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The process of repentance and confession of sin unto the Lord is to be followed by the forsaking of the old pattern of life. The guilt, the conviction of being a sinner, which brought us to the Lord in the first place, will continue if we persist in living the old life. Hidden, secret sins are a definite hindrance to spiritual growth. When we have overcome the frailties and weakness of that past life, spiritual growth will follow. In the process we may well discover that there are yet other areas where we need further victory. In all of these, the Lord is more than willing to work a deliverance in our life. Prov. 28:13 The doctrine of the early church as presented by the Apostle Paul was that the new converts, manifest by their actions, the fact of having been saved. Acts 26:20.
Good works are not able to save, but once having come to Christ, righteous measures become a way of life. As when the priest ministered in the tabernacle and the temple, there was a laver for washing prepared where they were to wash prior to ministering before the Lord. Repentance leads to the first washing which is by the shed blood of the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Rev. 1:5 It is here, in this spiritual experience, that our conscience is ìpurgedî, liberated from the guilt and condemnation of past sins. A freedom, a release, a total pardon such as none other, is displayed in the life of the one cleansed by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Heb. 9:14 The work of redemption as it is found in the Lord Jesus is full and complete. When we walk in the light of His Word we are cleansed from all sin. There is total forgiveness that we might thoroughly enjoy continuous release from all sin. 1 John 1:7.
Then there is the washing of baptism. An act performed after having been washed in the blood of Christ. This was the answer that Peter gave to the question of what must be done in order to be saved, repent and be baptized for the remission on sins. Not only would they receive the gift of salvation by the gift of the Holy Spirit is given the seeking believer. Acts 2:38 Also in the development of the spiritual life is that all important cleansing which is wrought by the Word of the Lord. Eph. 5:26 Every member of the body of Christ, the church, is challenged to come to the fullness of the measure of the man Christ Jesus. We are privileged to live His life in this present world, if we will but meet the necessary standard established for us by the Word of the Lord. Eph. 4:13 We are not presented with a challenge which is unreachable. With Him all things are possible. Not only can it be obtained, it must be our goal and by His help we will reach it.