BECAUSE GOD HAS ENTRUSTED US WITH HIS INSTRUCTIONS

by Ester yusufu | 11 July 2020 08:46 pm07

(Romans 3:2– “…to them were committed the oracles of God.”)

There are times when God gives us commands that might seem small or even spiritually unimportant. It’s easy to overlook them, thinking we can still serve God faithfully while setting aside what He said. But from God’s perspective, obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22), and ignoring His instructions—even unintentionally—can make our service empty.

1. God’s Instructions May Seem Minor—But They Matter to Him

The Apostle Paul, through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, taught that physical circumcision doesn’t guarantee salvation. If someone breaks God’s law, then circumcision loses its meaning.

“For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.”
(Romans 2:25)

Yet, Paul still acknowledged that circumcision had value. Why? Because it was part of the covenant God gave to Israel.

“Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.”
(Romans 3:2)

The principle is this: Even if a practice no longer holds saving power, it is still meaningful when it originates from God’s command.

2. Christians Too Have Received Divine Instructions—From Jesus Himself

Under the new covenant, Jesus gives clear instruction for all who believe in Him:

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
(Mark 16:16)

Here, faith and baptism are both presented as necessary steps toward salvation. Yet some Christians argue that baptism is optional, claiming, “Only faith saves—baptism is just a symbol.”

While it’s true that only the blood of Jesus can cleanse sin (1 John 1:7), baptism is still a command of Christ, and obedience to that command is part of true faith.

3. Obedience is the Foundation of a Secure Christian Life

Jesus asked a powerful question:

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?”
(Luke 6:46)

He then compared two types of people:

One who hears and obeys His words is like a man building on a solid rock.
One who hears but ignores His words is like a man building without a foundation.

“…and the ruin of that house was great.”
(Luke 6:49)

If we say Jesus is Lord but refuse to obey His instructions—like baptism—we are deceiving ourselves (James 1:22).

4. What Does Biblical Baptism Actually Mean?

The word “baptize” comes from the Greek baptizō, which means “to immerse” or “to submerge.” That’s why John baptized where “there was much water”:

“Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there.”
(John 3:23)

This shows that biblical baptism involved full immersion, not sprinkling.

Also, baptism symbolizes burial and resurrection—you are buried with Christ and raised with Him:

“We were buried with Him through baptism into death… even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
(Romans 6:4)

So baptism by immersion isn’t just symbolic—it’s deeply spiritual, reflecting death to sin and new life in Christ.

5. The Name Matters—Baptism Must Be Done in the Name of Jesus

In the book of Acts, all the believers were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. This wasn’t a ritual—it was a declaration of allegiance to the only One who can save:

Acts 2:38 – “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…”
Acts 8:16 – “…they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Acts 10:48 – “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.”
Acts 19:5 – “They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Why Jesus’ name? Because:

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
(Acts 4:12)

6. If You Haven’t Been Baptized—or Were Not Baptized Properly—Now Is the Time

If you’ve never been baptized, or if your baptism didn’t follow the biblical pattern (by immersion, in the name of Jesus), then God is giving you the chance to make it right today.

Baptism doesn’t replace the cross—but it connects you to the work of the cross in obedience and faith. And when you do it God’s way, your salvation is solid, secure, and pleasing before Him.

“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
(Acts 22:16)

Conclusion

God doesn’t give instructions for no reason. Whether it’s circumcision under the old covenant or baptism under the new, His commands are holy, meaningful, and worthy of our obedience. Don’t let pride, tradition, or misunderstanding cause you to ignore the very thing that God has put in place for your salvation.

The Lord Jesus Christ has spoken—let us hear and obey.

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
(Luke 8:8)

May the Lord bless you and lead you into full obedience and truth..

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Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/07/11/because-god-has-entrusted-us-with-his-instructions/