Before one enters into baptism, Holy Spirit will have already allowed a progressive subjecting of one's life to God. This man or woman will have been made aware of the requirements of God in order to be known by Him, such that their sinning is shown up by the light of God's Word, and a progressive course of corrective cleansing away of their sins takes place; cleansing them of all sins before, and of some sins after, their baptism, on receiving a good conscience.

Personal sacrifices through self-denial of unacceptable practices will have already been offered up to God, along with a contrite and repentant heart and spirit becoming manifest. Then one's complete self is offered up to God to carry out His Will; being "buried" out of sight in death as to further sinning by total immersion in the symbolic cleansing "waters" of God. The lifting out of this "death" as to one's past sins having been symbolised, a new "resurrection" to a new birth and life begins. God then forgives our sins. Our inherited guilt from Adam is removed.

But there are sins one may commit after one's baptism that are accountable and remembered in the final judgement. For this reason, we should not enter into baptism through The Christ lightly. Before entering into this preliminary part leading to the first "resurrection", we should give serious consideration as to what it means to share in the process of being progressively corrected (subjected) by The Christ. (Rev 20:5,6). After acceptable baptism, people of God then carry out the Will of God. For by the completion of this first obedient course in true baptism, they have dedicated their will by a vow, to live the remainder of their lives in accord with, and within, the requirements of God. The reward for completing this course successfully is a greatly improved life now, and a resurrection to eternal life in a new spirit body, living in the paradise of God.

Only "brothers" with the right spiritual qualifications (1 Tim 3:6) should baptize another in the name of The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Without being an eyewitness of the reformation toward holiness having taken place in that person's life, a qualified man who baptizes in ignorance risks his own position before God. (1 Cor 1:14,15).

It is also important to realise that water baptism does not in itself cleanse one of sins, but expresses a request to God for a good conscience. Referring now to the preparedness of Noah and his family just prior to the destructive worldwide deluge, the apostle Peter went on to say: "That which corresponds to this is also now saving you, namely, baptism, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the request made to God for a good conscience,) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 3:20,21). Without the granting of this request, it is impossible to obtain the kind of conscience that will produce in one's life the final holy requirements that will please God, to save us into the "new heaven" or "new earth" where righteousness will dwell. (Rev 21:1. Isaiah 32:15-18).

15/9/91.