Thinking Like a Christian

pastor peteA series of Scripture meditations on what the Bible teaches about the Christian life.

by Pastor Pete Beck III

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the reason for water baptism

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each one of you be baptized 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 (NET1) 


Tomorrow new disciples will be baptized in water immediately after the sermon. Why is water baptism so important? Here is a brief overview.

 

Baptism is a command. Jesus commanded us to baptize disciples and commanded disciples to be baptized. Water baptism is integral to the Great Commission and therefore should be a priority for every disciple.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 (NET1)

 

Baptism is an act of obedience. Submitting to baptism in water demonstrates that we are committed to obeying Christ in every area of our lives. Conversely, if we refuse this initial step of obedience, why would we think we will obey in other areas?

Baptism is a declaration. When we submit to water baptism, we are telling everyone that we belong to Jesus and will live the rest of our lives for Him and His kingdom purposes. Water baptism declares that Jesus is our Lord and precious to us. We are also declaring that we believe the gospel and our sins are forgiven.

Baptism is also a sign. When we go down under the water, it signifies that our old life is over. We are dead and buried with Christ thanks to the amazing identificational work of the cross. When Jesus died, we died. When he rose from the dead, we rose with Him. Just as Jesus died unto sin once and for all, so we have died to sin's power through our participation in Christ's death. Water baptism signifies this eternal truth. When we come out of the water, it signifies our participation in Christ's resurrection and victory over sin and death. Water baptism, therefore, is an outward sign of what Christ accomplished for us on the cross and through his resurrection.

Or do you not know that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may live a new life. Romans 6:3-4 (NET1)

 

Baptism sets the stage for the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Peter told the Jews on that first Pentecost that they were to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit after being baptized in water. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is God the Father's declaration that we belong to Him and are precious in His sight. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is the most important baptism, since it is the one that Jesus Himself performs. Let your submission to water baptism prepare you for full immersion into the wonderful Holy Spirit.

 

John answered them all, “I baptize you with water, but one more powerful than I am is coming — I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16 (NET1)

 

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