Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Sprinkled Clean, Baptism

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, [20] by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, [21] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22] let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:19-23 (ESV)
“Our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” I love this reference to baptism. We are baptized so we have clean hearts and good consciences, even our bodies have been washed with pure water, prepared for the resurrection. For we do not go to heaven in as ghosts, phantoms, or spirits, but as humans, humans have a body and soul, so not only must our souls be prepared for the day of resurrection, but also our bodies, for man lives body and soul, as he was created.
I do though also love that the mode of baptism is also hinted at here, the hearts have been sprinkled. Now I don’t want to go too far and say there is only one correct way to be baptized. If someone was immersed that is fine. But the idea that sprinkling was a late comer to the mode of baptism, and only done because of cold weather is a little ridiculous. Sprinkling was in use, as well as immersion very early on. What counts is that the water is joined with the word and command of Christ. For then it does not matter how much water is used or not used, water combined with the infinite power of God can clean a conscience and wash a body, if only one drop hits.

1 comment:

Steve Martin said...

Right on, Bror!

One drop is enough and one little Word.

Amazing that so many people despise the promises given in Baptism.

PS- Fresh and Easy isn't so.