Baptism results in repentance. It is not the outward act alone that makes baptism what it is. It is the Word spoken at baptism that transforms our lives. This Word is not our effort to straighten up ourselves. It is a Word that declares that God is providing the means of washing that always precedes anything we can do.
Baptism is a one-time event which is to be used daily.
Baptism is the gift that keeps on giving. T he most alarming aspect of American Christianity is that it has forgotten the primacy of baptism. Such words do threaten us. If we think that we must get ourselves ready for God, we will despair. If the Word comes to us that God will prepare us, then we have hope.