THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 394

In Noah's day, there were only eight souls saved. The reason for this is that these people were in the Ark surrounded by water. Still, those eight persons found refuge as the waters rose and the Ark passed through the waves. Still, the others perished in the water.

This is an important analogy because it shows to some extent how baptism does also now save us. For example, the water prefigured the waters of baptism through which you and I are now brought to safety. Baptism then is foreshadowed through this example to now save us.

Therefore, it is not only the putting away of the filth of the flesh, the mere removing of physical stain or the mere washing of dirt from the flesh. It is not only the mere cleaning of the body but rather the answer of a good conscience. The craving that is within for a conscience that is right with God. The prayer for a clean conscience before God. The request unto God for a good conscience. The ability to face God with a clean conscience through the resurrection of JESUS the Christ. (I Peter 3 elaborates on this point).

And with reference to the old Israel coming out of Egyptian captivity, note that they all passed through the water. In so doing, they were baptized by following Moses into the water. In other words, they were all delivered from the Egyptians, albeit the Egyptians who followed perished in the water.

The scripture states this. "Do you not know that as many of us as are baptized into JESUS the Christ are being baptized into His death! (Romans 6)

So today, we have a choice between religious and institutional traditions that attempt to make the Word of God non effective or to no effect and the scriptures. Do we want to have a "form of godliness" without power or do we choose to recognize that Jesus' name alone has all the power? (Matt 28:18) Further, according to Col 3:17, it is in Jesus' name alone that we should perform all words and deeds. Remember that neither is there salvation in any other name than Jesus (Acts 4:12).

This choice includes choosing between the religious traditions instituted by men that suggest that the trinity or triad formula of the so-called church fathers of AD 300 is worth hanging on to or willingly obeying and believing JESUS' words as recorded in Luke 24:47 for instance. We know that the latter choice - believing that Jesus is the only name whereby we can be saved - is the truth.

We also know that Peter was the apostle used of the Holy Spirit to present the key to the Kingdom of God message to the Jews in Acts 2 and to the Gentiles in Acts 10. In both events, persons received the key and in both cases many people responded by believing in Jesus. Paul, the chosen apostle of JESUS who preached His name among the nations said that he was baptised in water whilst he called upon the name of JESUS. And in so doing, God washed away all his sins!

If you want to read further references, check out the following scriptural verses: Acts 22:16, Acts 16:15-33, Acts 18:8, Acts 19:1-6, Gal 3:27, and Gal 1:6. Like at the wedding feast Mary said to the water bearers, whatsoever JESUS tells you to do, then do it. Peace be! Comfort one another with these words!