Is there something in the water?

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

…For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body… 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

Dear Cooper - awhile ago I was asked about this song. I was stumped. What could I possibly say?

I admit it - I was tempted to jump all over the lyric and the thin superficial theology - it would be too easy - the internet is full of that commentary - so lets not do that!

Please remember I have said the water of Baptism remains water - and it does.

Remember I said God is up to something in Baptism beyond what we can sense or even perceive - and He is.

But ... as I thought about this song it occurred to me - you are going to be in the water - and you are something... so both those facts made me think twice about the assertion "there must have been something in the water."

Every baptized Christian has been in the water of Baptism. The Church then has been in that water. You are Loved by God, and you are loved by mom and dad, and you are loved by lots of us - so, love follows you into that water ... the fact that you are there means obedience, trust, and faith are in that water. If God is Love (and He is) and God is infinite (and He is) - then God is in that Water. If God works through that water, then God's amazing Grace is reflected in and through that water. That God chose to mark His covenant and His agency in water suggests there is something about that water. Lives are saved in that water - God moves in, above and through that water. There must be something in the water?  ... perhaps there is?

Washed in the water, washed in the blood ... lines not easily dismissed ...

t HE

Friday, January 13, 2017