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     The New Testament (NT) uses several images to show the various aspects of the relationship between Christians and God.  Jesus’ sovereignty over the citizens of His kingdom (Christians) is implicit in the name “Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 28:18).  Recently we considered the church as the body of Christ, reflecting the interdependence of Christians as organs of the body and reliance of Christians upon the head, Jesus (Colossians 1:12, 24; Romans 12:4,5; compare 1 Corinthians 12:12 24).

     “Family” is another image to describe the relationship among Christians.  This is indicated by the reference to brothers and sisters.  Examples:  “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food” (James 2:16); “I commend to you Phoebe our sister,…” (Romans 16:1).  “But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases….” (1 Corinthians 7:15).  “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother”; (Colossians 1:1; compare 4:7).

     People are born into a family.  Jesus said to Nicodemus, “…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).  Since the Israelites were descendants of Abraham, they were family – God’s chosen family (Genesis 12:1-3; Deuteronomy 7:6; John 8:33-39).  Thus, Jesus, rather than say family, used the image of the kingdom.  This birth of “water and the Spirit” refers to conversion from whatever faith to becoming a Christian.  That “birth” moment becomes reality when a person is baptized having the true faith in Jesus as the Savior, and having a submissive heart to follow Him rather than whatever faith that person exercised in the past.  In that submission in baptism is the forgiveness of sins, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit and is added to His church (Acts 2:38, 47; 22:16).

     The NT presents true faith culminating in the obedience of baptism as the only point at which a person initially receives the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), thus restoring a harmonious relationship with God and becoming a citizen of His kingdom (Colossians 1:13, 14), thus a member of the family of God – Christian.

     Only you can make that decision.  Nowhere in the NT can anyone do it for you.  Have you made the decision to submit yourself in baptism to Jesus, trusting Him as the Savior and accepting Him as your Lord?

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