Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
February 18, 2024

Washed in Blood
adapted from an article by Whit Sasser
The Bible often speaks of the removal of sins as a “washing.” For example, in Isaiah 1:16, the Lord exhorts Israel to “wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes.” He then makes a promise to them if they will repent: “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).
This theme of “washing” is continued in the New Testament, where it is linked with baptism in water. Titus 3:3 speaks of our salvation “through the washing of regeneration.” In Acts 22:16 Saul is told to “arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins.” In describing the conversion of the Corinthians, Paul says, “you were washed” (1 Corinthians 6:11). Hebrews 10:22 speaks of having our “bodies washed with pure water.” The church is said to be cleansed “with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26). Revelation 1:5 speaks of Jesus, “who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.”
What do we do when our bodies get dirty? We wash them. What do we do when our clothes get dirty? We wash them. What should we do when our souls get dirty, when they become stained with sin? We should wash our souls in the blood of Jesus, and this clearly takes place in baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Peter 3:21).
One of our spiritual songs asks the question, “Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power, are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?” Have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb? Why are you waiting?
Do “Good People” Go To Heaven?
by Bryan Gibson
The Bible tells us about a man named Cornelius who feared God, was devout and just, gave money to the poor, prayed to God always, and had a good reputation in his community (Acts 10:1-2, 22). Surely this man was on his way to heaven. Right? Wrong! Cornelius was a good man—a very good man—but he was not a Christian. Despite all the good he had done, Cornelius was not saved, and he knew it (Acts 11:13-14).
Thankfully, there is more to the story. The apostle Peter was sent to the home of Cornelius to tell him what he “must do” to be saved (Acts 10:6; 11:13-14). Cornelius was eager to hear these words; he even called together his friends and relatives so they too could hear (Acts 10:24). When Peter arrived, he preached Jesus to them, showing clearly that He was their Lord, their Judge, and their Savior (Acts 10:34-43). The intent was clear—to persuade these Gentiles to believe in and follow Jesus. What did Peter then tell them they had to do to be saved? “He commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord” (Acts 10:48)—the purpose of which is clearly stated in other passages: “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38); to “wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16); to be “saved” (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21); to enter “into Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:3); to “put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). In other words, Cornelius and the others were not saved until they obeyed this commandment to be baptized. They did not put on Christ—become a Christian—until they were baptized into Christ.
What became of Cornelius after this? We really don’t know, but we do know what he was supposed to do. He was now a Christian, a disciple of Jesus, and needed to do what others were urged to do: “walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6); “abide in My word” (John 8:31); “keep My commandments” (John 15:10); “continue with the Lord” (Acts 11:23); “continue in the faith” (Acts 14:22; Colossians 1:23); “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4); “be faithful until death” (Revelation 2:10); “follow the Lamb wherever He goes” (Revelation 14:4); “confess our sins” and seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9).
What about you? Are you hoping to go to heaven, simply because you are a “good person”? Cornelius was a “good person,” but he was still not right with the Lord. He had to be baptized into Christ, and then live faithfully for Christ. Will you do the same?
adapted from an article by Whit Sasser
The Bible often speaks of the removal of sins as a “washing.” For example, in Isaiah 1:16, the Lord exhorts Israel to “wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes.” He then makes a promise to them if they will repent: “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).
This theme of “washing” is continued in the New Testament, where it is linked with baptism in water. Titus 3:3 speaks of our salvation “through the washing of regeneration.” In Acts 22:16 Saul is told to “arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins.” In describing the conversion of the Corinthians, Paul says, “you were washed” (1 Corinthians 6:11). Hebrews 10:22 speaks of having our “bodies washed with pure water.” The church is said to be cleansed “with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26). Revelation 1:5 speaks of Jesus, “who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.”
What do we do when our bodies get dirty? We wash them. What do we do when our clothes get dirty? We wash them. What should we do when our souls get dirty, when they become stained with sin? We should wash our souls in the blood of Jesus, and this clearly takes place in baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Peter 3:21).
One of our spiritual songs asks the question, “Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power, are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?” Have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb? Why are you waiting?

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	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.