Shouldn’t we all be able to say, “Meet me in Heaven”? Scripture gives us the certainty of our heavenly destination from our daily walk. “3 And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. 6 He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked” (1John 2:3-6 KJV). But, the art of obedience should not be underrated — just ask Adam and Eve. God has gone through a lot of trouble to give us the gift of His Spirit to ensure our obedience. “And I will put My spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). When was the Spirit given? Officially, when Peter gave the invitation at Pentecost. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Subsequently, has anyone received the Spirit before baptism? Yes, ask Cornelius (Acts 10). Then, why insist on baptism to receive the Holy Spirit? Because through baptism our loyalty is pledged, and it must be demonstrated for all to see and know, we stand with Jesus. “And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32). Even though God knows our heart, He places a high value on everyone else knowing we stand with Him — especially making the point to His adversary the devil — He insists we become baptized before we lay claim to His Spirit. LORD, You have given us everything — physical life, Your Son, eternal life, but especially Your Spirit. May we walk in gratitude and power that we would be able to meet as many as You our God will call, one day in Heaven. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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