Holy Washings - Part I

Water baptism is an important step in a believer's walk with God. Water baptism is one of the ordinances the Lord gave to the Church for us to do. This is an elementary teaching about Christ that you must understand and practice. So let's find out what the Word says about it.

Water Baptism
First of all, John came baptizing with water in the Jordan. It was a baptism of repentance (Mt 3:11).  Yet Jesus came to be baptized by him. John tried to forbid the Lord, but the Lord insisted that they must fulfill all righteousness.

"Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, 'I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?' But Jesus answering said to him, 'Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he permitted Him." (Mat 3:13-15)

If our Lord, who knew no sin, was baptized, then you can be sure this is necessary to fulfill all righteousness.

It's an outward sign of what we have already demonstrated by our repentance and faith in Christ. That's why those who have not yet been born again, including infants, do not qualify to be baptized. Not everyone who has been saved has a chance to do this, like the thief on the cross.  Some people are converted on their death bed. In that case, it's not going to keep them from heaven. As with the thief, the Lord said, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise." But normally you must be baptized after you repent and give your life to Jesus.  The Lord commanded it when He gave the Great Commission to His disciples:

"And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'" (Mat 28:18-20)

We see that the apostles and other disciples who preached the gospel followed this pattern. Notice the sequence. The Lord commanded them to go and first make disciples, and then baptize them, as well as teach them to observe everything that Jesus commanded the first apostles. He did not commission them to first baptize people, then make them disciples of Christ. Neither did he tell them to first teach people everything He commanded them before baptizing them.

When the Ethiopian eunuch got saved, he was baptized immediately afterward when they came to some water (Ac 8:36-28). He had asked Philip if there was anything to prevent him from being baptized, and the only condition that Philip had given him was, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." Once the eunuch confessed his genuine faith in Jesus Christ, then he was baptized into Christ.

Paul explained the significance of water baptism when he wrote to the Romans in the sixth chapter.

"Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection," (Rom 6:3-5)

When we are baptized, we are united with Christ in His death. As we go down in the waters of baptism, the old self is buried beneath the water with Christ. When we come up out of the water, we are raised with Him to new life.

On the day of Pentecost, when the people came under conviction for sin at the preaching of the gospel, and asked what they should do, “Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” (Act 2:38)

He taught that you must repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (into His authority) by faith in Him, for the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, repentance and faith in Christ are essential, and so is water baptism.

By the way, when Peter said "you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit," he spoke of the need to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is also a baptism. Due to the limited scope of this article, I will not go any further into that here, except to mention the importance of it again before my closing.

The apostle Paul also taught that the Lord gave Himself up on the cross for His Bride, which is the Church, to make her holy, and that He cleanses her by the washing with water through the Word of God. He said, "...Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." (Eph 5:25b-26, NIV).

I believe as John Wesley did that the expression "washing with water" refers in part to water baptism, which is an "outward and visible sign" that cleanses us from guilt and the power of sin, if we receive with it "the inward spiritual grace." It was only through this study of the Word on holy washings that the Spirit of God revealed to me the connection of this Ephesians passage with water baptism (see my comments in the table below), and upon further research I later discovered to my delight that both John Wesley and Matthew Henry saw the same connection. Before this I had never heard anyone make this connection, so the fact that these two holiness preachers wrote about it hundreds of years ago seems to confirm what the Lord revealed to me.

However, there is more to this Ephesians passage than simply water baptism. For Jesus told His disciples, "You are already clean because of the Word which I have spoken to you." (Joh 15:3). Therefore, we know that He also cleanses us with water through the Word of God, just as Paul said in his epistle.

Origin of Baptism
So where did the idea of baptism originate? Do they have any precedents in the Scriptures?

Ceremonial Washings
Under the Law of Moses, they certainly had ceremonial washings that the priests did in the tabernacle and temple. These were required in order to make them ceremonially clean. But these were only types and they have been fulfilled in Christ our high priest. So while they were a type of washing, they were not carried over into the New Covenant as a requirement for believers.

The Red Sea a Type of Baptism
The best type of water baptism in Scripture, which shows us the origin of it was when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. Paul referred to this when he said:

"For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ." (1Co 10:1-4)

The Flood of Noah's Day a Type of Baptism
Peter also referred to the flood during Noah's day as a type of baptism as well. He said:

"When the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you--not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ," (1Pe 3:20b-21)

Peter taught that just as the few people, only eight persons, were brought safely through the water, likewise,  baptism now saves you. That's pretty clear. Noah's ark being brought safely through water was a type of the repentant believer being saved through baptism (for more on that topic, please see Noah's Ark a Type of Christ). Note that Peter said that baptism is not about the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience.

Baptism Types, Analogies, and Their Meanings
I'd like to present to you the various baptism analogies and their meanings in the following chart, in order to better help you correlate them together:

Scripture text	Corresponding Analogy	Type of Washing	Purpose of washing	Meaning of text
“Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Ac 2:38)	(None in this passage)	Water baptism	For the forgiveness of your sins	Water baptism accompanied by repentance and faith in Christ provides forgiveness of sins.
“…in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you…”(1Pe 3:20-21a)	Flood	Water baptism	A flood to destroy sinners and an ark to save the righteous	Just as Noah and his family, eight people in all, were brought safely through the flood water, so baptism saves you from being destroyed with sinners.
“…not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” (1Pe 3:21)	Bath	Water baptism	To remove dirt from the flesh and make the person completely clean	Baptism is not just a bath that removes dirt from the body, but it is an appeal to God for a good conscience, as well as a pledge to God to keep a good conscience.
“…all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?”(Rom 6:3)	Grave	Water baptism	To be united in Christ’s death and burial in the grave	One who is baptized into Christ has been immersed into His death under the water
“…we have been buried with Him through baptism into death…” (Rom 6:4)	Grave	Water baptism	To be united in Christ’s death and burial in the grave	One who is baptized into Christ has been buried with Him under the water
“..we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death…”(Rom 6:5a)	Grave	Water baptism	To be united in Christ’s death and burial in the grave	One who is baptized into Christ has been baptized into His death under the water
“…we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection…” (Rom 6:5b)	Grave	Water baptism	To be united in Christ’s death and burial in the grave	One who is united with Christ in His death through baptism will also be united in His resurrection from the grave
“…there arose a discussion on the part of John's disciples with a Jew about purification…” (Joh 3:25)	Washing	Water baptism (and possibly ceremonial washing)	To purify the person	John’s disciples discussed or argued with a certain Jew about “washing” (Greek, katharismos).
“And they came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, He is baptizing and all are coming to Him.'" (Joh 3:26)	Washing	Water baptism	To purify the person	John’s disciples (in the context of the discussion with the Jew about washing) reported to John that Jesus was baptizing beyond the Jordan and all were coming to Him.
“…cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word…”(Eph 5:26a, NIV)	Washing	Water baptism (and possibly foot washing)	To cleanse	Through the power of His Word making His work on the cross effective in our lives, the Lord washes His Bride, the Church, cleansing her from the guilt and power of sin in the waters of baptism.
“…to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”(Eph 5:26b, NIV)	Washing	Water baptism (and possibly foot washing)	To cleanse	The Lord’s purpose in water baptism is to present His Bride to Himself as a radiant Church without stain or wrinkle, but holy and blameless.
“the elementary teaching about the Christ …instruction about washings…” (Heb 6:2)	Washing	Water baptism and foot washing	To cleanse	Since the word “washings” (Greek baptismos) is plural, and the Greek may refer to baptism, washing, or ceremonial washing, this text probably means that new believers must be instructed about both water baptism and foot washing.
“…our fathers were all under the cloud…and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud …Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.” (1 Cor 10:1b-2,5, NIV)	The glory cloud	Water baptism	To be immersed under the presence of God’s Holy Spirit	All the Israelites were under the same cloud of glory, yet their bodies were scattered in the wilderness because God was not pleased with them. Likewise Christians who have been water baptized could still perish if they set their hearts on evil things as the Israelites did.
“…our fathers…all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses…in the sea…Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.” (1 Cor 10:1b-2,5 NIV)	The Red Sea	Water baptism	To pass through the waters (of death) out of bondage	All the Israelites passed through the same waters of the sea out of the bondage of Egypt, yet most of their bodies were scattered in the wilderness because God was not pleased with them. Likewise Christians who have been water baptized could still perish if they set their hearts on evil things as the Israelites did.

Must We Be Immersed?
There are many Christian churches that baptize people by sprinkling them with water. I don't see any Scriptural basis for it. The word "baptism" in the Greek refers to total immersion. As I read the Bible, that is what John the Baptist did, it's what Jesus did, and it's what the apostles did. All the analogies I have just cited in the chart above imply total immersion. The burial with Christ in a watery grave, the flood, the Red Sea, the glory cloud, and the bath. Therefore, I do not advise anyone to be sprinkled but to be baptized by complete immersion.

Water Baptism Itself Does Not Save You
Let's never forget that while baptism is necessary, along with repentance and faith in Christ, we must not set our hearts on evil as the Israelites did, who consequently perished in the wilderness. They did not make it into the promised land, which is an example for us as a warning.

As Paul said, “…our fathers…all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses…in the sea…Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.” (1 Cor 10:1b-2,5 NIV).

"These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!" (1 Cor 10:11-12. NIV).

Just as the Israelites all passed through the same waters of the sea out of the bondage of Egypt, so are we as disciples all baptized in water into Christ. And just as most of their bodies were scattered in the wilderness because God was not pleased with them, likewise those who have been water baptized could still perish if they set their hearts on evil things as the Israelites did. Therefore, water baptism itself does not save you.

Must We Be Baptized "In the Name of Jesus" Only?
I would like to mention another important point. There are certain Christians, such as oneness Pentecostals, who emphasize that we must be baptized in the name of Jesus only. They teach that if you were baptized in water in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, that your baptism was not valid. They teach that the original apostles all baptized disciples in the Name of Jesus Christ, and therefore, if you were not explicitly baptized with those exact words, then they say you need to be baptized again specifically in the Name of Jesus. I think this is an error they make. Here are some of the Bible verses they quote:

Act 2:38, "Peter said to them, 'Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

Act 8:16,  "For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."

Act 10:48,  "And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days."

Act 19:5,  "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."

Act 22:16,  "Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name."

As I have already stated earlier in this article, our Lord Himself taught us to make disciples and baptize them "in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Mat 28:19). That's quite clear, and we know who He meant by "the Son." He was not talking about someone else but about Himself, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The Scriptures are clear on this point.

While the Scriptures do say the early disciples baptized disciples in the name of Jesus Christ, you should understand what that means. Anything that is done in the name of another person is done in their authority. If you can legally sign checks in someone's name, it means you do so in their authority. Your signature carries the same authority as theirs, if you have been authorized to do so. Likewise, a law enforcement officer carries out his work in the name of the law, such as when he arrests a criminal. He cannot do so in his own name but in the name of the law of the city, state, or municipality he serves, because he has been authorized to do so. All arrests he makes are in the authority of the law.

The Lord said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..." (Mt 28:18-19. NIV). By noting the word "therefore", we understand that the authority to make disciples and baptize them comes from the Father through Jesus. Just as Jesus came in the Father's name, which the Father gave Him (Joh 17:11b), likewise, Jesus came in the Father's authority that was given to Him, which He has in turn delegated to His chosen servants. To be baptized "in the name of Jesus" means "by the authority of Jesus".  Therefore, if you were originally baptized "in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" when you began to follow Christ, I don't think you need to be baptized again, unless your first baptism occurred as a baby, or by sprinkling, or any time before you had actually repented of your sin and given your life to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

I think that those of us who baptize disciples should do so "in the name of the Father, and the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit." And I also think it's very important to get disciples baptized with the Holy Spirit and baptized with fire (Mt 3:11).

Putting it All Together
In this part-one article I have explained both the requirement of water baptism and the reason for it, as well as its origin and types in Scripture. I trust that it has helped you to understand a little better the correlation of the various analogies and what they were intended to teach us about baptism. This is part of the initiation process for every new disciple, and it only needs to be done once. If you have repented and given your life to Jesus Christ, but have never been baptized, then this is an important next step for you to take in your walk with God. I urge you not to delay in carrying it out.

Continue to Holy Washings - Part II.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.  Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, where noted. "Baptism" painting © 2012 Danny Hahlbohm, all rights reserved by the artist. The "Water Baptism" graphic used by permission from Broadway Church, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Author's note: After you have read Holy Washings - Part II, please also see Baptized with the Spirit, Holy Fire Baptism, Entering the Kingdom of God, All Things Are New!, The Link Between Two Realms, and The Name of Jesus. You may find my complete collection of blogs at Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Holy Washings - Part II

In my first article, Holy Washings - Part I, I explained the elementary teaching of Christ regarding water baptism. In this second part, I'd like to explain foot washing as another elementary teaching of Christ. So let's find out what the Word says about it.

Foot Washing
The apostle wrote, "Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment." (Heb 6:1-2).  These are six elementary teachings about Christ that are considered foundational.  Notice that he said "instruction about washings" using the plural form and not the singular form of "washing". When we read this we usually think of water baptism, which is one washing. But I believe I can prove to you from Scripture that the apostle here spoke of both baptism and foot washing.

On the night He was betrayed, during the Last Supper when the Lord established the New Covenant, He also got up from the supper and began to wash His disciples' feet. 

"Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, *got up from supper, and *laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. Then He *poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. So He *came to Simon Peter. He *said to Him, "Lord, do You wash my feet?" Jesus answered and said to him, "What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter." Peter *said to Him, "Never shall You wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." Simon Peter *said to Him, "Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head." Jesus *said to him, "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you." For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, 'Not all of you are clean.'" (Joh 13:1-11)

There are some key points I want to highlight. Peter forbid the Lord to wash his feet initially. But the Lord told him that unless He washed Peter's feet, he had no part with Him. Then Peter insisted that the Lord not only wash his feet, but his hands and head. Interesting character that Peter was! He tended to make radical statements like that. One minute he insisted the Lord would never wash his feet. Next minute he wanted the Lord to give him a bath. But the Lord told Peter that he had already bathed, which was obviously referring back to his initial repentance and baptism. Even Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, so we can be sure that Peter and the other disciples were baptized also. The Lord assured him he was already clean, with the exception of Judas who was not clean. Jesus said that he who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet. The key point here is that one who has been cleansed initially upon coming to Christ does still need to wash his feet. As the Lord said, unless He washed their feet they would have no part with Him, so this was necessary.

The gospel passage continues, "So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, 'Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them." (Joh 13:12-17)

The key points I want to highlight here are that if Jesus, the Lord and the Teacher, washed His disciples' feet, we also ought to wash one another's feet. It's that simple. For He gave us an example that we also should do as He did to His disciples.We are not greater than our Master. But it's not enough just to know these things. Jesus said that if you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. He was clearly expecting His disciples to do this to one another.

When Jesus said, “You also ought to wash one another's feet” (Joh 13:14), the Greek word for “ought” is “opheilo”, which means “to be under obligation (ought, must, should); be bound, duty, be indebted, must needs, or owe.” That makes it clear the Lord taught the necessity of foot washing among the saints. His words to Peter were that he could have no part in Christ unless Jesus washed his feet.

In order to better explain Christ's teaching about foot washing, I will put it into a table format and show you verse by verse: 

Baptism and Foot Washing Analogies
I'd like to present to you the various baptism and foot washing analogies used in this passage, and their meanings in the following chart, in order to better help you correlate them together:

Scripture text	Corresponding Analogy	Type of Washing	Purpose of washing	Meaning of text
“He who has bathed…is completely clean” (Jn 13:10)	Bath	Water baptism	To make the person completely clean	Water baptism cleanses a person entirely. There is no need to be water baptized a second time.
“He…needs only to wash his feet” (Jn 13:10)	Foot washing	Foot washing	To cleanse the feet	Foot washing cleanses a person where their walk has not been perfectly clean.
“…And you are clean…” (Jn 13:10)	Bath	Water baptism	To make the person completely clean	All the disciples had been water baptized and were clean.
“…But not all of you… For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’" (Jn 13:10-11)	Bath	Water baptism	To make the person completely clean	Judas was not clean, although he had been baptized.
"I do not speak of all of you…'he who eats my bread has lifted up his heel against me.'” “Jesus…became troubled in spirit, and testified… ‘…one of you will betray Me." (Joh 13:21)	Bath	Water baptism	To make the person completely clean	Judas (baptized yet not clean) would betray Jesus
"If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.” (Joh 13:14)	Foot washing	Foot washing	To cleanse the feet	As the Lord our Teacher washed His disciples’ feet, His disciples ought to wash one another’s feet.
"For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” (Joh 13:15)	Foot washing	Foot washing	To cleanse the feet	As the Lord our Teacher washed His disciples’ feet, His disciples ought to wash one another’s feet.
"If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” (Joh 13:17)	Foot washing	Foot washing	To cleanse the feet	If His disciples know they ought to wash one another’s feet, and they do so, they are blessed.
“the elementary teaching about the Christ …instruction about washings…” (Heb 6:2)	Washings	Water baptism and foot washing	To cleanse	Since the word “washings” (Greek baptismos) is plural, and the Greek may refer to baptism, washing, or ceremonial washing, this text probably means that new believers must be instructed about water baptism and foot washing.
“…cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word…”(Eph 5:26a, NIV)	Washing	Water baptism and foot washing	To cleanse	Just as the Lord washes His Bride through the power of His Word, cleansing her from the guilt and power of sin in the waters of baptism, foot washing has a similar purpose for those who are already clean through baptism.
“…to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”(Eph 5:26b, NIV)	Washing	Water baptism and foot washing	To cleanse	The Lord’s purpose in water baptism (and foot washing) is to present His Bride, to Himself as a radiant Church without stain or wrinkle, but holy and blameless.

Baptism Itself Does Not Save You
As we see from the example of Judas Iscariot, he was not clean, although he had been baptized. So water baptism itself does not cleanse you. Unless there is genuine repentance, accompanied by saving faith in Christ, water baptism is merely a ceremony. Although Judas was water baptized, he still continued to help himself to the money bag (Joh 12:6), which is stealing; and the Scripture says that thieves will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-10). He also betrayed the Lord, and Jesus said that it would be better for him if he had never been born (Mt 26:24). Jesus said that not everyone who says to Him, "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of His Father in heaven (Mt 7:21). Therefore, Peter said that Judas left his ministry as an apostle to go to the place where he belongs (Ac 1:25), which is in hell, where he has been tormented since that time.

Foot Washing Does Not Save You
I would like to build on my last point in order to emphasize something about foot washing. Just as water baptism itself does not save you, neither does foot washing. In other words, if you religiously practice this ceremony, and have no genuine repentance and saving faith in Christ, then it is meaningless. You might as well be washing windows. But if you are a true disciple, then you will be blessed if you wash the feet of other disciples.

Foot Washing Unto the Lord
When a disciple washes another disciple's feet, they are actually washing the feet of Jesus.  For He said, "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me." (Mt 25:40). So I ask those of you who are still hesitant to do this, why wouldn't you want to wash the feet of Jesus, if you truly love Him? As Paul said, "Whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men..." (Col 3:23, KJV). Therefore, wash one another's feet with all your heart!

Foot Washing is a Mark of Godliness
Moreover, in Paul's epistle to Timothy, he cites "washing the feet of the Lord’s people" as a mark of a godly woman, which is one criterion that determines whether a widow should be put on the list of those truly in need of assistance from the Church (1 Tim 5:10). Yet how many saints today wash the feet of the Lord's people? It's rare to find such a person any more.

Foot Washing for a Spotless, Holy Bride
As I mentioned already, the apostle Paul said, "...Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." (Eph 5:25b-26, NIV). While I believe the expression "washing with water" refers to water baptism, it may also refer secondarily to foot washing.

If the "washing with water" that Paul spoke of refers to both baptism and foot washing, as I believe it does, then this gives even greater meaning to the practice of foot washing. It also agrees with what Jesus said to His disciples when he taught them the importance of foot washing (Joh 13:10, 14). Just as the Lord washes His Bride through the power of His Word (Eph 5:26; Joh 15:3; 17:17), cleansing her from the guilt and power of sin in the waters of baptism, foot washing may serve a similar (though not identical) purpose for those who are already clean through baptism. His purpose is to present His Bride as a radiant Church without stain or wrinkle, but holy and blameless.  Therefore, foot washing may play a role in the ongoing sanctification of our body, soul, and spirit, so that we are kept blameless at the coming of our Lord.

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it." (1 Thes 5:23-24, NIV).

Could it be that foot washing is to our sanctification as water baptism is to our salvation? I think there is a strong case from Scripture to support that notion. If it is so, we understand that, as with water baptism, it is an outward visible sign of an inward spiritual grace. It all happens through the truth of His Word (Joh 15:3). For Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth" (Joh 17:17, NIV).  We also understand that the sanctifying work is performed by the Holy Spirit (1 Pe 1:2). As we disciples pray and ask for it, the Holy Spirit takes our white garment and washes it out, cleansing away all the stains, and He presses it out, removing all the wrinkles.

Putting it All Together
In this two-part article on instructions about washings, I have shown from Scripture the great importance of both water baptism for repentance and foot washing in the life of every disciple. Water baptism cleanses a person entirely when done as an outward expression of genuine repentance and faith in Christ. There is no need to be water baptized a second time.

If you have repented and given your life to Christ as your Lord and Savior, you should be baptized in water. Jesus did it, and taught His disciples to do so also (Mt 28:19-20). His disciples were water baptized and they baptized their disciples, too. But don't forget that the Lord also taught His disciples by example to wash each others' feet as well. He said they ought to do so, and would be blessed if they did so.  Foot washing cleanses a person where their walk has not been perfectly clean.  It's also a great way to practice humility and love in imitation of Christ. And when you do so, you will be doing it unto the Lord along with anything else you do for the least of His brethren. Therefore, I see no reason why any true disciple would not want to practice foot washing.

Still there is even another baptism that I mentioned briefly in Holy Washings - Part I, which is the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. This wonderful baptism is necessary to be a powerful witness for Christ who lives a holy life (Ac 1:8; 1 Pe 1:2). I strongly recommend reading that article and praying to receive that gift as well.

And there is also the Baptism with Fire that John the Baptist referred to, as well (Mt 3:11).  So we see that our Lord has made perfect provision for us to receive these washings, so that we might be purified, sanctified in spirit and soul and body, kept blameless unto His coming. Be sure to avail yourself of every gift the Lord has provided for His children, so that you don't miss out on the glory to follow.

Related training:

Instructions for Conducting a Foot Washing Service

Foot Washing Supplies

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.  Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, where noted

Author's note: Also see Holy Washings - Part I, Baptized with the Spirit, Holy Fire Baptism, Entering the Kingdom of God, All Things Are New! and The Link Between Two Realms. You may find my complete collection of blogs at Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Do You Want to Know Jesus?

If you want to know Jesus, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Him. 

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

You must repent, because God is perfectly holy, and He is love.  We were created to know Him. But you and I have a problem called sin that separates us from God.  Because of your sin, you deserve an eternity of punishment in hell, where there is no joy, but only torment.

Jesus Christ is God's Son, who came in the flesh and gave His life for you on the cross, in order to pay the penalty for your sin.  He did that, because He loves you with an everlasting love.  Someone needed to pay the price for our sin, and He was the only One qualified to do so, since He was sinless.  He wants you to have a relationship with Him, and live with Him forever in heaven.  He doesn't want you to perish on account of your sin.  But He will not repent of your sin for you.  You must do this yourself.

If you repent, it means you turn from your sin by changing your mind completely about it. You cannot repent unless the Holy Spirit convicts you of your sinful condition.  It is His role to convince you of your sinful predicament. So if you do not feel convicted, you should cry out to God, and ask the Lord to reveal to you the true nature of the sinful state you are in. Then I suggest you read His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's gospel, chapters 5 - 7, as well as His Sermon on the Plain in Luke's gospel, chapter 6. As you read, ask Him for true contrition for sin and to bring you to sincere repentance.  

Once He does that, then you should take as long as necessary to repent of all your sins. I recommend repenting for every sin you have ever committed from the youngest age you can remember until the present, and repent by confessing each one specifically to the Lord, turning away from it, and asking the Lord to forgive you.  Repent also in general for the sins you cannot remember.  For one person, that could be an hour, and for someone else it could take longer. Others may repent in a moment of time. The important thing is that you respond to that conviction from the Holy Spirit, and pray through completely until you have an assurance of your salvation. Ask the Lord to cleanse you.  Receive His cleansing and forgiveness.

Then surrender your whole life to Him, committing to live for righteousness for the rest of your days. After that you should invite Jesus to come live inside your heart, and take up His rightful place on the throne there.

To believe in Jesus means to put all your trust in Him to save you.  If you trust Him to save you, then you will ask Him to forgive your sin and invite Him to come and live inside your heart. Please pray this prayer out loud to God from your heart:

Heavenly Father,
I have sinned against you.
I want forgiveness for all my sins.
I believe that Jesus died on the cross for me and rose again.
Father, I give you my life to do with as you wish. I want Jesus Christ to come into my life and into my heart.  This I ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.

When I gave my life to Jesus, I simply read a sinner's prayer from the back of a gospel tract, while sitting in a chair in my military barracks room. My friend who led me to Christ was standing behind me with his hand on my shoulder. I did not repent for every single sin individually, and I didn't shed any tears. However, I prayed with sincerity from my heart to God, confessing with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believing in my heart that God raised Him from the dead.

But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."  (Rom 10:8-11)

This means we need to confess what we believe.  If you believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord of your life, you must confess Him publicly.  Here's how to do it.  Confess your belief in Christ publicly by stating your answer to the following question out loud to someone: "Who do you say Jesus is?" Tell someone who you believe Jesus is! Tell them that you have given your life to Jesus. Once you have repented, placed your trust in Jesus, and confessed Him publicly, you will have entered into a covenant with Him and be a new person!

This is how you become a child of God and enter into a relationship with the Lord. Now cultivate that relationship.  It’s absolutely essential that you produce the fruit of repentance! I cannot emphasize this enough. This means you need to show by your actions that you really have changed your mind, and that Jesus Christ is now Lord of your whole life.  Otherwise your repentance will only be an emotion or a good intention that did not result in a change in your actions.

After you have repented and believed in Jesus Christ, confessing Him publicly, one of the things you should seek to do as soon as possible is to be water baptized in His name. When the people came to the apostle Peter, asking what they should do, Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Act 2:38).  In addition to being water baptized, you should also ask the Lord to baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

Like any other personal relationship, this one requires you to spend time with Him in order for it to grow more intimate. So spend time daily, seeking the Lord, calling upon Jesus' name, repenting of any sin in your life, talking to Him and listening to His voice. Read His Word, the Bible, in order to see what God wants for your life and all the wonderful promises He has given you. Join with other loving believers who believe the Bible and preach the good news of salvation in Jesus alone, and find a place of service in that loving community.  Be sure and share the good news of Jesus with those who don’t know Him, and live faithfully for the Lord all your life.

Once you have given your life to the Lord, please contact me to let me know by leaving a comment on this page. I invite you to attend Doulos Training School.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's Note: For other blogs about coming to know Jesus, please see Entering the Kingdom of God, Knowing the Lord, Holy Washings - Part I, All Things Are New!,  The Loving God Who Bids Us Come, By Faith Alone, By Grace Alone, Christ Alone, and Where Will You Go When You Die?  I also recommend my article, The Name of Jesus.

For more helpful information on how to grow in God, please see Baptized with the Spirit, Being a Witness for Christ, Salvation with Fear and Trembling, and my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

  ____________________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Entering the Kingdom of God

There have been many kingdoms down through the ages. Kingdoms come and kingdoms go. Some are very famous, like the Babylonian kingdom or the Roman Empire. The kingdom is the realm in which a king has dominion. It includes the territory in which the king reigns and everything in it, especially the people.

Kingdoms offer something to the people. It may be that a kingdom provides a place of peace for people to live. It may also provide the hope of prosperity, where there are many opportunities for gainful employment and service to the king, and where everything is well managed without oppression. People want to enter into such a kingdom.

For example, during the time of the Roman Empire, there was Pax Romana or the Roman peace. The Romans built roads, and established seaways for shipping. There were laws established to govern the land that made it possible for people to enjoy justice. As a result, people sought to be citizens of Rome. Some people paid a lot of money to buy their Roman citizenship, while others were born as Roman citizens.

We see the same today where for decades people have immigrated to the United States of America. Some enter legally and pay a great price, and others do so illegally. Why do they do this? They do so in the hope of a better life, safety from harm, freedom and a bright future.

So there are many similarities with the Kingdom of God. This is the realm in which God Almighty reigns and where his government has been established. Many people would like to enjoy the hope, the peace, protection, prosperity and bright future afforded by living in this kingdom. But in order to do so, they first need to enter the kingdom. There is a very specific way to enter a kingdom.

Jesus Christ was the self-representation of the Kingdom of God on earth. If you want to know what the Kingdom of God is like, simply look at the life of Jesus. And He taught us how to enter His kingdom.

You Must Be Born Again
Let’s begin by looking at a conversation that took place at night between Jesus and a Pharisee. Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." (Joh 3:1-2).

Nicodemus was a Jewish ruler who believed that Jesus came from God and that God was with Him. When Nicodemus declared this belief, Jesus had a very interesting response to him. Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." (Joh 3:3). The first thing Jesus spoke of was the need to see the kingdom of God. You can’t see it the same way you can see other kingdoms. In order to see this one, you must first be born again.

But even this Jewish ruler was unsure what it meant to be born again. Nicodemus *said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" (Joh 3:4). Nicodemus knew that Jesus could not be speaking of a natural second birth. This would be humanly impossible.

Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (Joh 3:5-6). From Jesus’ answer, we learn two very important things. First, Jesus clarified and defined what He meant by being born again. He said we must be born of water and the Spirit. Secondly, He said that this is necessary in order to enter the Kingdom of God. In doing so, Jesus revealed a close relationship between seeing and entering the Kingdom of God. You’ve got to be able to see it before you can enter it. And if you truly see it, you will want to enter it.

So being born again is being born of water and of the Spirit. Jesus further explained, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (Joh 3:6). So we know that when a mother gives birth, she gives birth to a child with flesh and bone. But when the Spirit of God gives birth, He gives birth to spirit. When you are born again, you are born of the Spirit. Jesus said this must happen to enter the kingdom. He said that unless it has happened, you cannot enter the kingdom. Yet how many people attend churches all their life that have never been born again!

When you are born again, Jesus Christ takes up residence in you by the Holy Spirit. You are a new creation. Old things have passed away and all things have become new. Your life starts over. Your sins are washed away and you are given a brand new life. It cannot happen without you knowing about it. You will know if you have been born again. You will be able to point back to a time when your life was completely changed by God. If you cannot identify a point in your life when this happened, then you haven’t been born again.

So how can you be born again? Jesus explained, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (Joh 3:16). You need to believe in Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, and you will have eternal life.

A Greater Righteousness
Jesus also said, "For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mat 5:20). The scribes and Pharisees were pretty righteous people in their own eyes and in the eyes of others. But not in God’s eyes! They had an outward righteousness that came from the law. But it was a self-generated kind of righteousness, and their hearts were not right.

God is truly righteous. His righteousness is perfect. How would you like to have that kind of righteousness? You can. In fact, you must have it, in order to please God. Your own righteousness is like filthy rags. You obtain the righteousness of God by receiving it as a gift from Him and you receive it by believing in Jesus Christ.

Let me tell you something: you can’t go on living an unrighteous life and enter God’s kingdom. You can’t enter heaven that way. The apostle Paul said, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1Co 6:9,10).

There’s got to be a change in your life. Paul went on to tell the Corinthians that some of them once were this kind of people, but they had been washed, sanctified, and made righteous by Jesus Christ. I can say to you today that I was once among that list of people who will not inherit the kingdom. But I have been washed, sanctified, and justified. I've entered the kingdom.

Do the Heavenly Father’s Will
Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” (Mat 7:21). There are so many people who call Jesus “Lord” that do not do the will of God. They do not act on what Jesus said. But the only way to enter the kingdom of heaven is to do the will of Jesus’ Father in heaven.

Become Like Children
Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mat 18:3). Notice He said you must be converted and become like children. A change has to happen in your life. You’ve got to become like children. A child is trusting of his father. He’s gentle, caring, innocent, loving. He hasn’t been polluted by the world yet. You’ve got to change and become like that. This is necessary in order to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Give What You Have and Follow Jesus
And Jesus said to His disciples, "Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mat 19:23). And Jesus, looking around, *said to His disciples, "How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!" (Mar 10:23).

Why is it so hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven? It’s because he is in love with his worldly wealth and possessions. He cannot stand the thought of giving it away to others. He doesn't want to get out of his comfort zone.

This is what happened when a rich man came and asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. The man had kept the commandments since he was a boy, but Jesus told him he lacked one thing. Isn’t that amazing! He lacked just one thing. He needed to sell his possessions and give to the poor, then follow Jesus. But the man went away sad. He could have had treasures beyond compare in heaven for eternity, but he could not see his way to parting with his earthly wealth.

You need to give up your possessions and follow Jesus in order to enter the kingdom.

Remove Anything That Hinders
Jesus said, "If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into hell.” (Mar 9:47). He said you need to remove whatever causes you to stumble. Get rid of it. Don’t protect it or try to keep it a secret so you can continue in sin. Aggressively remove from your life anything that causes you to stumble.

You need to bring that thing into the light. Tell a trusted friend, who is a mature believer in Christ. Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. (Jam 5:16). This is missing from the lives of most believers. But it's required in order to be a disciple. Make yourself accountable to a fellow believer who will be gracious, but will not give you a pass to continue in your sin. You don't need someone who will put a pillow under your head and lull you back to sleep with excuses why your sin is ok. If you're a guy, confess to a brother in the Lord. If your a female, confess to a sister in the Lord.

There will be plenty of people who are thrown into hell, because they were unwilling to get rid of the things that caused them to stumble. They enjoyed their sin too much. But there will also be plenty of people who enter the kingdom of heaven who took drastic measures to remove anything that hindered the presence of God in their lives.

Enter the Kingdom Through Many Troubles
The apostle Paul went about strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." (Act 14:22). He didn’t teach that being a disciple was an easy life. And neither did Jesus, who also said we would have tribulations. This means pressure, anguish, persecution, and troubles.

If you're like me, you've got plenty of these. We could wish they would just go away. But they often bring about a brokenness in us, as well as greater intimacy with God. While we may experience these in our lives, we can be encouraged, because Jesus Christ has overcome the world.

It is Only Possible with God
When Jesus spoke about how hard it is for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God, the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." They were even more astonished and said to Him, "Then who can be saved?" (Mar 10:25-26). You see, when his disciples heard Him teach on this, they could not see how it was humanly possibly for anyone to be saved with the standard set so high.

Looking at them, Jesus *said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." (Mar 10:27). This is the key. Humanly speaking, it is in fact impossible to enter the kingdom of God. With man, it’s impossible. That’s why people need Jesus. With Him, it is possible to enter the kingdom. This is the reason Jesus came and died on the cross.

But His disciples had already left everything to follow Jesus. Peter began to say to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You." Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel's sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.” (Mar 10:28-30). You don’t ever have to worry that the price you’ve paid is too high. Jesus promises great reward in this present age and the age to come.

Putting it All Together
So we can see from God’s Word that if you want to be a citizen of God’s kingdom, you need to enter it. In order to enter, you must be born again. You need a new life. You need Jesus to come and live inside you by His Spirit. You need a greater righteousness than what pious people have. You need one that’s not man-made. You need the righteousness of God Himself. Nothing else will do. And the only way to have it is to receive it by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

You’ve got to do the Heavenly Father’s will. There’s no other way. You can’t expect to inherit the kingdom if you live your life the way you want to live it. If you go on living for yourself, you’ll perish. So do what Jesus said. Act on His Words.

One thing He said was that we must become as children. A change has got to take place inside of you that people can see. Your attitude and behavior must change. He also said you need to be a giver. Give what you have and follow Jesus. Part with your earthly possessions for His sake.

And get rid of anything in your life that hinders the constant presence of God. It’s not going to be easy. We'll have troubles and hardships. In fact, Jesus said straight up that it’s hard to enter the Kingdom of God. But with God it's possible, and it’s worth it. He promises a great reward in this life and the next.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's note: Also see All Things Are New!  And you may find my complete collection of blogs at Writing for the Master. You are invited to attend Doulos Training School.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

All Things Are New!

If you have just given your life to Jesus Christ, I want to congratulate you and welcome you to the kingdom of God! “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2Co 5:17).   You're a new person now!  Let's see what the Scriptures say about all the new things that have come for you.

New Thing
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up; Do you not perceive it?"  (Isaiah 43:18, 19 )

New Covenant
“And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup which is poured out for you is  The New Covenant  in My blood.’” (Luk 22:20)

“Who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2Co 3:6)

For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. For finding fault with them, He says, "Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, when I will effect a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not like the covenant which I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; for they did not continue in my covenant, and I did not care for them, says the Lord. "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. "And they shall not teach everyone his fellow citizen, and everyone his brother, saying, 'know the Lord,' for all will know me, from the least to the greatest of them. "For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." When He said, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear. (Heb 8:7-13)

New Heart and New Spirit
"And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh,  (Eze 11:19)

"Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, each according to his conduct," declares the Lord GOD. "Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling block to you. "Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel? "For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies," declares the Lord GOD. "Therefore, repent and live."  (Eze 18:30-32)

"Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  (Eze 36:26)

New Mind
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.  (Rom 12:2)

For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ. (1Co 2:16)

New Attitude
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,  (Php 2:5)

New Life
“Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” (Rom 6:4)

“For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.” (2Co 5:14-15)

New Self
“Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.”  (Col 3:9-10)

“that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” (Eph 4:22-24)

New Wine
"Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wineskins burst, and the wine pours out and the wineskins are ruined; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved." (Mat 9:17)

"And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. "But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. "And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, 'The old is good enough.'" (Luk 5:37-39)

New Way
“Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”  (Heb 10:19-22)

New Tongues
"These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." (Mar 16:17-18)

New Tents
“For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked.” (2Co 5:1-3)

New Heavens and a New earth
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. (Rev 21:1)

But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, (2Pe 3:13-14)

New Jerusalem
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.  (Rev 21:2)

New Name
'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.' (Rev 2:17)

'He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. (Rev 3:12)

New Song
And they *sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. (Rev 5:9)

And they *sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth. (Rev 14:3)

All Things
And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He *said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."  (Rev 21:5)

Putting it All Together
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2Co 5:17).  This is not only for new believers, but for those of us who have been walking with Christ for many years, as well.  We have a New Covenant, a new heart and new spirit, a new mind, a new attitude, and speak with new tongues. We have a new life, new self, new wine, a new way, a new name, a new song, new tents awaiting us in the new Jerusalem, new heavens and a new earth. You will never find any dirt or dust in heaven, and everyone is young, as if they were only around thirty years old.  There are no wrinkles there or rough skin, but only baby soft skin. There are no dying leaves on trees or brown grass, only fresh, new, and green grass and trees, as well as flowers. Behold, the Lord is making all things new.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's note:  You are invited to attend Doulos Training School. I recommend my articles, The New Covenant, Salvation with Fear and Trembling, and Holy Living in a Perverted World.  You are also invited to read or listen to many, amazing testimonies of the supernatural.  I also recommend reading Rachael Mushala Testimony of Hell, Michael Thomas Sambo's Revelation of Heaven and Hell, and Visitation of Jesus to Samuel Oghenetega. You may access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.