Are You Missing Out on the Blessings of Baptism?
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RALEIGH, N.C. - ncarol.com -- Since the first century, baptism has been a powerful symbol of repentance, offering reconciliation with God. But are we missing out on its full blessings? The early church viewed baptism as more than a symbolic act; they saw it as a powerful transformation that moves us from remorse to true repentance.

Metamelami is the Greek word for feeling bad about something. For example, in Matthew 27:3, Judas expressed regret and remorse for his betrayal: "Then Judas, who had betrayed Him, when he saw that He was condemned, repented (metamelami), and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders."

But Metanoia is the Greek word that means a change of mind and heart. If given another chance, we would choose a different course of action.

True repentance starts with hearing God's word, believing His word to be true, and receiving his word into our hearts. From a changed heart come new actions. True metanoia leads to life. We move from disbelief in what God says about sin, to conviction, convincing, repentance, and rebirth into new life.

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Our water baptism testifies to our metanoia-repentance and is an act of faith. By faith in God's word, Noah received the righteousness that comes by faith and went through water baptism (The Flood). By righteousness that comes by faith in Jesus, we pass through the waters of death into new life.

Peter calls us in Acts 2:38 to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins and to receive the Holy Spirit of Jesus.

Paul writes in Romans 6:4: "We were buried with Jesus through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

In 1 Peter 3:21, we learn that water baptism symbolizes the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.

Paul writes in Titus 3:5: "He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

Jesus says in John 3:5: "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit."

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Baptism brings an abundance of blessings. From forgiveness of sins to the Holy Spirit: from new life in Christ to salvation, union with Christ, membership in His Body, cleansing, renewal, and entrance into the Kingdom of God, these blessings of baptism are wedding gifts from the Bridegroom.

Jesus, though sinless, agreed to be baptized. If it's been a while since you publicly repented, why not renew your "marriage vows?" Every day is a good day to start "clean" with the Lord.

https://mooresquarechurch.org