WHAT DOTH HINDER ME TO BE BAPTIZED?

“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” (Acts 8:36-38).

The only requirement for baptism is faith in Christ. If you believe that all of your salvation, all of your righteousness, all of your justification, all of your sanctification, and all of your life is found in Christ (in His death, burial, and resurrection as your representative), then the Lord commands you to confess Him publicly in baptism.

Nothing can hinder a sinner from being baptized except lack of faith. Our faith does not have to be strong faith. It must only be genuine faith, even though it will be weak at times. Our lack of understanding is not a hindrance. We are not called on to understand God. We are commanded to believe God. Our sin cannot hinder us. Our sin is what makes us need Christ to be our Savior.

So what hinders you to be baptized? The only requirement is believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Only believe, only believe.

All things are possible, only believe.

Only believe, only believe.

All things are possible, only believe.

I CAN IMAGINE THE DAY OF JUDGMENT

All are gathered before the Throne of God. Those who are robed in the perfect robe of Christ’s righteousness are gathered at His right hand. The rest wait to hear His voice of condemnation, “Depart from Me!” Does anyone have anything to say? If there is one who has no sin, let him step forth and say so! Come forth, my friend, and state your case! What about the righteousness and holiness in which you boasted while on earth? Come forward and tell about your works, your gifts, your denomination – you found much comfort in these things once.

You who scoffed at substitution, who laughed at free grace, imputed righteousness, and covenant mercies – you are not laughing now!

Why is your face so pale? Why do you tremble so? You never trembled before, but always had so much confidence in your decision, and boasted of being as sure for Heaven as if you were already there! Why do you not tell God what you did for Him on earth? It is quite evident that He did nothing for you!

But I remember that you said, “God has done all that He could do, and salvation is up to you.” What a terrible time to discover what you should have known – SALVATION IS OF THE LORD! Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us! Why do you not speak? Is it because of the awesome, infinite holiness of His presence?

You clutch your righteous garments about you and they are nothing but filthy rags now, and you know it! You think of your prayers, your religious activities, your debates over doctrine; and they are all so much rubbish in the light of His Presence.

And now you are praying? And what is it that you cry? “O rocks and mountains, fall on me, and hide me from the face of Him who sits upon the Throne!” I wish that you had cried as fervently for Christ to hide you, cleanse you, and cover you – HE WOULD HAVE!

Pastor Henry Mahan