The Lord Nourishes And Cherishes The Church, For We Are Members Of His Body, His Flesh- Part 2391

"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ ..." (Ephesians 5:20)

Sadly, there are too many within religious circles who oppose scriptural  baptisms. No doubt you may encounter some of these folks as you proceed forward in your faith journey, and in your own born again experience. Still, it is helpful to be aware of these alternative perspectives so that you can respond accordingly.

A verse that is often cited by those who oppose the foundational teachings of the Spirit of God is Ephesians 5:26. This scripture states that Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it so that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle but that the church should be holy and without blemish. In context:

"That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies; he that loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church: for we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband."

Reading on ... that He might present to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish, for no man ever hated his own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord nourishes and cherishes the church for we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.

It is the scriptural reference - that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word - that opponents use as evidence against baptism. The washing of water by the Word - at least in the opponents' mind - offers sufficient reason for laying aside the importance and validity of both water baptism and Holy Spirit baptism. The question is this. How far will some go to oppose the Holy Ghost teachings as outlined in the scriptures?

What should be happening is that rather than trying to eliminate or erase important scriptural teachings, including those of baptism, we should recognize that the scriptures are establishing Christian teachings for a reason. For it is the application of the Word that accomplishes the washing of water by the Word and subsequently, sanctifies and cleanses us.

Therefore, if the Word does indeed sanctify and cleanse us, what hinders these opposers of the Word from repenting and being baptized into the name of JESUS? Is it not in the performance of the Word that results in the removal of spots and wrinkles from our sinful record? We are His flesh, His bones, His body and if indeed we are redeemed and born again believing persons, then we ought to become subject to the mind of His Spirit.

The scriptures state it this way - My sheep hear My voice!

The same instructions apply to John 15:3 wherein Jesus states, "Now you are clean through the Word that I have spoken to you." We need to remember that which is written after Jesus ascended up into the heaven emanates from the very same JESUS who gave commandments unto His apostles through the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:1-4)

Similarly, it was (and is) the same JESUS -- through His own Spirit who spoke through the Apostles' mouths. The same teachings that were delivered in Acts 2 when men, women, boys and girls were instructed to repent and be baptized into the name of JESUS for the REMISSION of SIN so that they, in so doing would receive the PROMISED GIFT of HIS HOLY SPIRIT!

Therein, the three thousand plus asked the critical question. That is, "What must we do to be saved?" Peter (standing with the eleven) said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-42)

Let he or she that has an ear to hear, let them hear what the Spirit of JESUS has to say. And further, peace to all those who obediently submitted to the wholesome w/Word of JESUS. The same Jesus who is the WORD OF GOD - whose WORD was in the beginning with God, and is now being proclaimed to all nations throughout this world.

The scriptures offer us guidance and direction in our Christian walk. Where can we go Lord? The disciples had this right. There is nowhere that we can go because Lord, you alone have the words of eternal life!

This same Lord that was crucified on the cross has been declared both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

Stand in the offering plate.