On Baptism: Romans 6:3-4 Worship Pastor Justin Taylor On Baptism “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. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Rom 6:3-4). All too often we can define baptism by what it is not. In other words, we can be correct in stating that baptism is not what saves you and that it is a symbol. However, in order to understand the richness and beauty of what baptism is we must go much further by turning our hearts and minds to the scriptures. Jesus made it clear that we are to be baptized because He commanded us to do it. The word of God leads us to a clearer understanding of what baptism is and what it means should lead our hearts to respond in worship and obedience. Baptism as Symbol The authors of the New Testament write about symbols in the same manner of what they point to, similar to how we as Americans view allegiance to our nation in our pledge to the flag. When we are baptized, we are confessing faith in the finished work of Christ before others in the body. (Colossians 2:12-15) Baptism as Pledge To be obedient in baptism was to be baptized into the body of the early church and to proclaim faith in Christ alone as Lord and Savior. All too often today, we separate the step of faith of receiving salvation from our baptism, but the Scriptures point those who have trusted in Christ to pursue baptism in obedience to Christ’s command. We are to show outwardly before others what has taken place inwardly in their life. (1 Corinthians 12:13) Baptism in the Narrative of Scripture So why water? Of all the many symbols Jesus could have used to symbolize the movement from cross to empty tomb, he chose water to do it. When reading the biblical phrase, “the waters” it most often refers to a symbol of chaos and death. We find this in Genesis 1, Elijah and Elisha, Jonah, and several times throughout the Exodus to name a few. The examples go on and on all throughout the Bible. To pass through the waters of judgment, like God’s people did through the Red Sea, we are delivered from judgment and now walk in the freedom of new life. Why? Because all of these symbols of passing through the waters pointed to the ultimate picture of life coming out of death, a picture of glorious resurrection. Most importantly of all, baptism points us to Jesus through His life, death, and resurrection. We see this in the example given by Jesus himself, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:39-40). Much like the baptism of Jesus himself (Matthew 3:13-17), the moment of baptism is a beautiful picture of our relationship to God as sons and daughters (Galatians 3:26-27) and the uniting presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Ephesians 4:4-6). With such a clear picture throughout Scripture, we can celebrate baptism because we rejoice in the message of the gospel. We should consider what that means for each of our lives in relation to the gospel and the command of Jesus to trust in him and to be baptized. Have you believed? Have you been baptized? May we joyfully enter into the waters of baptism after our Lord and share in that picture of new creation made possible through Jesus. Questions for Reflection and Discussion: Have you been baptized? Share something meaningful you remember about that day. How does reflecting on these truths from Scripture lead you to appreciate baptism? If you know Jesus and have not yet been baptized, are you ready to obey Christ in believer’s baptism? (Note: If you would like to pursue baptism, you can S to speak with a pastor about next steps.)