Washed in the Blood

          In the upper room on the night before Jesus was crucified, Peter bristled when Jesus knelt to wash his feet, “Never shall You wash my feet” (Jn.13:8a).  Jesus rebuked Peter saying, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with me” (Jn.13:8b).  In this instance it was a foot washing, but I can’t help but think how these words of Christ also apply to the important subject of baptism.  Earlier in John’s gospel, Jesus told Nicodemus, “unless one is born of the water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (Jn.3:5).  As one popular song from a few years ago declares - - - THERE’S WATER IN THE PLAN.

          After Saul of Tarsus met Jesus on the road to Damascus, Jesus instructed him to go into the city, and it shall be told you what you must do (Acts 9:6).  Saul obeyed and went into the city.  Saul fasted for three days (Acts 9:9).  Saul prayed - - no doubt, quite fervently (Acts 9:11).  Nevertheless, Saul still had a sin problem.  God directed Ananias to deliver a simple message to Saul:  “Why do you delay?  Arise, and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16).  In baptism Saul came to be clothed with Christ (Gal.3:27) and instantly His sins were washed away - - washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb (Rev.6:14). 

          When the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior… (Titus 3:4-6). 

                                                                                                                          Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ