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STEADFAST
SATURDAY, JULY 25
Acts 2:41-42

2 Timothy 3:12-17

 

“But continue thou in the things
which thou hast learned

and hast been assured of…”

 

STEADFAST
 
Although my experience in the ministry is short, yet I have already witnessed so many who professed Jesus Christ and were baptised but later left the faith, and are gone like a vapour. You may have also seen this kind of so-called Christians who faithfully attended the Catechism, Basic Bible Knowledge Class, Baptismal Class, etc. After baptism, a minority may last for a few years, but the majority lasts only a few months, if not weeks. Acts 2:41-42 clarifies the many false claims that baptism is required for one to be saved. Baptism is a confirmation that a person has believed. It is not an added requirement for him to secure life eternal.
 
Received: Three thousand souls believed; and they “gladly received his word” (Acts 2:41). These were the men whose hearts were pricked by the Spirit and they found themselves worthy of God’s judgment. So they inquired of Peter as to what they must do to be saved. Peter replied that they must repent and be baptised. Those who believed the words of Peter, whom the Spirit of God inwardly called, came to be baptised.
 
Baptised: The response of those who were baptised showed their genuine conversion: they continued “stedfastly” with the Apostles. They truly believed and they submitted themselves for baptism. Baptism does not save. They were baptised as a sign and seal of the inward grace of salvation in their lives.
 
Continued: However, the real test is not in giving themselves for water baptism. Luke recorded that they (who received and were baptised) continued stedfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in the commemoration of the Lord’s Supper and in actively joining their prayer meetings. The endurance of a person living a Christ-like life is the sign of true conversion.
 
Do you know that baptism cannot save you? Do you also know that baptism is necessary to fulfill all righteousness?
 
THOUGHT: Am I trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ alone?
PRAYER: Father, grant me the persevering grace to continue to be stedfast in my pilgrim journey on earth, to abide always in Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Saviour.

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