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Three Mighty Helpers, May 31
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like
as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father,
even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4
.
Jesus was our example in all things that pertain to life and godliness.
He was baptized in Jordan, just as those who come to Him must be
baptized.
Christ made baptism the entrance to His spiritual kingdom.... Those
who receive the ordinance of baptism thereby make a public declaration
that they have renounced the world, and have become members of the
royal family.... Those who do this are to make all worldly considerations
secondary to their new relations. Publicly they have declared that they
will no longer live in pride and self-indulgence.... They are bound by a
solemn covenant to live to the Lord. They are to use for Him all their
entrusted capabilities.
When we submit to the solemn rite of baptism, we testify to angels
and to men that we are purged from our old sins, and that henceforth,
having died to the world, we will “seek those things which are above....”
(
Colossians 3:1
). Let us not forget our baptismal vow. In the presence of
the three highest powers of heaven—the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit—we have pledged ourselves to do the will of Him who ... declared,
“I am the resurrection, and the life.:
John 11:25
. Christ forgives every
penitent sinner, and as the forgiven one, at the time of baptism, rises from
the watery grave, he is declared a new creature, whose life is hid with
Christ in God. Let us ever remember that it is our high privilege to be
purged from our old sins.
When the Christian takes his baptismal vow, divine help is pledged
to him. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit stand ready to work in
his behalf. God places at his command the resources of heaven, that he
may be an overcomer. His own power is small; but God is omnipotent,
and God is his helper. Daily he is to make known his wants at the throne
of grace. By faith and trust, by availing himself of the resources provided,
he can be more than a conqueror.
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