Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

24 November 2024

Reading From Galatians 4-6

“Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.”

 –Galatians 6:15

          There is no religious ritual of any kind that can take the place of the new birth experience.  By faith and trust in Jesus Christ and His atonement, we have forgiveness of all sin, a new nature as our spirits fuse with the Holy Spirit, a new identity as sons and daughters of the Most High God, the deepest sense of belonging anyone in the world can know in the eternal family of God, and a certain destiny that we will reign with Christ and enjoy perfect harmony and unity with the Father in His celestial Kingdom forevermore.  All of this is made possible by the blood of Jesus and our exercise of free moral agency as we accept that perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice as payment in full for our iniquity. 

     Some might say that we must be baptized in water in order to be born again.  This would make salvation by works, but our redemption is by grace through faith and not of works lest any man should boast.  Water baptism is an outward sign of the inward work that has already taken place.  When we are born again, the Holy Spirit applies the blood of Jesus spiritually to our hearts and lives washing us clean. 

The is inward spiritual baptism in His blood is what is required for right standing with the Father and is what is symbolized with water baptism by immersion.  Thus, the ritual of water baptism is not required for eternal life or our place in the celestial Kingdom.  It is a symbolic act of obedience and we obey Him not to earn our place with Him, but to express our love for Him.

“Lord Jesus, thank You for the blood You shed from the Garden of Gethsemane to the cross of Calvary for the remission of our sins.  We bless Your holy Name for You alone are worthy of all the praise and all the glory.  We worship You not just for what You do for us, but for who You are.  Your grace and mercy transform us into new creatures who live to glorify You.  We love You Jesus.  Amen.”

But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. –I Corinthians 6:17

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. –Romans 8:16

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. –John 4:24

Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. –John 3:6