I had the honor and divine privilege of baptizing my 11-year old daughter a few days ago. To the glory of God. It’s the dream of every Christian parent, to see their children walk in newness of life that can only be found in Christ. As Meyo immersed in water and came out, she identified herself with the death and resurrection of Christ. Her belief in Jesus Christ justified her for fellowship with Him. The blood of Jesus washing her every sin and presenting her to Himself spotless – sanctification. And now, she will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Water, Blood, Life.
Do You See It?
Observe the mother about to give birth. First comes water (Justification), then blood (sanctification), then new life (baptism of the Holy Spirit). Consider the Israelites, passing through the waters of the red sea (Justification), then atoning with the blood of goats and sheep (Sanctification), and then being led by the fire (baptism in the Holy Spirit). And don’t forget Jesus Christ hanging on the cross, being pierced on His side, issuing a flow of blood and water (justification and Sanctification). Then He resurrected, sending eternal life to us (baptism of the Holy Spirit), as He completed His ascension. Water, Blood, Life.
Water, Blood, Life
Christian maturity means that you have been Justified (Water), then Sanctified (Blood) and then baptized in the Holy Spirit (Life). This brings forth the joy unspeakable and peace that surpasses human understanding. It’s exemplified by the tear-filled shout of an emancipated slave, tasting freedom for the first time. Fearing no more, the whip of the slave master, or his excoriation. It’s expressed by the deep inhalation of fresh air into the nostrils of the just-released felon, who has spent the last 25 years in jail – many of those days in solitary confinement. A high price – Water Blood, Life, has been paid, which exonerates you of all sins, washes and presents you as a spotless bride to Jesus Christ. I can almost hear someone shouting Halleluyah.
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. – 1 Corinthians 6:11
