“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”Colossians 3:17, NKJV.
(BLJ 217.1)
Great responsibility comes to those who have been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Strive to understand the meaning of the words “Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”Colossians 3:3. In the new life upon which you have entered, you are pledged to represent the life of Christ....
(BLJ 217.2)
The old sinful life is dead, the new life entered into with Christ by the pledge of baptism. Practice the virtues of the Savior’s character. Let His word “dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”(Colossians 3:16) ...
(BLJ 217.3)
These things are to be presented in the churches. Love, compassion, and tenderness are to be revealed among us. Put on, as the elect of God, mercy and kindness. The sins that were practiced before conversion are to be put off with the old man. With the new man, Christ Jesus, are to be put on “kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.”Colossians 3:12.
(BLJ 217.4)
Those who have risen with Christ to walk in newness of life are the elect of God. They are holy unto the Lord, and are acknowledged by Him as His beloved. As such, they are under solemn covenant to distinguish themselves by showing humility of mind. They are to clothe themselves in garments of righteousness. They are separate from the world, from its spirit, its practices, and they are to reveal that they are learning of Him who says, “I am meek and lowly in heart.”Matthew 11:29.
(BLJ 217.5)
If they realize that they have died with Christ, if they keep their baptismal vow, the world will have no power to draw them aside to deny Christ. If they live the life of Christ in this world, they are partakers of the divine nature. Then, when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, they also will appear with Him in glory.—Manuscript Releases 19:236, 237.
(BLJ 217.6)