Tag: baptism

Understanding Justification: Faith vs. Works

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

Almost 500 years ago, Martin Luther emphasized the core message of the gospel: justification is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. If this is true, how should we understand a passage like James 2:24, which says, “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone”? It might seem like this verse is saying that works do play a role in our salvation.

However, works do not provide our salvation. Instead, they have a very important role in showing that our salvation is real. Isn’t James saying that to other people who observe our lives, we are seen as justified by our actions, not just by our faith, which is invisible. We know that before God, we are justified by grace through faith. But to the world, both believers and non-believers, they cannot see our faith. Therefore, our good deeds demonstrate that we have been justified.

This is similar to what Paul said in Ephesians: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” [Ephesians 2:8-10. Salvation is decided by faith alone, but it is shown by our obedience to God’s will.

Understanding 1 Peter 3:21: Baptism and Salvation

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

1 Peter 3:21 says, “Baptism now saves you, not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Some people might read the part that says, “Baptism now saves you,” and think that water baptism is necessary for salvation. However, the very next phrase clarifies this by saying, “not the removal of dirt from the flesh.” Clearly, Peter is saying that water itself cannot save anyone.

Peter goes on to explain in the same verse that salvation comes through faith in the work of Christ, which was made possible by his resurrection. Salvation is not achieved by any action or ritual, including baptism. Instead, it is about an “appeal to God for a good conscience,” which means asking God to cleanse and purify your heart and conscience. This cleansing happens not through a ritual like baptism, but through faith in Jesus Christ, who is the only way to safety and salvation through his death and resurrection. The only way to appeal to God for a good conscience is to ask for the salvation provided in Jesus Christ.

Southbound Explores the Cleansing Waters of Forgiveness With “I Left It In The Water”

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

AMY TURNER

Southern Gospel trio Southbound has released their latest single, “I Left It In The Water”. The digital release happened 11 October following the renewal of their recording relationship with Daywind Records. The song addresses the concept of baptism as a symbolic act of spiritual cleansing and forgiveness, as reflected in its lyrics.

The lyrics of “I Left It In The Water” reference past mistakes and the idea of being absolved through baptism. It begins with acknowledging our past errors: “I had a past I carried so long. Didn’t get it all right. Got a lot of it wrong”. The act of baptism is described as a form of burial: “When they laid me down in that watery grave, came up without a trace. It was covered by grace”.

The central theme of the song is expressed in the repeated line, “I left it in the water”. This phrase is directly linked to the concept of forgiveness received during baptism: “when I was baptized. I left it in the water. Buried in the tide, my past was forgiven. That very hour, guilt, sin, and shame no longer remain cuz I left it in the water”. The lyrics suggest a complete separation from the past self: “If you look for old me, friend, don’t even buy Father, there’s just a headstone saying that man is gone. Cuz I left it in the water”.

Clint Brown of Southbound gave us some context for the song’s message. He said while some people may consider themselves saved, baptism holds a specific significance. Brown explained that “I Left It In The Water” offers an opportunity to communicate the meaning of baptism as representing “the cleansing uh power of God in your life”.

The release of this single coincided with Southbound’s renewed partnership with Daywind Records. Clint said the continued collaboration comes with the value of associating with experienced professionals in the industry and expressed his anticipation for their ongoing work together to “bring hope, help, and blessing through the songs we sing”.

The Message Behind ‘I Left It In The Water’

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

You never know what will spark the inspiration for a great southern gospel song. For Clint Brown, the idea for Southbound’s song, “I Left It In The Water,” came from a simple t-shirt with a powerful message.

Brown recalls the moment clearly: “We were at Josh Frank’s church in Tennessee, and we saw someone walk across the front with a t-shirt on that said, ‘I left it in the water.’ And so we asked Josh, ‘What is that shirt about?’”

Josh Franks explained that the words came from a man who had just been baptized. “There was a gentleman that we baptized. When he came out of the water, we started asking him about some things, and man, he was so excited, so we were so interested in his testimony. And when they started asking him about his testimony, he said, ‘You know what? I would just rather say this. Everything about my past, I left it in the water.’”

That statement became the heart of the song. “I Left It In The Water” speaks of transformation, forgiveness, and the power of baptism. The lyrics tell the story of someone burdened by their past, carrying guilt and shame. However, through baptism, they experience a renewal—leaving behind their old self and embracing a new beginning.

The song captures this change with words like:

“I had a past I carried so long / Didn’t get it all right, got a lot of it wrong / When they laid me down in that watery grave / Came up without a trace, it was covered by grace / When I left it in the water.”

The message is clear: baptism is not just a symbolic act, but a moment of deep spiritual significance. As the song continues, it emphasizes how forgiveness and grace wash away the weight of the past:

“My past was forgiven that very hour / Guilt, sin and shame no longer remain / Cause I left it in the water.”

Through these lyrics, Southbound delivers a powerful reminder that no matter how heavy a person’s past may be, there is freedom and redemption through faith. The song resonates with many who have experienced similar transformations in their spiritual journey.

A simple t-shirt at a church in Tennessee carried a message that turned into an inspiring gospel song. “I Left It In The Water” now serves as a testimony of hope, grace, and the power of leaving the past behind.