WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
1. IT ILLUSTRATES JESUS’ BURIAL AND RESURRECTION.
- “Christ died for our sins … He was buried … and He rose again.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
- “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians 2:12
2. IT ILLUSTRATES MY NEW LIFE AS A CHRISTIAN.
“By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…so also we may live a new life.” Romans 6:4
By being Baptized we tell our stories as individual believers. The picture of baptism tells the story of God’s rescuing, renewing and restoring work that’s been done in you through the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer. It demonstrates that you already believe in Jesus. It’s important to understand that baptism does not “save” you. You are “saved” only by your faith (putting your trust) in Jesus. The thief on the cross was not baptized, but he was promised eternal life. That’s because Jesus saw a changed heart in an obedient servant. Jesus asked you to just give a public witness to the fact that He’s already saved you andthat you are receiving it as a gift.
How could anyone be of the mind to say, “I’ll take the free gift of salvation, but no thanks, I’ll pass on the request to go public about it and be baptized.”
Jesus dies an excruciatingly painful death on the cross for your sins. He takes your sins and eternal condemnation on himself. And then He offers salvation and eternal life in heaven, as a gift of grace and love to you.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith …it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.