"...proving that this is very Christ." _ Acts 9:22
"...proving that this is very Christ." _ Acts 9:22

MARCH 15th
PRESSING INTO THE KINGDOM (Continued)

Scripture Reading I Corinthians 15:29-34
   15:29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?
   15:30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
   15:31  I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our LORD, I die daily.
   15:32  If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what
  advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
  15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
   15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

 

       Stated another way, verse 29 says, “What is the use of being baptized if it is only to remain dead?  It is practiced among some groups to be baptized for those that have already died.  Such a practice is a misinterpretation of this verse.  May the Holy Spirit open the eyes that desire to be opened.  When one is baptized, he is baptized for the self that was dead apart from Christ.  That is the real baptism for the dead.  By being baptized, one is openly identifying with the Redemptive Work of our Lord.  By being baptized into His Death we receive His Life.    That transaction requires involvement of a sincere heart, and no one can do that for another.   What a powerful plan God has!   The more we hear the Gospel and walk in the Spirit, self-life and self-effort die daily.   As Daniel prophesied, awake out of sleep unto righteousness.  According to I Corinthians 1:30, Jesus has been made unto us righteousness.  Christ is our life!

Continued

 

Print | Sitemap
© Restoration Christian Ministries Center