples, signifying a public commitment to Christ’s teachings. Acts 8:12 illustrates this: “But when they believed Philip as he preached good news… they were baptized, both men and women,” showing that baptism follows belief and marks the start of discipleship. John 3:5 further emphasizes baptism’s role in entering the kingdom of God: “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God,” linking baptism to the disciple’s journey of faith.

Baptism is far more than a symbolic act; it is a transformative moment in the believer’s life, rich with spiritual significance. Through baptism, sins are washed away, believers are added to Christ’s church, salvation is received, the promises to Abraham are inherited, Christ is put on, and a lifelong journey of discipleship begins. These truths, grounded in Scripture, underscore baptism’s ESSENTIAL role in the Christian faith.

AGAPE

can one be saved without water BAPTISM?

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People often ask questions about what happens if a person is not water baptized. “What if you’re on the way to the baptistry and you’re killed on the way?”

For the answer we appeal solely to the word of God. We can know nothing about it except that it was revealed by God.

Without water BAPTISM.


Was not BURIED with Him, Col 2:11-12

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.


Not ADDED to the church. Acts 2:38-47

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.


Did not PUT on Christ. Gal 3:27

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.


TRANSGRESSED the command of Christ, (& Apostles) Luke 6:46; Mark 16:16; 1Cor 14:37; 2Thess 1:7-9

Mr 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

2Th 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1Co 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.


Did not follow Christ INTO the likeness of His death. Rom 6:3-6

Ro 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.


Did not wash away SINS. Acts 22:16; Is not SAVED. 1Pet 3:21

Ac 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

1Pe 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:


We MUST be baptized into Christ to be saved by Grace. Acts 19:1-5; Eph 2:8-10

Ac 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger Texas

let the PEACE of God rule

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“Rejoice in the Lord Always and again I say, Rejoice.” (Php 4:4)

Considering the state of our world this seems like an impossible task. One thing we forget however, is that those words were penned while Paul was in a Roman prison.

Every generation has to figure out how to complete this command in themselves despite the ‘troubles’ of their times. We’re no different.

Since the fall of man, we have all had to deal with the troubles that come from a broken sin filled world.

Despite this can we still find a way to REJOICE? Yes. If there is a command, then it’s within our ability to obey. But how?

How do we rejoice in the midst of turmoil? Can we rejoice when there is no peace in the world? We forget that there is no true peace if we’re not at peace with God. When we find peace with God, we can also see how to rejoice.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Col 3:15)

This verse comes in the midst of a list of instructions; it must then be true then, that when we follow these instructions, we might have that peace of God.

Going to the beginning of the chapter we find the first step. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” (Col 3:1-4). Before we can have peace from God, we need to seek and to set our affections above. From this verse and others, we learn that the child of God is to PURSUE righteousness, the things from above (cf. Jas 3:17; 1Tim 6:11; 2Tim 2:22; 1Pet 3:11).

The child of God is then to, “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” (Col 3:5-9). EVIL is to be put off of the child of God. How can any of us expect peace when we continue to participate in the earthly, carnal, sensual, evil of this world? “For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:” We used to live this way, but now we are to live differently (cf. 1Cor 6:9-11).

Removing bad habits is not enough, we must replace what we have put off. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;” (Col 3:12). We are to put on, ADORN ourselves with the new man. In obeying the gospel through faithful baptism, we are raised up to walk in newness of life (Rom 6:3-4). Failure to do this is why we often return to our old ways. It’s not enough to remove evil. We must replace it with good.

But we still have a little further to go. The elect of God is expected to go beyond just outer actions, we must engage our hearts. “And above all these things put on CHARITY [love], which is the bond of perfectness” (Col 3:14). Without love we are nothing (1Cor 13:1-3). Love is very powerful. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1John 4:18).

There is just one more thing in this list. Love is more than an emotion. It’s obedience to God. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments:” (1John 5:3). We see this instruction in our passage. “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col 3:15-17).

We must let the peace of God dwell in our hearts, and this is accomplished when we let the word of Christ dwell there also. The last line in this section explains what this means. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” “Whatsoever, do, word, deed, do all?” This covers EVERYTHING. The entirety of our lives is to be focused on serving God. A fitting bookend to the beginning where we were told to “set our affections on things above.”

Do we want peace? Do you want rejoicing? It’s possible. When we Pursue those things above, put off Evil, Adorn ourselves with the new, have Charity in our hearts, and let the word of God permeate the Entirety of our lives, then we can rejoice. We rejoice not because life is easier. We rejoice because we know we have hope of an eternal home in heaven where Christ sits.

— spencer

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper St church of Christ in Borger Texas. If you live in the Borger area and would like to learn more about what the bible says on life and godliness, then let us know how we can help you know more of God’s word.

Sixth of Seven Musts of Salvation; GROWTH

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Spiritual Growth

The sixth of Seven Musts of Salvation: GROW in Grace & Knowledge…

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen.” [2Peter 3:18]

Everyone recognizes the need for growth. Mothers desire for their children to not only grow physically, but to grow emotionally and intellectually.

God is no different. He uses Parent-child phrases to demonstrate our relationship with Him…

He is our Father. Heb 12:9

Jesus is like a Mother Hen. Mat 23:37

He calls us Newborn babes. 1Peter 2:2

We’re His children. 1Peter 1:14 Let us examine a few verses where God is commanding and therefore expecting spiritual GROWTH.

#6, we must GROW: All quotations are from the ASV or KJV

  1. “For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food.” Hebrews 5:12
  • “Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation;” 1Peter 2:1-2
  • “…that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ;” Ephesians 4:14-15
  • “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2Timothy 2:22
  • “And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.” Mark 4:20
  • “Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge; and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness; and in your godliness brotherly kindness; and in your brotherly kindness love.” 2Peter 1:5-7
  • “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2Peter 3:18

No verse states we are to grow at the same pace as another. We grow, each according to our ability. [cr. Mat 15:15]

5 keys to spiritual…

GROWTH? 2Peter 3:18

We are to have GROWTH in…

GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2Peter 3:18. It is to be cultivated. Grace is a gift from God to be received by us and utilized.

GROWTH requires…

REFLECTION and examination to see if we are in the faith. 2Cor 13:5. “But let a man examine himself,” [1Cor 11:28]

GROWTH requires spiritual weeding by…

OFFLOADING (put off) the old man of sin. “But now ye also put off all these…” [Colossians 3:8; cr. Heb 12.1; 1Pet 2:1; Eph 4:22; Jas 1:21]

GROWTH requires a…

WEIGHT check. “the LORD weigheth the spirits.” [Prov 16:2; cr. Dan 5:27; 1Sam 2:3; Job 31:6] God weighs the thoughts and intents of the heart.

When GROWTH stalls, a Mother will often make a…

TEMPERATURE check. God does also, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” [Rev 3:14-16; cr. Titus 2:14]

Finally, GROWTH requires a…

HEALTHY diet of spiritual food. “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life:” [John 6:35, 48, 51]. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” [1Peter 2:2; cr. Heb 5:12]

No two children grow at exactly the same rate. There are benchmarks to which the Great Physician will look to determine our GROWTH. As we mature, we ought to examine those benchmarks in ourselves so we may be will pleasing to our HEAVENLY FATHER. May God Bless you all. Spencer

PUT ON

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Ruth's Gleanings

 

Many of us are sheltering in place and avoiding going out except for those things that are necessary due to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

For those who are shut in, they may be lounging around, not knowing what to do with the abundance of time. Let me first warn us all, let’s not waste time. It’s one thing we can never get back.

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” [Eph 5:16]

The next thing we all ought to do is PUT ON some things. Of course, get out of your PJ’s and put on some clothes. There are some other things we can PUT ON that may help us during this time of confinement.

First, PUT ON Prayer. First thing in the morning pause and pray. If you make a list for everything and everyone you could pray for you’ll understand better how to fulfill 1Thess 5:17; “Pray without ceasing.”

Next let us UNDERTAKE A ROUTINE. A routine will help you to ward off cabin fever. Undertaking a routine will help you make the best use of your time, not allowing it to escape from you. Time passes way too quickly to allow it to be wasted.

Then, Take Time each day to talk & teach your family about God, His word and His Son. “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” [Deut 6:7]

ORGANIZE your day and your week. If you’re working or schooling from home, an ORGANIZED plan will keep you on track.

This plan will be NEEDFUL for your success at work, your sanity and your salvation. It’s when we don’t walk circumspectly [Eph 5:15] that we fall into sin.

That’s the physical plan, now let’s look at the Spiritual things we should PUT ON.

The best was to describe this is just by reading from God’s word.

COLOSSIANS 3:12-15

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, PUT ON tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

14 But above all these things PUT ON love, which is the bond of perfection.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

ROMANS 13:11-14

11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us PUT ON the armor of light.

13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.

14 But PUT ON the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

If you’re not a Christian, what are you waiting for? The day is far spent. Put on Christ through obedience to the Gospel and be baptized for the remission of sins.

If you’re a Christian, what are you waiting for? Put on the armor of light and let the world know you are a Hopeful, Happy child of God.

 

–Spencer