The Devotional

Papa “J” says

The general store in America is nearly a thing of the past. Progress is necessary and will bring change. Change if not checked and balanced will destroy core values. Matthew 23:23

During the early years of the race to space in the 1960's, a Russian cosmonaut proclaimed to the world that he had proved that God did not exist. His reasoning was that he had traveled around in space and while he was there, he looked for God but at no time did he see Him or find Him. One humorist made this comment. “If the cosmonaut had opened the hatch to His space craft, he would have met God, promptly!” A few years later, on December 24, 1968 another message came boldly from space. This time it was from American astronauts; Jim Lovell, Frank Borman, and Bill Anders as they circled the moon: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” Had the American astronauts seen or met with God to verify their expression of awe? No; but they had enough evidence in Creation to claim Him by faith. Hebrews 11:1 and by faith these men obtained a good report. Hebrews 12:2

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 15:29 Someone posted this comment to the blog. Normally I do not respond to comments except to thank those who do by email. However this caught my attention and I thought to reply. It is not my intent to offend and truly I thank you for your input since the resurrection of the dead is clearly one of the most critical issues mankind faces in life and death.

Scripture reveals that there has only been one vicarious baptism for the dead and that would be Jesus who was baptized into death (The LAMB John 1:29-34) and resurrected to life on the third day (The CHRIST John 10:22-30). Biblical baptism then is an ordinance of God for mankind to identify with Lamb of God who is Christ the Lord in His death and resurrection. This can only be done while one is alive. I agree then that Christ in His vicarious work of redemption will make all of those people who are dead in sin, become alive in the Spirit. Not by the many, but by the ONE. People who are dead in the sight of God are very much alive in the flesh. Ephesians 2:1-9.

The gospel of God does not mandate baptism as a prerequisite for “eternal life”. But the gospel does mandate that a person must repent first and then be baptized to live in this life in the resurrection power of Salvation and Sanctification. One cannot live in this power if there is no assurance that sin has been removed and baptism is that assurance. Acts 2:38; Acts 8:12 and Acts 22:16.