“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27).

The love Christ expressed for mankind in His sacrificial action on the cross was unconditional. Paul wrote elsewhere, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). This “grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). This is wonderful indeed.

However, it is presumptuous to suggest any way by which we can possess the benefits of such expressed love. It is God’s prerogative to determine how we must come to enjoy the free gift of salvation through the offering of His Son. It is obedience to His word in baptism which God has commanded – “that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.” Jesus has made the provision by laying down His life. If we wish to receive the benefits of His sacrifice, we must submit to the Divine plan of baptism for the remission of sins (cf. Acts 2:38). Have you taken that step?