On Baptism (Sonnet)

The LORD GOD suffered long with men on earth
Before He sent the Deluge far and wide,
Thus meaning to eradicate their pride
And give the race of man a second birth.
This act, however, was no end to sin-
Remission cannot be attained by flood,
But by the shedding of untainted blood
That cleanses deep the heart of man within;
But Jesus also wanted all to see
A picture of this cleansing of the heart,
A righteous act that stands these men apart,
That shows the power of God had set them free-
This testimony for the world to know
Is meant to help our righteousness to grow.

~:~X~:~

Author notes

This poem was originally written for a contest, but I found out that I couldn't enter it! Oh, well- at least something good came out of it!

The verse references to support the poem above are these:
Genesis 6:5-8
Leviticus 17:11 (cf. Hebrews 9:22)
Matthew 3:13-15
I Peter 3:18-21
Written March 27th, 2006