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Every Christian should have a clear understanding of water baptism because of the beautiful picture it portrays of the transformation that occurs when we trust Christ. As disciples, we want to fulfill Christ’s command in Matthew 28:19 to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…”
What is a Christian?
Before we look specifically at baptism, let’s take a brief look at the question, “What is a Christian?” Let’s start at the beginning. God created humanity in His own image and for His glory as the ultimate work of His creation. (Genesis 1:26-28) However, man sinned against God and experienced not only physical death but also spiritual death (Genesis 3), which is separation from God (Isaiah 59:2).
The good news found in the Bible is that those who turn from their sin and trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior become spiritually new people who are declared “not guilty” for their sin (Romans 3:21-26, 8:1). They receive the gift of eternal life which is not just a life we’re waiting for but a life of transformation in the here and now (John 3:16, 36, Romans 6:23). This salvation is acquired through faith alone, apart from any good or religious works, and is based entirely on the finished work of Jesus Christ – this includes his sinless life, his death on the cross, and his resurrection from the dead (John 14:6, Romans 5:1, 6-9, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5).
This salvation is for those who have trusted in the work of Christ on their behalf and follow Jesus Christ as a disciple of his. The term we use for a follower of Christ is a Christian. Though the act of baptism does not save a person from their sin and separation from God, it does symbolize that a Christ follower identifies with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ on their behalf (Matthew 28:19-20, Galatians 3:26-27). This public declaration of faith is one of many ways that shows their faith as a disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 8:36, 38). What they’ll begin to see is the transformational work of Jesus Christ taking place in their lives (2 Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 1:13-14).
How should I be Baptized?
While water baptism is but a sign or symbol, as we have seen, baptism by immersion seems to be most consistent with Scripture. It also provides us with a vivid picture of our identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. For these reasons, at Grace Community, we baptize by immersion.
Preparing for Baptism?
Once you have a clear understanding that God wants you to take this step of water baptism, and you have made it your purpose to obey Him, there is one other very important and meaningful thing you can do. You can personally invite those whom you would like to be present at your baptism. What a powerful example your baptism is to those who have not yet turned to Christ. And what an encouragement your obedience will be to those who are followers of Christ. What an exciting time it would be to have several of your friends and family present at your baptism as you take this step indicating that you have been baptized into the body of Christ!
What does water baptism indicate?
Water baptism confirms that one has already been baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ. It also indicates and illustrates other very important truths.
1. WATER BAPTISM INDICATES OWNERSHIP. Jesus himself commanded the church to baptize those who become his followers “…in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19) The phrase can be more accurately translated, “baptizing them in the Name”, indicating that the baptized person is closely bound to and actually becomes the property of the one into whose Name he is baptized. It was clearly understood by those who were baptized in the early days of the church that God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) was their owner. Remember, it is not water baptism that completes this transaction for ownership. This transaction took place because Jesus died for us on the cross, paying the penalty for our sins, and we then accepted his sacrifice as God’s provision for our sin. However, when we take the step of water baptism and are baptized “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,” we are taking a step affirming that God is our owner and that we are His purchased possession. “You are not your own, for you have been bought with a price…” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
2. WATER BAPTISM INDICATES CLEANSING. God’s Word is explicitly clear that it is only the blood of Christ that can cleanse one from sin.
● “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) In fact, there is no forgiveness at all apart from the shedding of His blood.
● “And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22) The water used in baptism has no power at all as a cleansing agent, but does provide us with a symbol of the cleansing power of Christ’s blood shed for us on the cross. Water baptism is a picture of the fact that you have been forgiven and cleansed through Jesus’ death on the cross.
3. WATER BAPTISM INDICATES IDENTIFICATION. Being immersed in water is a reminder that when we turn in faith to Christ we desire to be immersed in and identified with Him. Philippians 3:10 is a beautiful expression of this immersion:
● “…that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection of the fellowship of His sufferings, being confirmed to His death.” (Philippians 3:10)
● We must not forget that our identification with Christ has already taken place as we were baptized into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit, resulting in a total identification with the mind and heart of God.
● “Do you not know all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized unto His death? Therefore, we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:1-5)
4. WATER BAPTISM INDICATES INTENTION. Finally, water baptism is a step affirming our intention to continue to “walk in the newness of life in Christ” (Romans 6:5), which is clearly God’s intent for us. He is the One who has enabled us to repent and to turn from our sins to Christ, and He is the One who will continue to provide us with all that we need to continue our new way of life. Water baptism gives us a beautiful opportunity to declare our intention to follow in our Father’s footsteps. Throughout the history of the church, new believers have declared their intention to follow Christ under a variety of circumstances. During the early days of the church, new believers were often baptized in the presence of unbelievers knowing they might suffer persecution for their act of devotion. Now, new believers are often baptized in the presence of others who will rejoice with them and encourage them in their walk with Christ.
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