God’s Dear, Dear Child
Most of us are familiar with Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism. In his gospel, God makes a public announcement: “This is my son, whom I love. I am well pleased with him.”
But in Mark and Luke, these words come not so much as a public proclamation but as an affirmation and blessing from Father to Son: “You are my son. I love you. I am so pleased with you.”
I love N. T. Wright’s insights about this blessing:
“The whole Christian gospel could be summed up in this point: that when the living God looks at us, at every baptized and believing Christian, he says to us what he said to Jesus on that day. He sees us, not as we are in ourselves, but as we are in Jesus Christ. It sometimes seems impossible, especially to people who have never had this kind of support from their earthly parents, but it’s true: God looks at us, and says, ‘You are my dear, dear child; I’m delighted with you.’ Try reading that sentence slowly, with your own name at the start, and reflect quietly on God saying that to you, both at your baptism and every day since.”
This is a great comment concerning the nature of God’s love. Rising up from the water, should be one of the greatest feelings ever.
http://www.matthewsblog.waynesborochurchofchrist.org
Great editorial in which c of C’s are mentioned (briefly) in regards to Palin’s nomination.
http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/09/the-palin-predi.html#more
Wonderful post Mike.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Over the last 2 years my faith and relationship with God has grown extremely deep. As I read in search the scripture I see that we may miss the mark when it comes to baptism. What saves us? God’s grace! I believe we repsond to the love that God has shown us through the death of his son Jesus Christ. Bapitism doesn’t save. What saves us grace. We do see in scripture that there is more to opening the package of salvation. We must believe in the Jesus being the son of God, that he died for our sins and rose on the third day, repentance (which I thank has been neglect in churches today) confession of Jesus Christ and baptism. I think this us acting out in love for God. Yes, no one in the entire world can earn it, work for it or as some have tried to do buy it. God’s grace is bigger than we can ever imagine. It is my hope and prayer that the Christians will surrender in faith and enjoy of the Lord’s salvation. It boils down to faith. It is important that we stay committed always no matter what is going on in our lives whether it be good or bad.
Again wonderful post.
Keep up the great work!
Thnaks for sharing, Mike. This is just what I needed to hear today!
This is one of those things people should hear/meditate on daily.
Gotta love N.T.
I love this. Thank you for blessing us today.
yes, wonderful post!
Keep up the great job Mike!
Having a bad night and spending some time surfing around the internet to take my mind off of things, when I came across your blog, Mike. Thank you for this timely reminder — just what I needed tonight.
Wright usually has something helpful to say. But he’s such a prolific author, you can’t always find the nugget when it’s needed. You’ve found it for me, thanks.
I wonder how Jesus responded to these words while he hung on a tree feeling all alone.
Great, uplifting post. Thanks for sharing.
I took Wright’s advice and meditated on that thought.
What a blessing!
This post affirms Jesus’ own words recorded in John 17:23. God loves me and you (believers) just as He loves Jesus.
This is the bounty of grace.
Royce
While agreeing that God always loves us, is he well pleased with the baptized beleiver committing adultery, fraud, etc.? Is there nothing a Christian can do to displease God? Preacerman, How does the passage 1 Pet 3:21 differ from your statement about Grace only? Is it possible to love God, repent, and do all the other things you describe without baptism and still be saved? Not looking to argue just wondering what you beleive?