by esther phinias | 2 May 2022 08:46 pm05
Many people see baptism as merely a religious ritual—but the Bible reveals it to be far more than that. Baptism represents death and life, judgment and salvation. It is a holy mystery that, when understood rightly, leads to transformation and spiritual rebirth.
Let’s explore the depth of this sacred act through Scripture.
1. Baptism Prefigured in the Days of Noah
Because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.
1 Peter 3:20 (ESV)
In Noah’s time, water brought judgment upon the world—but also salvation to the eight people who believed and entered the ark. The same water that destroyed the wicked was the very means by which the faithful were preserved.
This prefigures baptism. Just as Noah was saved through water by faith and obedience, we too are saved through baptism, by trusting in Christ and entering into covenant with Him.
2. Baptism Now Saves You – But Not as You Might Think
Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 3:21 (ESV)
Baptism is not a mere external washing. It is a spiritual act—a response of a heart cleansed by faith, a pledge of a good conscience toward God. It is effective because of Christ’s resurrection. Without His resurrection, baptism would have no power.
Jesus Himself affirmed the necessity of baptism:
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Mark 16:16 (ESV)
Salvation is not simply intellectual belief—it includes obedience. Baptism is the outward sign of inward faith, just as circumcision was for the Jews (Romans 4:11). It is the public declaration that one has died to sin and now lives for Christ.
3. Baptism is Burial and Resurrection with Christ
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:3–4 (ESV)
Baptism symbolizes our death to sin and our resurrection to new life in Christ. Going under the water is a burial of the old self; rising from it is a sign of new birth. This is why baptism by full immersion best reflects this biblical pattern—it portrays dying, burial, and resurrection.
Paul explains further:
Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:12 (ESV)
Through faith, baptism unites us with the redemptive work of Jesus. It is not a work that saves on its own, but a faith-filled act of obedience that connects us with the grace of God.
4. Baptism Is Done in the Name of Jesus Christ
And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 (ESV)
In the early Church, baptism was always accompanied by repentance and done in the name of Jesus. This wasn’t just a formula—it was a declaration of allegiance, a renouncing of the world, and a turning fully to Christ as Lord and Savior.
This pattern continues throughout the book of Acts (Acts 8:16, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:5), emphasizing the centrality of Jesus’ name in salvation and baptism.
Conclusion: Have You Been Baptized the Biblical Way?
Have you been baptized according to the pattern revealed in Scripture—by immersion, in the name of Jesus, after genuine faith and repentance?
If not, now is the time. Baptism is not just a tradition—it is a command from the Lord (Matthew 28:19), and a vital part of entering into the kingdom of God:
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
John 3:5 (ESV)
Don’t delay. If you’ve believed in Jesus and turned from your sins, seek out a Bible-believing church that baptizes according to the Scriptures. If you’re unsure where to go, we’re here to help. Contact us using the details below, and we’ll guide you to a place near you.
May the Lord open your heart and lead you into the fullness of life in Christ.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2022/05/02/47669/
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