How often do you take a shower or a bath? What is the purpose of doing so? Is it because you are dirty and need to be cleaned? Is it a cultural norm? Do you take your shower or bath at a specific time each day? What if you could be cleansed once for all time? Would you do that?
There is an old saying that states, “cleanliness is next to godliness.” There is a lot of truth in that statement, but I fear it has been lost. The cleanliness that is next to godliness has nothing to do with physical dirt or sweat or even body oils. It has everything to do with our conscience.
Peter tells us that baptism saves us. However, merely getting wet does not. It is our commitment to following Jesus along with the baptism that cleanses us. As Peter says, it is not for the removal of dirt but is our appeal to God to cleanse our conscience. It is not merely for forgiveness but to renew us and remind us that the blood of Christ continually cleans us. This does not mean we do not need to repent, for repentance is a recommitment to change our ways, to turn away from sin while asking for forgiveness.
Since Jesus was resurrected and is at the right hand of God the Father, we have a mediator who continually intercedes for us. He is in the midst of angels and heavenly authorities, continually proclaiming that He has paid the price for us. It is comforting for us to know that Jesus is our mediator, that He is continually cleansing us. At the same time, we must remember His cleansing is not a license to continue to sin. As we love Him like He loves us, we are to strive to follow His commandments and His example.
I pray we all know that we can be cleansed once for all time. I pray we choose to clean our conscience before God. I pray each one of us trusts that Jesus’ blood is continually cleaning us. Be cleansed. Have a clean conscience. Know that Jesus is your mediator. Know that Jesus’ blood is continually cleaning you.
1 Peter 3:21-22 And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
Marty Pressey 