Abounding Grace: Belonging, Covenant Family

Sunday, we considered the regenerative symbolism of baptism. When we pour water on the recipient, we're saying that only the Spirit can give us a new heart and make us a new creation (Ezek. 36, 2 Cor. 5). The Spirit of God cleanses us by separating us from our depravity and uniting us to Jesus Christ. That union communicates another symbol of baptism: inclusion.

Presbyterians speak often of God's covenant family. The reason is that the covenant promises of salvation by grace that advance from Genesis to Revelation include the promises of inclusion in God's family. The New Testament authors don't separate the promises made to Israel from the promises made to the church. Whether Paul (Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians), Peter (Acts and his epistles), or the author of Hebrews, the Gentiles are not offered a new covenant but are incorporated into the ONE family of God through the ONE covenant of grace. 

When we pour water on the recipient, we're saying, "Only God's Spirit can unite us to Christ and bring us into His family." Whether Israel or the Church, there is a rite that communicates our inclusion by grace. Join us Sunday as we consider this beautiful truth of God's goodness.