Daily Devotional - WK16 - Day 90 - TJTP - Day 20 - 04/20/24 - Baptized in Water

Author: Evangelist Lisa L. Dalton

Baptized in Water

I Peter 3:21
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: KJV

Devotion:
I remember when I was first Baptized. I was 6 years old. Bishop Sherman would take us to a lake in Wadesboro and baptize the Saints. I didn’t understand what it meant to be baptized then, that’s just something we did as believers. Now as a mature believer, I now know what it means to be baptized in water. I’ve since gone on to be baptized again with a full understanding of the commitment I made to live for The Lord for the rest of my life.

I want to look at the word “figure”. The word figure here speaks of a “type” of something. In this reference it is a type of way to show the understanding of salvation; what it means to the person being baptized. Usually when one is baptized, the pastor asks the candidate if they have accepted The Lord to be their personal Lord and Savior, and they will answer with a “yes”. This is the outward expression of an inward decision. The expression of belief says to those attending the baptism that this person trusts in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let’s not get salvation and baptism confused, as baptism is not your way to salvation, which can only be through the blood of Jesus. Most people receive their salvation first, then get baptized.

As you go throughout your Journey to Pentecost, think about the day you were baptized and what it meant to you. Think about how you felt when you came up from the water. Did you receive the Holy Ghost at that time or did the evidence come later? If you haven’t been baptized yet, make plans to be. It’s a wonderful experience and one you will never forget.

Prayer:
Lord, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins. You were buried for three days and rose again so that I can be free. I receive the baptism in water as an expression of my commitment to You and I dedicate my life to living for You until Your return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.