Barnabas, Barnabas 11

Let us ask whether the Lord intended to reveal the meaning of the water and the cross. Concerning the water, Scripture says of Israel that they will refuse the baptism which brings forgiveness of sins, choosing instead to build for themselves. As the prophet declares: "Be appalled, O heavens, and shudder, O earth, because this people has committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water" (Jeremiah 2:13). "Is my holy mountain Sinai a barren rock? You will be like fledglings fluttering away, torn from the nest." The prophet speaks again: "I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel" (Isaiah 45:2-3). Also: "You will dwell in a high cave of a strong rock." And: "His water is sure; you will see a king in glory, and your soul will meditate on the fear of the Lord." Another prophet adds: "The one who does these things will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers" (Psalm 1:3). The wicked are not so; they are like chaff the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous, for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction. Notice how the water and the cross are appointed for the same purpose. The prophet says: "Blessed are those who, hoping in the cross, have gone down into the water," for the reward comes in its proper time: "Then," he says, "I will repay." And the promise that the leaf will not wither means this: every word that proceeds from your mouth in faith and love will become a means of repentance and hope for many. Yet another prophet declares: "The land of Jacob was praised above all the earth," signifying that the vessel of his Spirit is glorified. Then he says: "There was a river flowing from the right, and beautiful trees grew from it; whoever eats of them will live forever." This means we descend into the water full of sins and defilement, and we rise bearing fruit in our hearts — the fear and hope in Jesus, through the Spirit. And whoever eats of these will live forever; that is, whoever hears these words and believes will live forever.