Love Remains | A 13-Day Devotional By Hillary ScottSample

“The River”

Come on down to the river
Come be washed in the blood
And your sin will be forgiven by the power of his love

Baptisms can happen anywhere at any time. In a river during a great revival where hundreds are immersed. At an intimate gathering beside someone’s backyard pool. In a fancy baptistery in a large sanctuary. The practice itself looks different depending on person, place and tradition, but the purpose behind it is the same for everyone who believes: “…and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).

The salvation we have in Christ isn’t an external cleansing, it’s an internal transformation.

Every burden, every scar—let the waters wash away
No matter who you were or are
You belong to Christ today

It’s easy to look nice and shiny on the outside. We don’t need a savior to help us with that. But when it comes to our sin and our hearts, we’re not going to get anywhere without Christ. That’s where desperation meets hope. As Jesus says, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).

He came to earth for us, just as we are. Not because we were healthy and righteous, but because we were sick and in need of a savior. His invitation is open today. It’s never too late. Come on down to the river and be changed by his mercy.