Like a wedding ring, it is a visible reminder of an inward
commitment made in your heart. It is an act of initiation,not
something you put off until you are spiritually mature. The only
biblical condition is that you believe.^21
In the New Testament, people were baptized as soon as they
believed. At Pentecost, 3,000 were baptized the same daythey
accepted Christ. Elsewhere, an Ethiopian leader was baptized on
the spotwhen he was converted, and Paul and Silas baptized a
Philippian jailer and his family at midnight.There are no delayed
baptisms in the New Testament. If you haven’t been baptized as
an expression of your faith in Christ, do so as soon as possible, as
Jesus commanded.
Life’s Greatest Privilege
The Bible says, “Jesus and the people he makes holy all belong to
the same family. That is why he isn’t ashamed to call them his
brothers and sisters.”^22 Let that
amazing truth sink in. You are a
part of God’s family, and because
Jesus makes you holy, God is proud
of you! The words of Jesus are
unmistakable: “[Jesus] pointed to his
disciples and said, ‘These are my
mother and brothers. Anyone who
does the will of my Father in heaven
is my brother and sister and mother!’”^23 Being included in God’s
family is the highest honor and the greatest privilege you will ever
receive. Nothing else comes close. Whenever you feel
unimportant, unloved, or insecure, remember to whom you
belong.
PURPOSE #2: You Were Formed for God’s Family 121
Being included in God’s
family is the highest honor
and the greatest privilege you
will ever receive.