| Washed or Rinsed? Nov. 18, 2009 |
with Me.” People can usually tell the difference between a plate that has been washed and a plate that has been rinsed. The washed plate is spotless and smooth while the rinsed plate may still have rough spots from food that did not totally rinse away. That is because "washing" requires scrubbing to remove all the stuck-on, deep down dirt. "Rinsing" only removes what's on the surface and requires little to no effort. The same can be said for the children of God. "Washed" saints used to be dirty but now there is a dramatic difference in the way that they carry themselves. People try to find dirt on them but are often unsuccessful. Not because the dirt never existed, but because they were washed and continue to be washed daily by the blood of Jesus Christ. "Rinsed" saints, on the other hand, bear similar characteristics to unbelievers. They look clean from afar but when examined closely there is a lot of dirt to be seen. So how do we determine if we've been "washed" or just "rinsed"? "Rinsed" saints make excuses and justifications for their behavior, such as, "This is just who I am", "The devil made me do it", or "It just happened". "Washed" saints repent. Psalm 51:1-2 NKJV Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. I hope you enjoyed reading the word of God in a new light. Have a Happy Wednesday! God Bless, Elder Tommy and Sister Shatika Gray |