Reading: 1 Peter 1:15
Holiness is not a theory or an ideal; it is a fundamental part of true Christianity. A true Christian will display holiness and desire holiness. Consider Peter’s treatment of this subject in these four aspects:
The pursuit of holiness. Christians have a responsibility to “gird up the loins of their minds and be sober.” This word picture draws lessons from the time when eastern men wore long garments and therefore if they were going to run, work, fight, or do something else energetic, they would have to gather up their robes and hold them tight. The reference suggests gathering up of something that would hinder, getting things together so that you could give yourself to some particular work. The picture works well in the spiritual realm. As Christians we must pursue holiness with all of our might. We must understand the issues, think about the will of God, guard our mind, fill our hearts with the most important things, and take heed to things that are good and godly while refusing things that are sinful and ungodly.
The pattern of holiness. True holiness is simply Christ-likeness. It is not holiness just that we are different from others: it is holiness so that we become more and more like Christ. He is our pattern.
The perseverance in holiness. There are things in life that are intermittent and occasional, but not true holiness. It is something we must continue in.
The power for holiness. This is where one of the great questions lies. We know we should be holy, but how? After all, we fail, sin, disappoint ourselves, and grieve the Lord. So, how can we pursue this as we should? Only by the grace of God. Lord, give me the grace of holiness! Holiness demands thought and earnestness and a clear dependence upon the Lord.
There is no attaining to happiness, or arriving at the enjoyment or sight of God without holiness. No happiness without seeing the Lord, no seeing the Lord without holiness, without following it.” (David Clarkson, Works, 1:297).
[…] Daily Devotionals: (10th Aug.) The Commitment to Holiness … […]
REASONS NOT FOUND IN THE BIBLE TO AVOID WATER BAPTISM
Here listed are non-Scriptural reasons to reject water baptism.
1. Do not be baptism because it is an act of obedience and obedience is not essential to be saved.
2. Do not be baptized because the thief on the cross was not baptized and he was saved.
3. Do not be baptized because it is essential to join a denominational church, however, you can get into heaven without being baptized in water.
4. Do not be baptized because baptism is a work of the law of Moses, and works cannot saved.
5. Do not be baptized because being baptized by someone is working your way to heaven.
6. Do not be baptized because your preacher said it was not essential in order to have sins forgiven.
7. Do not be baptized because your creed book says you are saved the very minute you believe.
8. Do not be baptized because certain men claim that Mark 16:16 should not be included in the Bible.
9. Do not be baptized because some Bible commentaries state that men are baptized because they have already been saved.
10. Do not be baptized because all of your friends and church members believe that baptism is not essential to the forgiveness of sins.
11. Do not be baptized because it is simply a testimony faith, but is not necessary to be saved.
12. Do not be baptized because God was not smart enough to have Acts 2:38 translated correctly. Baptized for the forgiveness of sins is wrong. It should be because your sins have already been forgiven. Do not be baptized because the Bible cannot be trusted.
If baptism is not essential to salvation why would you want to get wet?
BIBLICAL REASON TO BE BAPTIZED IN WATER
1. Be baptized so your sin can be forgiven. (Acts 2:38)
2. Be baptized so your sins can be washed away. (Acts 22:16)
3. Be baptized so your trespasses can be forgiven. (Colossians 2:12-13)
4. Be baptized in order to be saved. (Mark 16:16)
5. Be baptized so you can walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)
6. Be baptized so you can be freed from sin. (Romans 6:7)
7. Be baptized so you can be saved. (1 Peter 3:31)
8. Be baptized so you can have a clear conscience toward God. (1 Peter 3:21)
9. Be baptized so you can be sanctified and cleansed. (Ephesians 5:26)
10 Be baptized so you can be holy and without blemish. (Ephesian 5:27)
11. Be baptized so you can put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27)
12. Be baptized so you can enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:5)
13 Be baptized to you can be saved and added to the Lord’s church.(Acts 2:40-41) (Acts 2:47)
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