Washed in the Blood or just in the water?

I think this was the line from a Kenny Chesney song.  Funny that you would get good theology or even (Gasp!) doctrine from the words of a song?  Especially a country song?!?

But here is the interesting thing... that is an excellent question!  What does it mean to be "Washed in the Blood?"  There are acutally several songs that talk about that.  It means - are you now the new creation that Jesus died to make you into?  Somehow we always want to keep putting on the old man.  He is so comfortable, familiar, easy to wear.  BUT he is supposed to be dead!  Does that make us spiritual zombies?  Well here are some things the Bible says about that:

Philippians 4:13
I can do all thins through Christ who strengthens me.

Ephesians 4:22
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me

Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.        

Romans 6:11
So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.        

And Romans 6:8, Galatians 5:24, 2 Timothy 2:11 and so many others.

Do you consider yourself dead to Sin and alive to Christ?  Ask God through the Holy Spirit to show you want that really means. 

Or are you just washed in the water?

Do you have the outward appearance of being alive in Christ, but there is no love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control.

All it takes is a look at TV news or the paper (or even a look in the mirror) to see that our society has zero self-control.  The cruelty exhibited my man is astounding.  Agape love not senuality.  Divorce is not faithfulness.  See much kindness or goodness in politics lately?  We don't want to be respnosible so we point the finger ("It's this woman you gave me!") or make excuses ("The devil made me do it!").

Start with Ephesians 6:10-18 (Put on the full armor of God) and get ready for the fight. 

Jesus was ready for the fight and gave the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to be in the fight.

Your assignment, should you decide to accept it, is to make God famous!  Be His representative.  Show the world a new you.  Allow Him, through the Holy Spirit to  bring about that fruit that can only come through Him.

May the Spirit be with you as you decide what you want to wash with today!