|  | |
| WHAT IF I SIN AFTER
BAPTISM? |
#116
|
With so much emphasis on baptism in the New Testament,
people sometimes wonder what they can expect to follow baptism.
If our sins are “washed away” in baptism (Acts 22:16), what if
we sin again after baptism? Will we need to be baptized
every time we sin? This question seems silly to some people; but
to others it is a very real concern. In order to answer this
question, we need to review some of the things we have seen in
previous Bible Talks.
For instance, we must never forget that our salvation
ultimately depends upon God’s Grace and not our good deeds. Paul
said, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that
not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of
works, that no one should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The “Grace”
of God (that is, His “undeserved favor”) provided the only
sacrifice which could take away our sins. Peter reminds us that
we were redeemed “with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished
and spotless, the blood of Christ” (I Peter 1:19). You see, I do
not depend upon my own righteousness for salvation; but
upon the righteousness of Jesus -- the only one who never
sinned. Paul taught that God “...made Him who knew no sin to be
sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God
in Him” (II Cor 5:21).
Somehow, in the mind of God, the righteousness of Jesus
serves as sort of a spiritual umbrella of righteousness over my
life. Paul explained that “there is therefore now no
condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
(Romans 8:1). If I am “in Christ”, then my sins are hidden in
the righteousness of Jesus. The words of a sacred song express
this thought well:
I’ve been covered over by the
robe of righteousness that Jesus gives to me;
I’ve been covered over by the precious blood of Jesus
and He lives in me.
What a joy it is to know my Heavenly Father loves me so
He gave to me my Jesus
Now when He looks at me He sees not what I used to be,
but He sees Jesus. |
Do you understand this point? This is the precious
privilege of being “in Christ.” My sins are “covered over” by
the righteousness of Jesus and are not seen by God when I am “in
Christ.” But it is baptism which puts me “into Christ” and
allows me this privilege (Galatians 3:27). Because of Christ and
His redemptive work, mankind has the opportunity to grow and
mature, even while making mistakes. Our sinful nature is not
conquered in a day. Paul said, “There is none righteous, no not
one” (Romans 3:10); and he bemoaned his own sinful nature in
Romans 7:15-19. Even after baptism, we shall continue to
sin on a daily basis. But one who is “in Christ” has the
blessing of being forgiven every day and is continually cleansed
by the blood of Christ.
Of course, we understand that after baptism we should
strive to be pure in thought and deed; but if we sin, the
apostle John reminds us that “we have an Advocate with the
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (I John 2:1). John also
taught that “If we Confess our sins, He is faithful and
righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). There is an example in Acts 8
which helps us to see how this process works. Shortly after
being baptized, a man named Simon again fell into sin. In Acts
8:22, Peter explained to Simon what should be done in the event
of sin after baptism. He did not say to be baptized again, but
said, “Therefore Repent of this wickedness of yours, and
Pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your
heart may be forgiven you.” Do you see the procedure? If we
Confess our weaknesses, Pray for forgiveness, and
Repent of our wrongs, Jesus will plead our case before the
Father and continue to cover our sins with His blood (I John
1:7).
However, the scriptures also teach that Willful,
Continual sin will not be forgiven. In fact the Hebrew
writer said, “For if we go on sinning willfully after
receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a
sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of
judgment, and the fury of fire which will consume the
adversaries” (Hebrews 10:26-27).
God will not allow us to use the cloak of Christ as an
excuse to continue in willful and unrepentant sin. But
for those who love God and who strive to be disciples of Jesus,
a confident assurance can be found “in Christ.” John said that
those who “believe in the name of the Son of God ... may know
that you have eternal life” (I John 5:13). The Lord allows His
people the freedom of choice to decide for themselves if they
want to remain “in Him,” but Jesus promised that “no one shall
snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28). Confession of
sins, combined with Repentant Prayer, will keep us under
the canopy of Christ’s atoning blood.
| Bible
Probe |
WHAT IF I SIN
AFTER BAPTISM? |
116
|
1. Do you think a person can do enough good deeds to merit
salvation? (Ephesians 2:8-9)
2. According to II Corinthians 5:21 and Romans 8:1, we can
“become the righteousness of God” only in
______________________ (whom)?
3. How does one get “into Christ” where this righteousness can
be obtained? (Galatians 3:27)
4. What is the only price which could be paid to redeem
our souls to God? (I Peter 1:19)
5. In I John 1:7, the word “cleanses” is a word of continuous
action in the Greek. What assurance does this give you
concerning your own salvation?
6. Can we have assurance of salvation after conversion? (I John
5:13; John 10:28)
7. Who will plead our case before the Father when we sin after
baptism? (I John 2:1)
8. After baptism, will we be forgiven of Continual, Willful,
Unrepented sins? (Hebrews 10:26-27; Romans 6:1)
9. After baptism, what three things are required to be forgiven
of consequent sins? (I John 1:9; Acts 8:22)
|
| | |
|
Your Bible questions answered here.