The Third "If"

227 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 2:11-13) This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. (2 Tim 2:11-13) The use of the phrase “faithful saying” here tells us that this is important stuff. This is a saying that is jam-packed with truth. Truth that will be assuring for those who receive it! There are four “ifs” that “if” acted on will produce the accompanying results. The first “if” as we have discussed is linked to being crucified with Christ in the Christian act of baptism. (Rom 6:4-6, Col 2:12) The second “if” is linked to enduring faith. (Believing to the end) These two “ifs” are summarized in Mk 16:16a "He who believes and is baptized will be saved;” The third “if” has a negative result. “If we deny Him, He also will deny us.” The word “deny” here means “disavow.” So the one who denies Jesus is one without faith in Jesus. This third “if” reflects the second part of Mark 16:16 which says, “but he who does not believe (disavows if you will) will be condemned.” Understand what's being said here, understand what the Holy Spirit is speaking through Paul with these four “ifs” He is basically rephrasing Mr 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Baptism has wonderful benefits to be sure, but baptism alone will not save you, it must be accompanied by God-given faith in Jesus Christ! Believe, be baptized, be saved, but believe not and you are condemned, baptized or not! There are two errors typically made in this regard. One error is made by those who are relying solely on their baptism for salvation apart from necessary faith, and the other error is to devalue the importance of baptism. Seems to me, it would be wise to put the proper emphasis on the importance of both......eternity is at stake.