Baptism

At almost every Sunday morning church service I have been to recently, including this past Sunday when I was back at my home church, there has been a baptism during the service. At first I thought nothing of it, but around the fifth baptism I was able to witness, I realized God might be trying to say something (funny how obviously God has to show up before we get a clue sometimes, huh?). I realized that I needed to be reminded of the importance of baptism – both the significance of baptism in Christianity and in my own personal life.
Now I know there are books upon books by theologians and scholars with more Biblical knowledge than I will ever hope to gain who debate the arguments surrounding baptism – infant baptism, believer baptism, where they align and disagree. I don’t want to delve into the theology and specific doctrines followed by different church denominations surrounding baptism, but rather what the Bible, the ultimate authority over all, has to say on the issue.

We all know that John the Baptist baptized people in preparation for the Messiah. Jesus Himself was baptized by John the Baptist. Baptism is even present in the Great Commission – as Jesus Christ is preparing to ascend to heaven, He addresses baptism in His last words to the disciples, saying, “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” (Matthew 28:19-20). Baptism also appears in the early church. “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).
Baptism signifies the removal of impurity and sin, and represents a repentance from sin and turning to God for forgiveness and purification. It portrays our death and resurrection with Christ: the death of our old life of sinful wickedness and our resurrection as a new creation in spiritual union with Christ. Romans 6:1-4 says, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 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 the newness of life.” We become new creations with a ‘newness of life,’ and baptism is a sign of that new creation. Now don’t get me wrong here, baptism does not equate salvation – that’s only from grace through faith (see Ephesians 2!). Baptism illustrates that we are united with Christ; “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). It is not one’s own work, but rather the significance of the grace one has received from God. There is something so meaningful about the outward act of baptism representing being cleansed by Jesus’ blood and welcomed into the Kingdom of God that so greatly illustrates God’s loving grace.
Martin Luther once said “Remember your baptism.” I was baptized as an infant, and while I cannot myself think of specific memories of that day, I reaffirm my baptism all the time. In remembering my own baptism, I realize that everyday I still have to ask forgiveness on my knees before my Savior and be submerged in His loving grace that washes away my every blemish, wrinkle, and spot. I know that on my own I am sinful and wicked and that it is only through Christ’s blood at the cross that I am made clean. I remember that I am a precious child of God who has been cleansed by Him, claimed by Him, chosen by Him, valued by Him, loved by Him. In remembering my baptism, I remember who I am and Whose I am. All my worth is from Him. I remember that all that I am is to be about Him – everything that is my own has died and I have been raised from my sin through Christ who remains in me. Wow. God is so good!
Looking back on the recent baptisms I was able to witness, I also realize I had the chance to be a part of this moment in another person’s life. I was able to celebrate in the significance that God is in their life with them. Often they were infants whose families were committing to raise them to know the Lord. A couple were people who had decided to be baptized after professing their faith and dependence on Christ as Savior. But in each case, a life was committed to Christ. It is so humbling to witness baptism, to be a part of that, and I am so thankful for the abundance of baptisms I have recently witnessed.
A friend from camp (who has an amazing, God-given talent for visual arts) recently shared a powerful video that I think captures the beauty of baptism more than words can ever describe. I share it with you as an encouragement to celebrate in the baptism of others as well as remembering your own baptism. If you have not yet been baptized, I encourage you to think about making that next step in faith - or maybe taking that first step towards salvation and a relationship with Jesus if He is not yet your Lord and Savior. To God be all the glory, and oh, how great it is to celebrate with those who are a part of His Kingdom!

Baptism from Jason John on Vimeo.