BAPTIZED, BUT NOT SAVED
For you are all sons of God thru faith in Christ Jesus.
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ,
did put on Christ ." Galatians 3:26-27
Immersion is a unique expression of union with Jesus.
It is tragic that this act of surrender
has been substituted as a savior, powerless to save.
Knowing God comes only thru trust.
The trust that was abandoned in Eden must be restored.
Rebellion must end in surrender .
Baptism visibly expresses both our trust and surrender.
Apart from trust and surrender, baptism is like a still-birth.
It is tragic to view baptism as "our part", then trust in it.
Churchmen may promise new life for participation.
We soon discover knowledge is powerless to humble us,
and activity is inadequate to sustain a contrite heart.
We discern that a distinctive practice, is not a Savior, and
new songs bring no joy, without new hearts to sing them.
The word of Jesus crucified must break our self-will.
All manuvering, deceit, concern for appearance, must end.
The Spirit will convict us, if He is not resisted. (Acts 7:51)
It is tragic to rely on a command, rather than a Savior.
"A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise."