So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. – (Galatians 3:26-27, NIV)
You were all baptized into Christ, and so you were all clothed with Christ. This shows that you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26-27, ERV)
It is your faith in the Anointed Jesus that makes all of you children of God because all of you who have been initiated into the Anointed One through the ceremonial washing of baptism have put Him on. – (Galatians 3:26-27, VOICE)
Today will be a memorable day in our household, as my Viking and his son are both going to be baptized this morning at church. Not only are they both making a public declaration of their faith, but my husband will have the privilege of baptizing his son. Additionally, my mother-in-law, our other children, and family near and far will be able to witness their moment both in-person and online. Being baptized is an outward expression of our inward confession. It is a way to exhibit a dying to self and a reliance on the power of Christ that is ours through His resurrection. Additionally, it is a way to openly identify with a church community of believers. I know for both my Viking and our son, the two have both come to know what community truly means in the way that God intended. They have established amazing friendships and have grown in goodness and grace as they have followed God. May we ever remember the goodness of God each time we witness the blessing of baptism and give Him thanks for the new life that we are given through Christ.
Sweet is the water,
That cleanses our sin;
The washing away,
As new life begins.
Public expression,
Of goodness and grace;
A dying to self,
Embracing God’s way.
Thank You, Lord Jesus,
That You made the way;
To cleanse us from sin,
And walk in Your way.
Please show us anew,
The power of grace;
As we follow You,
And live life Your way.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to be baptized as part of our journey with You. Thank You for a tangible expression of our inward confession as we seek You to live out our days following You in a community that is seeking the same. Forgive us for the times that we have taken Your goodness and grace for granted or have not upheld the standard You have set before us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we follow You wholeheartedly. Show us how to love those around us in ways that demonstrate Your goodness in action. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we celebrate the gift of new life that we have been given in You. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 3:21
Revelations In Writing 