“As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?’ And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:36-38)
The early believers in Jesus were adults who came to faith in Him like this eunuch. They heard the Word about Jesus through the prophecies in the Old Testament, the witness of followers of Jesus, and then made the decision to be Baptized. They became part of Jesus’ new Forever Family. This is how the Grace of God worked for adults then and still does today. God’s powerful Word and the Holy Spirit convict hearts to confess that Jesus is the Savior of the world and then make the decision to be Baptized. (Discussion of Infant Baptism is for another day.)
This is an exciting Scripture. It is the time, when after hearing the Good News promises of Jesus, the question is asked, “Do you believe this promise and trust in Jesus as your Savior and Lord?” The eunuch said, “Yes.” His next step was to get Baptized to show his faith. This is the process for adults to become Christians. Faith and Baptism come together to place the Robe of Righteousness of Jesus upon a person. It is that Robe of Righteousness that brings a person before God, forgiven of their sins, and acceptable to Him. It is a glorious time! Alleluia!
Heavenly Father, thank You for leading us to confess Jesus as our Savior and Lord. Thank you for the Baptism that we have received, adult or infant. Thank You for the Robe of Righteousness, Jesus, that You have placed upon us, forgiving our sins, and making us part of Your Forever Family. You have made it so and we praise You.
In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Robert Forsberg is retired from Light of Christ Lutheran Church in Fairborn.
Pastor Robert Forsberg is retired from Light of Christ Lutheran Church in Fairborn.
