18--BAPTISM

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." – Romans 6:1-6


Note: Baptism in the Bible is a symbol for our experience. It tells others we have repented of known sin in our lives and have accepted Jesus as our personal Saviour. When we are baptized in water, we are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When we rise up out of the water it is a symbol of the resurrection. From now on we will live a new life through the indwelling power of God’s Spirit. The old nature is symbolically crucified and we arise with new purposes and goals in our lives.

"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;" –Colossians 2:12, 13


Note: Here again we see we are buried with Christ in Baptism and rise to walk in newness of life. This can be only done by complete immersion in water.

"And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed [their] stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway." – Acts 16:30-33

Note: When we truly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we will be led to repent of our sins and yearn to have a complete change in our lives. Baptism is one way to seal this determination to serve the Lord from henceforth.

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." – Acts 22:16


Note: Water also symbolizes the washing away of sins. That’s why it is important for us to be baptized. It is a public commitment we need to make.

"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


Note: Repentance is a gift of the Holy Spirit. We are led to repent as God convicts us of the sinfulness of our lives. In this process, if our conversion is genuine, we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This may not result in great ecstasy of feeling, but we will have peace of mind as we reach out in faith to our Saviour.

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen." – Matthew 28:19, 20


Note: Those who do the baptizing will do it in the name of all three members of the Godhead, for we need all of them in our lives everyday. We are taught more of the Scriptures as we continue on walking with the Lord, thus we will grow in grace.

"And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, [saying], Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." – Mark 1:9-11


Note: Remember, Jesus is our example in all things. He did not need to repent of sin, for He was sinless, but He wanted John to baptize Him as an example for us.

CONCLUSION:

Baptism is an important step in the life of a Christian. Some, like the thief on the cross, could not possibly be baptized. But most of the rest of us need to be. Yet, we need to be have a personal conversion and a great longing to serve our Creator and Redeemer the rest of our lives.