"The River" by Hillary Scott

Love Remains | A 13-Day Devotional By Hillary Scott

Day 6 of 13 "The River" Come on down to the river Come be washed in the blood And your sin will be forgiven by the power of his love Baptisms can happen anywhere at any time. In a river during a great revival where hundreds are immersed. At an intimate gathering beside someone's backyard pool. In a fancy baptistery in a large sanctuary. The practice itself looks different depending on person, place and tradition, but the purpose behind it is the same for everyone who believes: "…and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21). The salvation we have in Christ isn't an external cleansing, it's an internal transformation. Every burden, every scar-let the waters wash away No matter who you were or are You belong to Christ today It's easy to look nice and shiny on the outside. We don't need a savior to help us with that. But when it comes to our sin and our hearts, we're not going to get anywhere without Christ. That's where desperation meets hope. As Jesus says, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Mark 2:17). He came to earth for us, just as we are. Not because we were healthy and righteous, but because we were sick and in need of a savior. His invitation is open today. It's never too late. Come on down to the river and be changed by his mercy. 1 Peter 3:21 Mark 2:17 1 Peter 3:21 KJV 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Mark 2:17 KJV 17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.