Our First Covenant with God
This week, I began my studies of the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John). It's interesting to read about and notice the similarities and differences in how the accounts of Christ are told. It's my understanding that these accounts are written to emphasize different aspects of Christ's life and I believe that because of this, the Story of Christ can be appreciated and deeply felt by all.
As I studied the earlier chapters in these 4 Gospels, I came across the story of John the Baptist. John the Baptist was the son of Zacharias and Elisabeth in the New Testament. His mission was to prepare the people to receive the Messiah(Jesus Christ) and he did so by sharing the gospel and inviting individuals to come unto Christ and repent. In all the accounts, John the Baptist baptizes people with water but reminds those that he baptizes of an important distinction. He is found describing this distinction in Luke 3:16 where he says "John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:" (KJV).
This distinction resonated with me because it reminded me that baptism is not only a symbol of our rebirth but also symbolizes the beginning of our covenant relationship with God. To better understand what a "covenant relationship" means, we must first understand what a covenant is. A covenant is a two-way promise (similar to a contract) between you and God. For example, God asks you to do something and you commit to do it. As you keep up your end of the promise, God will give you all the blessings that He promised you when you made the covenant. If you don't keep your commitment, you won't receive the promised blessings that God offers you.
Our life is full of these covenants with God and as we keep these covenants that we've made with Him, that is how we're able to grow and become better. Baptism is the first covenant that we enter into. Here we promise to take the Lord's name upon us and become a disciple of Christ. God promises that as we keep this covenant, we will always have His Spirit to be with us and it's during our baptism that we are bestowed the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift is a demonstration of God's love for us because it is through the Holy Ghost that we can feel comfort in times of distress.
God loves us and He is so pleased when we enter into covenants with Him because it allows Him to bless us and help us through our journey in life. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
If you want to learn more about God and Jesus Christ, click the link below and accept my invitation to Come Unto Christ.