Higher-Fire

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Greetings in Jesus Name,

I don't post a lot to this list, but I would like to share a thought with you on
the "water baptism=work" thread. 

I will say up front that I do "not" believe that water washes away sins. I
believe the blood of Jesus does that. We all agree in Jesus Name baptism, we
just don't agree on "why".

I also will say that I have been baptized in water in Jesus Name in a UPC
Church. 

The other day, my wife gave me a "small" donut to have with my coffee. I told
her that first I had to wash my hands because they didn't feel clean. It had
only been about 10 minutes since I had washed them, and they were clean, but
they just didn't feel clean. I work in a hospital, so I spend a lot of time
washing my hands. 

While I was eating my donut, a thought came to me about water baptism. I am not
trying to start a new "doctrine", but the thought thrilled me.

1 Pet 3:21 (KJV) says:
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:

He is not saying that the water cleans us. He is saying that the water makes us
feel clean. I believe the blood of Jesus washed away my sins and the water made
me feel clean. You can be clean and still feel dirty. 

I don't believe water baptism is a "work". I do believe it is a ceremonial
cleansing that gives us a "good conscience toward God". What can wash away my
sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!!!

Christian love,
Floyd E. Avery
mailto:feavery@worldnet.att.net
Private replies welcome.

So I'll worship only at the feet of Jesus. His cup alone-my Holy Grail.
There'll be no other gods before Him. Just Jesus only will never fail.

(Gaither Vocal Band - I'll Worship Only At The Feet Of Jesus)