Baptism: A New Beginning in Christ

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised 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).

Welcome back dear student, baptism is an outward sign of leaving behind the life of sin, recognising the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus being the guarantee of resurrection promised by God to those who believe (Romans 8:11).

John the Baptist was baptising in the River Jordan calling people to come out of darkness (John 1:6-34; Luke 3:1-22). He challenged them to repent of sin, turn back to God, and be baptised. He prophesised the coming Messiah would baptise people with the Holy Spirit and Fire. John baptised Jesus to fulfil the Word of God. When Jesus came up from the water John saw the Holy Spirit descend upon Him as a dove. The dove symbolised purity, God’s anointing, and, relating back to the time of Noah, new creation.

In water baptism the person is declaring – I believe in Jesus, I’m leaving behind my old life of sin, pain and darkness, and I’m emerging from these waters of Life, into a new way of living: for, and with God. Under the Old Covenant, the Holy Spirit came at times upon only certain people - the prophets. But when Jesus, the Sinless Saviour, died on the Cross for mankind’s sin, and then God raised Him from the dead, a New Covenant began. This New Covenant is an agreement between God and us, written and sealed in the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus.

We couldn’t pay for our own sins. But God’s Son who lived a sinless life, in total submission and obedience to God’s Law, took upon Himself our sins, paying for them with His Blood (1 Peter 3:18; Romans 5:6-8; Hebrews 9:28). This made the way for anyone who believes in Jesus to be forgiven of sin, washed and cleansed in His Blood, and reconciled to God (John 3:16).

When Jesus died and went into hell, having never sinned, He had authority over the devil to take back the dominion that Adam and Eve had been tricked into handing over in the Garden. Jesus defeated Satan and his demons once and for all, going into hell so we wouldn’t have to! He paid our debt and Redeemed us. Then God raised Jesus as He had promised - the firstborn from the dead (1 Corinthians 15). Jesus went through death and resurrection before us, so we need never fear death, if we believe, repent, and call upon His Name for Salvation we have the promise of eternal life (Romans 10:9-13; Hebrews 2:14-15).

In choosing to get baptised we are celebrating being ‘in Christ, a New Creation’ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This isn’t a ritual: it’s a decision to completely align one’s life to God’s ways (Matthew 6:33). It’s a new beginning in Christ, leaving behind old negative attitudes; darkness, and sin. It’s putting on Love - living a lifestyle that brings God Glory and Honour (Colossians 3:13-17). It’s choosing to forgive and release the past; both receiving and giving Mercy; a powerful way to live – free from bondage! Truthfully, it’s a choice an innocent baby cannot make, for they have not sinned. The enemy deceives people into living in bondage to sin, twisting God’s Word, keeping them in ignorance to bring destruction (Hosea 4:6). Baptism is a powerful declaration of one’s faith, and an invitation to God’s Holy Spirit.

If you wish to learn more, with a view to getting baptised friend, do come to our meetings to grow in your knowledge of God.