Matthew 3:1-17
Understanding the Affirmation, Illumination, and Gift of Baptism
1 - You have been reconciled through the baptism into peace, purity, holiness, and innocence. To not believe you walk in these things is to miss the symbolism of the dove's descent onto Jesus. It is life in the Holy Spirit that brings about peace, purity, holiness, and innocence; man has never and will never be able to produce these things with pure effort. The dove descending from heaven is a reminder of the gift that we will ascend to it one day, and can live in its power every day.
2 - The life lived from baptism is fastened and attached to my pursuit of the knowledge of illumination that can only be found in Jesus' example and the Word of God. In baptism we are made aware of the Spirit and the light, and in our choices and lifestyle after we discover if we believe that light is worth the fight of pursuit. Choosing this life and light brings about a holiness in you that can and will experience a heaven on earth; choose it, don't lose it.
3- The gift and illumination of the Spirit of God in baptism is designed for you to receive and understand the affirmation and love you have from your Father in heaven. “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”.. In baptism anything that comes against beloved and well pleased is washed away. Any narrative you feel has had the power to write a story of you being anything other than beloved or well pleased is erased. In the kingdom economy prodigals are still sons, fishermen become priests, prostitutes become worship leaders, persecutors become apostles, and baptism isn't just a tee shirt and a photo op. It's the realization you have a father that loves you, and is pleased with you. And you are affirmed, illuminated, and gifted with his Spirit.
