Proper Preparation
The Pledge – Part 1

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 3:13-22

Key Verse: 1 Peter 3:21

…and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also–not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ

John the Baptist had a strong message on repentance and baptism when he was preparing for Jesus’ ministry.  Our need to prepare properly to have a great Christmas season is similar to the preparation John preached.  No one can truly understand the significance of Christmas without getting a grip on the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The gospel comes to us in the New Testament proclaiming good news.  It tells us that with repentance and baptism comes a spiritual journey that leads us to heaven.

The Apostle Peter is describing the symbolism of water baptism in our scripture for today.  He reminds his readers that baptism is not the removal of dirt from the body, but a pledge!  A pledge is a solemn promise—a statement of intention.  God waits for a pledge from all who would be saved.  It’s a solemn promise to turn from worldly ways of life to a biblical lifestyle.  John the Baptist described it by saying, “prove your repentance with fruit” (Luke 3:8).  In other words, the faith that saves us is a pledge that we truly believe God is right.  It is a “pledge of a good conscience toward God” (1 Peter 3:21).  It is telling God that we believe Him enough to turn from a world perspective to a biblical view of life!  (Continued)

Father, I make my pledge to you; my solemn promise that I will live for you today.  I know your way is the right way.  In Jesus’ name, amen.