January 22, 2014
"When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned." Romans 5:12
Sometimes I find the concept of natural sin difficult to grasp. Scripture tells me I entered the world with a sinful nature. Really? A cute little baby a sinner? But just the other day I saw in my own cute little baby the consequence of natural sin.
My 9-month old loves to crawl. He has yet to learn how to crawl on his hands and knees but with our tile floors he can scoot himself on his belly through our home faster than any army-guy I know. Recently I caught a glimpse of our little one rounding the corner toward our office in which lies many tempting items for Baby--wires, uncovered electrical outlets, buttons on the computer, etc. "No, no," I said to our son. He looked over his little shoulder at me, grinned his four-tooth grin, turned back and began to crawl into our office as fast as his little body could wiggle.
"My lil' sinner," I gasped!
No one taught our son to disobey. At 9-months old my son fails to realize the implications of his choices. It is simply his nature--our nature--the nature which descended to us from Adam and Eve.
In Genesis 2:17 the Parent said, "No." But the daughter and son failed to heed the Parent's warning. The children looked over their shoulder, turned back and moved forth in their actions. The children believed that what lied ahead would prove better, more entertaining than what the Parent had already provided for them.
All--ALL--have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23, emphasis mine) The penalty of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
The sin of one
man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful
grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through another man, Jesus
Christ. And
the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of
that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free
gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty
of many sins. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings
condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings
a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. (Romans 5:15-16, 18)
My lil' sinner needs a Savior. So do I. So do you.
The Savior's name is Jesus.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Bringing our Kids to Jesus
January 11, 2014
"One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could lay His
hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents
for bothering Him." Matthew 19:13
Today I found myself captivated by the actions of a particular set of parents. I did not witness these parents' actions firsthand nor was it something I read about in the news headlines. I happened upon this non-traditional mom and pop in Matthew 19:13.
In his gospel Matthew tells us, "one day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could lay His
hands on them and pray for them." But Matthew goes on to admit, "the disciples scolded the parents
for bothering Him [Jesus]."
Why did I find the actions of these parents worthy of reflection? Because the reaction of the disciples to the parents leads me to believe that in biblical times most people failed to place any value on children. Why else would the disciples have considered the children a "bother?" Yet regardless of the value (or lack thereof) that the world placed on their children these parents risked everything to lead their children to the King.
Matthew's story forces me to ask myself: Am I willing to bring my kids to Jesus even if it means enduring ridicule and rebuke? Or am I more concerned with what the world might say about my efforts to lead our children to God?
The ways of the world run contrary to the ways of God.
The world says, "Me first," but the Word says, "Deny self." (Matthew 16:24)
The world says, "Get revenge," but the Word says, "Turn the other cheek." (Matthew 5:39)
The world says, "Money and achievement matter," but the Word says, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor," and, "Give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord." (Matthew 19:21 and 1 Corinthians 15:58)
During a time when most of the world failed to recognize Jesus as the Son of God a few wise parents refused to conform to worldly thinking and instead took their beloveds directly to Him.
Is the world really all that different today? During a time when most of the world fails to recognize Jesus and His Ways may I refuse to conform to the ways of the world and instead take my children straight to Him.
As we begin a new year with new routines and new schedules, or maybe instead of returning to the same ol' schedule, let me consider how I can make more time, be more intentional about bringing my kids to Jesus.
"One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could lay His
hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents
for bothering Him." Matthew 19:13
Today I found myself captivated by the actions of a particular set of parents. I did not witness these parents' actions firsthand nor was it something I read about in the news headlines. I happened upon this non-traditional mom and pop in Matthew 19:13.
In his gospel Matthew tells us, "one day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could lay His
hands on them and pray for them." But Matthew goes on to admit, "the disciples scolded the parents
for bothering Him [Jesus]."
Why did I find the actions of these parents worthy of reflection? Because the reaction of the disciples to the parents leads me to believe that in biblical times most people failed to place any value on children. Why else would the disciples have considered the children a "bother?" Yet regardless of the value (or lack thereof) that the world placed on their children these parents risked everything to lead their children to the King.
Matthew's story forces me to ask myself: Am I willing to bring my kids to Jesus even if it means enduring ridicule and rebuke? Or am I more concerned with what the world might say about my efforts to lead our children to God?
The ways of the world run contrary to the ways of God.
The world says, "Me first," but the Word says, "Deny self." (Matthew 16:24)
The world says, "Get revenge," but the Word says, "Turn the other cheek." (Matthew 5:39)
The world says, "Money and achievement matter," but the Word says, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor," and, "Give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord." (Matthew 19:21 and 1 Corinthians 15:58)
During a time when most of the world failed to recognize Jesus as the Son of God a few wise parents refused to conform to worldly thinking and instead took their beloveds directly to Him.
Is the world really all that different today? During a time when most of the world fails to recognize Jesus and His Ways may I refuse to conform to the ways of the world and instead take my children straight to Him.
As we begin a new year with new routines and new schedules, or maybe instead of returning to the same ol' schedule, let me consider how I can make more time, be more intentional about bringing my kids to Jesus.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
The Monotony of Motherhood
January 8, 2014
"Then He said to them, 'Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me also welcomes My Father who sent Me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.'" Luke 9:48
As much as I hate to admit it, sometimes motherhood feels monotonous. Caring for the same kids with the same needs can leave a mama feeling tired and worn out, longing for a change of pace. But before I give in to the cravings of my flesh I turn to the Word to remind myself of what God has to say about these little ones.
“Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me also welcomes My Father who sent Me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” (Luke 9:48)
Jesus says that when I welcome my children I am welcoming Him. And when I receive Jesus I get the Father too.
Jesus' words grant me a new perspective on my early risers.
When I fix breakfast (again) for my children, I fix breakfast for Jesus. When I wash my children's dishes (again), I wash dishes for Jesus. When I pull out our school books (again) I teach my children about Jesus. When I kiss the tiniest scrape or bandage a bleeding wound; when I change my tenth diaper for the day (and then change my shirt which caught remnant from the diaper); when I moderate Lego disputes; when I wash hair; when I brush teeth; when I read a bedtime story, sometimes two; I do it all as unto Jesus IF and only if I receive these children in His name.
Father, forgive me for the times that I fail to see my children for who they are--gifts from You. Help me to break the monotony of motherhood by seeing each need of my children as an opportunity to serve You.
"Then He said to them, 'Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me also welcomes My Father who sent Me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.'" Luke 9:48
As much as I hate to admit it, sometimes motherhood feels monotonous. Caring for the same kids with the same needs can leave a mama feeling tired and worn out, longing for a change of pace. But before I give in to the cravings of my flesh I turn to the Word to remind myself of what God has to say about these little ones.
“Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me also welcomes My Father who sent Me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” (Luke 9:48)
Jesus says that when I welcome my children I am welcoming Him. And when I receive Jesus I get the Father too.
Jesus' words grant me a new perspective on my early risers.
When I fix breakfast (again) for my children, I fix breakfast for Jesus. When I wash my children's dishes (again), I wash dishes for Jesus. When I pull out our school books (again) I teach my children about Jesus. When I kiss the tiniest scrape or bandage a bleeding wound; when I change my tenth diaper for the day (and then change my shirt which caught remnant from the diaper); when I moderate Lego disputes; when I wash hair; when I brush teeth; when I read a bedtime story, sometimes two; I do it all as unto Jesus IF and only if I receive these children in His name.
Father, forgive me for the times that I fail to see my children for who they are--gifts from You. Help me to break the monotony of motherhood by seeing each need of my children as an opportunity to serve You.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Building Little Temples
January 1, 2014
"Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord
God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will
see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20
I have such good intentions.
Our children recently received a package in the mail from a camp they attended this past summer. The package contained a calendar and three sets of postcards. The inside cover of the calendar explained the significance of hand-written correspondence. My children immediately wanted to "write" on the postcards. But I had better intentions.
I refused to surrender the post cards until I had a chance to sit down with our children and read the information from the inside cover of the calendar. But about that same time a bowl shattered into hundreds of tiny pieces on our kitchen floor. The postcards--and my good intentions--would have to wait.
"Hand over the postcards," my husband said. "But I want to read the calendar to them first," I protested. "Hand over the postcards," my husband repeated with a sympathetic smile on his face. "But I need to teach them how to use a postcard," I pleaded.
Some may call it Type-A personality (and those some may have a point). I call it good intentions.
I want to play Ladderball with my kids. I want to make crafts with my
kids. I want to visit the elderly in nursing homes and to serve others
as a family and . . . the list continues. Yet the demands of raising a
family seem to consume most of my waking moments. When my list of good
intentions remains undone I grow utterly discouraged.
King David had good intentions too. David desired to build a temple for God. David spent much time and effort making preparations for building God's dwelling place. But God prevented David from following through with his good intentions. Instead, God chose one of David's sons, Solomon, to build His Temple. In 1 Chronicles 28:20 David tells Solomon, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord
God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will
see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly."
I too am building [little] temples for God. In 1 Corinthians 6:19 Paul writes, "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?"
Two of our children have professed their faith in Christ. Ephesians 1:13 tells me that when our children made their professions of faith God placed His Spirit in our children. Two of our children are temples for God (they're just still under construction). My husband and I pray that the foundations in our other two children will one day prove strong enough to also become temples for God.
Proverbs 16:3 tells me to commit my actions to the LORD, and my plans will succeed.
Proverbs 22:6 promises that if I direct my children onto the right path, when they are older, they will not leave it.
Rather than feeling discouraged when I fail to accomplish my good intentions I must remember the words of David to his own son. God is with me. He will
see to it that all the work--all the work--related to building [little] temples of the Lord is finished correctly.
"Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord
God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will
see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20
I have such good intentions.
Our children recently received a package in the mail from a camp they attended this past summer. The package contained a calendar and three sets of postcards. The inside cover of the calendar explained the significance of hand-written correspondence. My children immediately wanted to "write" on the postcards. But I had better intentions.
I refused to surrender the post cards until I had a chance to sit down with our children and read the information from the inside cover of the calendar. But about that same time a bowl shattered into hundreds of tiny pieces on our kitchen floor. The postcards--and my good intentions--would have to wait.
"Hand over the postcards," my husband said. "But I want to read the calendar to them first," I protested. "Hand over the postcards," my husband repeated with a sympathetic smile on his face. "But I need to teach them how to use a postcard," I pleaded.
Some may call it Type-A personality (and those some may have a point). I call it good intentions.
I want to play Ladderball with my kids. I want to make crafts with my
kids. I want to visit the elderly in nursing homes and to serve others
as a family and . . . the list continues. Yet the demands of raising a
family seem to consume most of my waking moments. When my list of good
intentions remains undone I grow utterly discouraged.
King David had good intentions too. David desired to build a temple for God. David spent much time and effort making preparations for building God's dwelling place. But God prevented David from following through with his good intentions. Instead, God chose one of David's sons, Solomon, to build His Temple. In 1 Chronicles 28:20 David tells Solomon, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord
God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will
see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly."
I too am building [little] temples for God. In 1 Corinthians 6:19 Paul writes, "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?"
Two of our children have professed their faith in Christ. Ephesians 1:13 tells me that when our children made their professions of faith God placed His Spirit in our children. Two of our children are temples for God (they're just still under construction). My husband and I pray that the foundations in our other two children will one day prove strong enough to also become temples for God.
Proverbs 16:3 tells me to commit my actions to the LORD, and my plans will succeed.
Proverbs 22:6 promises that if I direct my children onto the right path, when they are older, they will not leave it.
Rather than feeling discouraged when I fail to accomplish my good intentions I must remember the words of David to his own son. God is with me. He will
see to it that all the work--all the work--related to building [little] temples of the Lord is finished correctly.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Do I Know You?
November 15, 2013
"On
judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your
name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in
your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you . . .'" Matthew 7:22-23
Father, do I know You?
I realize that seems like a ridiculous question. However, I believe it is a question worth asking of myself every once in a while. One day when I stand before my King I long to hear the words of Matthew 25:21, "Well done, my good and faithful servant . . .." What if instead I hear a paraphrase of Matthew 7:23, "Do I know you?"
I stand firm in my salvation. I recognize my salvation as a gift from God available to me (and to anyone else, for that matter) through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). And because of Christ I know I will stand before God one day right and pure and holy.
But do I know Him?
I teach a Sunday school class. On occasion I have the privilege of encouraging groups of women in their walk of faith. I once traveled half-way around the globe to lead Bible study.
But do I know Him?
God's own people missed Him. In John 5:39 Jesus says to the Jewish leaders, "You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!"
One of Jesus' disciples nearly missed Him. "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don't know who I am?" (John 14:9)
I realize this question is a lot to ask. But it is a question worth asking of ourselves more than every once in a while; more like each day.
Father, do I know You?
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalm 139:23-24)
"On
judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your
name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in
your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you . . .'" Matthew 7:22-23
Father, do I know You?
I realize that seems like a ridiculous question. However, I believe it is a question worth asking of myself every once in a while. One day when I stand before my King I long to hear the words of Matthew 25:21, "Well done, my good and faithful servant . . .." What if instead I hear a paraphrase of Matthew 7:23, "Do I know you?"
I stand firm in my salvation. I recognize my salvation as a gift from God available to me (and to anyone else, for that matter) through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). And because of Christ I know I will stand before God one day right and pure and holy.
But do I know Him?
I teach a Sunday school class. On occasion I have the privilege of encouraging groups of women in their walk of faith. I once traveled half-way around the globe to lead Bible study.
But do I know Him?
God's own people missed Him. In John 5:39 Jesus says to the Jewish leaders, "You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!"
One of Jesus' disciples nearly missed Him. "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don't know who I am?" (John 14:9)
I realize this question is a lot to ask. But it is a question worth asking of ourselves more than every once in a while; more like each day.
Father, do I know You?
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalm 139:23-24)
Monday, October 28, 2013
The Litttle Things
October 28, 2013
"The
master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been
faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more
responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!'" Matthew 25:23
Why do the little things prove so hard to accomplish? It seems the more I have on my "to-do" list the better I manage my day. The bigger and better the task the more anxious I feel to complete it. But give me a day with only a few mundane tasks to finish and I spend most of my time grumbling and complaining. So many days I've even felt this way toward my children. "Is this all God? Stay home and raise children? Don't you want me to do something more?"
A guy in the Bible by the name of Naaman shared a similar struggle--not over raising kids but over faithfully completing the small, mundane, simplistic task God set before him. 2 Kings 5 tells us that though Naaman served as a mighty warrior he also suffered from leprosy. Following the advice of a young servant girl Naaman decides to visit the prophet Elisha. Elisha sends a messenger to tell Naaman that if he will wash in the Jordan River seven times his skin will be healed.
Naaman feels outraged at Elisha's advice. 2 Kings 5:11 reads, "But Naaman became angry and stalked away. 'I thought he would
certainly come out to meet me!' he said. 'I expected him to wave his
hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! Aren’t
the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of
the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?'"
Naaman felt owed a better, more majestic course of treatment. Washing in the Jordan River seemed too small of an assignment, too mundane a task for such a mighty warrior to complete.
Then in stepped the voice of reason. In 2 Kings 5:12 Naaman's officers ever so gently suggest, "Sir,
if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t
you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, 'Go and wash and be cured!'" Naaman follows the advice of his men and receives both the physical and spiritual healing Elisha promised.
The story of Naaman reveals to me my tendency to desire only "big" assignments from God. In some ways I found it easier to minister to women in Africa than I find it to stay at home and teach my own children. I must remember it is simply a matter of perspective. As followers of Christ we do not get to chose how we bring God glory. In Hosea 6:6 God says, "I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings." What better way to show love than to faithfully raise my children--His children--for Him? What better way to know God than to receive the unconditional love of a child . . . or of four children?
With God's help I proved faithful in a big thing in traveling to Africa last year. With God's help I will prove faithful with my Little Things too.
"The
master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been
faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more
responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!'" Matthew 25:23
Why do the little things prove so hard to accomplish? It seems the more I have on my "to-do" list the better I manage my day. The bigger and better the task the more anxious I feel to complete it. But give me a day with only a few mundane tasks to finish and I spend most of my time grumbling and complaining. So many days I've even felt this way toward my children. "Is this all God? Stay home and raise children? Don't you want me to do something more?"
A guy in the Bible by the name of Naaman shared a similar struggle--not over raising kids but over faithfully completing the small, mundane, simplistic task God set before him. 2 Kings 5 tells us that though Naaman served as a mighty warrior he also suffered from leprosy. Following the advice of a young servant girl Naaman decides to visit the prophet Elisha. Elisha sends a messenger to tell Naaman that if he will wash in the Jordan River seven times his skin will be healed.
Naaman feels outraged at Elisha's advice. 2 Kings 5:11 reads, "But Naaman became angry and stalked away. 'I thought he would
certainly come out to meet me!' he said. 'I expected him to wave his
hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! Aren’t
the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of
the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?'"
Naaman felt owed a better, more majestic course of treatment. Washing in the Jordan River seemed too small of an assignment, too mundane a task for such a mighty warrior to complete.
Then in stepped the voice of reason. In 2 Kings 5:12 Naaman's officers ever so gently suggest, "Sir,
if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t
you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, 'Go and wash and be cured!'" Naaman follows the advice of his men and receives both the physical and spiritual healing Elisha promised.
The story of Naaman reveals to me my tendency to desire only "big" assignments from God. In some ways I found it easier to minister to women in Africa than I find it to stay at home and teach my own children. I must remember it is simply a matter of perspective. As followers of Christ we do not get to chose how we bring God glory. In Hosea 6:6 God says, "I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings." What better way to show love than to faithfully raise my children--His children--for Him? What better way to know God than to receive the unconditional love of a child . . . or of four children?
With God's help I proved faithful in a big thing in traveling to Africa last year. With God's help I will prove faithful with my Little Things too.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Just Jesus
September 5, 2013
"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God." Ephesians 2:8
"We're going to be Baptized in the river on Sunday!" my two oldest daughters explained with much excitement to our neighbor. "That's wonderful!" she replied. But as my children ran off to play, the dialog which continued between my neighbor and me filled my heart with sorrow.
"At our church," my neighbor began, "we believe all people are born with original sin stemming from Adam and Eve."
"I couldn't agree more," I replied.
"And," my neighbor continued, "we believe Baptism washes away that sin."
"Oh, no," I thought to myself.
I think my neighbor could see the concern on my face because she continued, "Oh yes, that is why we sprinkle children with water as infants, you know . . . just in case something happens."
Yes, I do know. I've buried an infant.
My neighbor continued, "Then when children turn twelve we Baptize them again and then they're set . . . "
What stirred my heart was not necessarily the method of Baptism discussed but rather the method of salvation implied.
Travel the Romans road with me for a moment.
Romans 3:23 tells us that "everyone has sinned." Romans 6:23 tells us that "the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Detour to Hebrews 9:22 and we find that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin."
In the Old Testament God required animal sacrifices as atonement for sin. Why the shedding of blood from an innocent animal? To foreshadow the shedding of blood from an innocent Man. But Old Testament sacrifices only provided temporary covering for sin; that is why animal sacrifices were repeated year after year. Skip forward to the New Testament. Jesus' death on the cross put an end to the sacrificial system. Jesus was (is) God's Perfect Lamb. Jesus died, shed His blood once for all time for all sin (Hebrews 9:28). We receive forgiveness of sin by recognizing and professing that Jesus died for our sin.
My surviving twin daughter recently asked me how her late sister entered into Heaven if she was not old enough to profess Jesus as her Savior. {I love young minds, don't you?!?} I explained to my daughter that while Scripture does not explicitly address the Salvation of infants I do know that God is good. I know that in Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me." I know that David, whom Scripture identifies as "a man after God's own heart" (Acts 13:22) once said of his own deceased child, "I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me" (2 Samuel 12:23). I believe with everything in me that my daughter is alive and well with Jesus even though we chose not to sprinkle her with water before her death.
I write not to condemn other belief systems but to share great news! Salvation is not up to us. As one woman who paints masterpieces with her words, Ann Voskamp, wrote in a recent blog, "Your sins aren’t enough to separate you – and your strengths aren’t enough to save you." It is up to Jesus. Jesus proved faithful 2000 years ago. It's done. In His words, "It is finished" (John 19:30). The only action required on your part is to believe in the One God sent (John 6:29).
It isn't the sprinkling of water. It's Jesus.
It isn't submersion in water. It's Jesus.
It isn't good deeds.
It isn't being good enough.
It isn't the right pedigree.
It's just Jesus.
"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God." Ephesians 2:8
"We're going to be Baptized in the river on Sunday!" my two oldest daughters explained with much excitement to our neighbor. "That's wonderful!" she replied. But as my children ran off to play, the dialog which continued between my neighbor and me filled my heart with sorrow.
"At our church," my neighbor began, "we believe all people are born with original sin stemming from Adam and Eve."
"I couldn't agree more," I replied.
"And," my neighbor continued, "we believe Baptism washes away that sin."
"Oh, no," I thought to myself.
I think my neighbor could see the concern on my face because she continued, "Oh yes, that is why we sprinkle children with water as infants, you know . . . just in case something happens."
Yes, I do know. I've buried an infant.
My neighbor continued, "Then when children turn twelve we Baptize them again and then they're set . . . "
What stirred my heart was not necessarily the method of Baptism discussed but rather the method of salvation implied.
Travel the Romans road with me for a moment.
Romans 3:23 tells us that "everyone has sinned." Romans 6:23 tells us that "the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Detour to Hebrews 9:22 and we find that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin."
In the Old Testament God required animal sacrifices as atonement for sin. Why the shedding of blood from an innocent animal? To foreshadow the shedding of blood from an innocent Man. But Old Testament sacrifices only provided temporary covering for sin; that is why animal sacrifices were repeated year after year. Skip forward to the New Testament. Jesus' death on the cross put an end to the sacrificial system. Jesus was (is) God's Perfect Lamb. Jesus died, shed His blood once for all time for all sin (Hebrews 9:28). We receive forgiveness of sin by recognizing and professing that Jesus died for our sin.
My surviving twin daughter recently asked me how her late sister entered into Heaven if she was not old enough to profess Jesus as her Savior. {I love young minds, don't you?!?} I explained to my daughter that while Scripture does not explicitly address the Salvation of infants I do know that God is good. I know that in Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me." I know that David, whom Scripture identifies as "a man after God's own heart" (Acts 13:22) once said of his own deceased child, "I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me" (2 Samuel 12:23). I believe with everything in me that my daughter is alive and well with Jesus even though we chose not to sprinkle her with water before her death.
I write not to condemn other belief systems but to share great news! Salvation is not up to us. As one woman who paints masterpieces with her words, Ann Voskamp, wrote in a recent blog, "Your sins aren’t enough to separate you – and your strengths aren’t enough to save you." It is up to Jesus. Jesus proved faithful 2000 years ago. It's done. In His words, "It is finished" (John 19:30). The only action required on your part is to believe in the One God sent (John 6:29).
It isn't the sprinkling of water. It's Jesus.
It isn't submersion in water. It's Jesus.
It isn't good deeds.
It isn't being good enough.
It isn't the right pedigree.
It's just Jesus.
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