Blogging BCM: Baptism

Last night Tim talked about baptism and the Biblical basis for our practice of baptism. Today I want to share a quote from Daniel Akin's book entitled A Theology For The Church summarizing what baptism is, then briefly explain why I believe this is true and an outlook of baptism that I hold. Akin writes:

The Bible's teaching on baptism is clear in institution, command, and fulfillment. People enter the new covenant by God's grace, and the means God has graciously chosen to use is faith. Faith is not caused or created by baptism. Rather, baptism is the public confession of faith. It symbolizes a commitment by both God and the believer (1 Pet. 3:21). The submission of the believer to the water of baptism represents his or her humble request to God for a conscience cleared of guilt because of Christ's atoning blood (cf. Heb. 10:22). Baptism is an act of confession and utter dependence. In summary, baptism in the Bible is neither elevated to be the cause of conversion nor diminished to be a mere marker of inclusion in a nonsalvific convent. Rather, baptism is a public profession of God's saving work in the life of the believer.

It is clear that we understand that baptism is not required for salvation and that our salvation lies only in the fact that Christ came into this world to save us, as sinners, and died on the cross in substitution for our sins. It is only by the saving power of His blood, that we are able to inherit eternal life.

Baptism, though, is the outward expression that we received the gift of eternal life. Upon proclaiming Christ is Lord, we then are baptised (immersed) in the water to show our union with Christ in death, cleansing and resurrection. Although, I recognized and affirm that baptism is not a requirement for salvation, there are a few claims I have in regards to why I think it is an important act of the believer following their profession of faith.

First, baptism follows in that of what Christ Jesus himself did on earth. Before beginning His ministry, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. This is recorded in Matthew 3 which reads:

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

I believe that baptism is a step which Christ took as an example for us, as believers to also take. Next, baptism was the step Christ took just prior to beginning His ministry. Following His baptism, we see that Christ was led into the wilderness to be tempted, then immediately following He began His ministry. Baptism is a public profession that we are in Christ and that we are committing to a life of ministry, whatever that may be. I firmly believe that if you cannot publicly proclaim Christ through baptism, how can you publicly proclaim Him throughout the world. Baptism therefore, is the first step in the life of ministry Christ calls us to upon receiving Him as Savior and Lord.

Finally, baptism is a physical example of the spiritual baptism that has taken place. Through baptism, we are public showing the baptism that has taken place in us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes in Colossians 2:

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.

What Paul is describing here is not the physical baptism of being immersed in the water, but the Spiritual baptism that takes place by the power of the Holy Spirit when Christ comes into our lives. The act of physical baptism is an outward proclamation of those throughout the church and in our lives that we have been baptized with Christ by the power of the Spirit. Therefore the baptism of a new believer should be the celebration of the fact that they have died with Christ, been cleansed by His blood and are made alive in His resurrection. Oh the power and glory of such a proclamation, especially as we reflect and celebrate these Truths throughout this sacred week.

Questions to focus on in your personal devotions:

1. Study the different passages that discuss baptism in the Bible and think about the Biblical calling of the act of baptism.

2. Have you been baptized? If so, think about your baptism and how you felt through the profession of your faith. If not, is it something you feel God calling you to do?

3. Throughout this week, remember to dwell (as we should every day) on the final days of Christ's life, especially His death and resurrection.

As always, if you have any questions regarding baptism or anything else, do not hesitate to talk to Tim or myself.