Beech Tree News Network

Water serves many purposes. Scientists search for water on far-off planets because they know that where there is water, there is life. The oceans to this nation’s east and west have served as natural barriers between us and various enemies for many years, especially before the invention of flight. Most of the major cities in the world were founded near bodies of water. This is because their founders knew that where there is water, there is sustenance for the people and opportunities for trade.

Yes, water can serve many purposes, but most of the time, folks recognize water as an indicator of life. Just as men look at water as an indicator of physical life, God also uses water as an indicator of spiritual life. For example, if one wishes to have spiritual life, he needs to be baptized (immersed) in water “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). This was made clear by Jesus in Mark 16:16 when He said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved …”. One who wishes to be born again will do so by being born “of water and the spirit”, i.e., baptism (Jn. 3:3, 5). Paul wrote that when one rises from the watery grave of baptism, he rises to “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). Again, this baptism in water serves as an indicator of life (Col. 2:13).

 God knows the beneficial nature of His creation, water. In the Bible, we see that God also placed water as a barrier between sin and righteousness. For example, in the Old Testament, it was the Flood that separated the righteous from the unrighteous (Gen. 6-8). We know instantly who the righteous folks were because they got into the Ark and were “saved by water” (I Pet. 3:20). The unrighteous were drowned. Not only was the Flood a barrier, but we notice that the Red Sea was a barrier between sin and righteousness. In this case, the Red Sea separated the righteous Israelites from the sinful Egyptians after the Israelites escaped from bondage (Ex. 14:22-31). The Bible says, “By faith they (the Israelites) passed through the Red Sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned” (Heb. 11:29). The Red Sea forever stands as a reminder that God placed a barrier between the righteous and the unrighteous.

 God also placed water as a barrier between sin and salvation in the New Testament. One’s baptism into Christ indicates spiritual life and also salvation from past sins. Paul wrote that being baptized results in being “forgiven of all trespasses (sins)” (Col. 2:12-13). Peter said that baptism now saves us (I Pet. 3:21). Reading these passages shows us in no uncertain terms that baptism is what separates between man’s sin and man’s salvation. At the same time, we understand that water is not our Savior, Christ is (Lk. 19:10). This is clear in Scripture. However, being baptized in water is what our Savior expects us to do if we are to be saved (Col. 2:12-13; I Pet. 3:21)! Have you obeyed the Lord’s command to be baptized like folks did in the book of Acts (8:35-38, 10:48, 16:13-14, 16:30-34, 22:16)? If not, why not?

Let’s respect where God placed water, and appreciate its use for our physical and spiritual benefit.

 -- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167