Word and water go together. God’s creation word went forth, and the waters of creation were separated. In Noah’s days, God’s word of judgement went forth, and in due time the destroying floodwaters deluged that wicked world. God’s covenant word promised Abraham Canaan, and Abraham began digging wells. God’s word of deliverance came to Moses, and then Israel passed through the divided Red Sea.
These all foreshadow baptism. The Word of the Gospel is promised to all who believe, and then, by these waters, God confirms that word. The Word speaks new creation, destruction of wickedness, covenant blessings, and deliverance from evil, and the water of baptism pours down to assure us that God really means what He says. The Word promises, the water performs. The Word declares, the water demonstrates. The Word speaks, the water seals. The Word says, “Come unto me and be washed clean,” and these covenant waters signify a cleansed conscience. The Gospel Word has been promised to our children’s children. And here the water follows that glorious Word.
So welcome our brother to Jesus Christ…
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