September 16, 2002 (13)
A DIVINE REQUIREMENT FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THIS CHURCH. There is no life without a birth having taken place. The statements of the Word are so plain and understandable. The command is simple and straight forward. < Ye must be born again >. John 3:6 There can be no knowledge of the kingdom until one is born again. John 3:3 There can be not participation or receiving of the benefits of the kingdom until one has been born of the water and of the Spirit. John 3:5 The New Birth is the result of the powerful, incorruptible seed of the Word of God impregnating the spirit of a person and producing that new creature. 1 Pet. 1:23 That new born begins its spiritual life as a babe but is expected to advance and be endowed with great spiritual growth. Jesus is always the beautiful example set before the church. Of His righteousness we are well aware. The same righteousness is to be distinctly evidenced in those who are born again. 1 John 2:29 The divine requirements are extremely high according to the ways of men, and sometimes even the church. That which is born of God is going to allow the workings of the Spirit and the Word to cleanse them from all unrighteousness. Too long we have excused our sin as being frailties and weaknesses. It is time to take a stand with the Word and to allow it to become effective in our lives. That person who allows the Word to rule their lives will not commit sin. The Word will keep us from as iniquity. 1 John 3:9
BORN OF THE < WATER > AND THE SPIRIT. Water baptism is an integral component of Spiritual life. It has a vital part in natural birth. Likewise in the New Birth. Jesus linked water baptism with faith as a necessity for salvation. Mark 16:16 Peter, in his day of Pentecost message gave a command for the initial step of repentance to be enacted by those present. Then, they were to be baptized, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was for the <remission of sins >. Remission, meaning, forgiveness, freedom or deliverance. There is a definite spiritual victory and advancement in fulfilling the commands of the Word. If for no other reason, just obedience to the Word would in itself produce a great benefit and blessing. Acts 2:38 Ananias commanded Saul to be baptized to <wash away> his sins. Acts 22:16 Water baptism will not save, but it is a part of the process of producing that new sinless creature that will comprise the body of Christ in the end of the age. In the waters of baptism we are buried with Christ. Here the Christian is identified with the death burial and resurrection of Christ. This is the Christians victory, for here we die with Christ. The old man is crucified with Him. The New Man becomes the dominant force in our lives. A dead man cannot be induced to participate in a sinful life. Water baptism is not a symbolic act but should be to us another glorious spiritual experience on our way toward the perfection that is found in Christ Jesus. Rom. 6:1-7 The dead man is FREE from sin.