Baptism Belongs to Those Who Understand Its Purpose
We come now to our third and final point: Baptism belongs to those who understand the ends (or purposes) of baptism.
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…”
This command is clear—we teach and then we baptize. There is no point in baptizing someone who does not understand the gospel or the meaning of baptism. Baptism requires knowledge, and that is why we teach about it before we baptize.
So, what do we teach about baptism? Here are three key truths baptism signifies:
1. Baptism Is a Sign of Our Union with Christ in His Death and Resurrection
The first thing baptism signifies is our fellowship with Jesus—our union with Him in His death and resurrection.
- Baptism symbolizes our being united to Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
- Going under the water represents being buried with Christ.
- Coming out of the water signifies being raised with Christ to walk in newness of life.
Paul writes in Romans 6:4:
“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.”
Who is placed under the ground? The dead. In the same way, baptism visually represents our burial with Christ. But just as Christ remained in the grave for only a short time, we stay under the water for a brief moment before rising again.
Baptism by Immersion: The Proper Mode
This symbolism also teaches us that baptism by immersion is the only proper mode of baptism.
- Jesus’ body was fully covered in the tomb when He was buried.
- Likewise, our whole body must be covered under the water to properly signify this burial.
Paul further writes in Galatians 3:27:
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
John Gill explains that to “put on Christ” includes:
- Making a public profession of faith in Him.
- Declaring Him to be our Lord, King, and Savior.
- Following His example, as He Himself was baptized.
Thus, baptism is an act of obedience and a declaration of our union with Jesus Christ.
2. Baptism Signifies the Cleansing of Sin
The second thing baptism signifies is remission of sin—the cleansing and forgiveness we receive through faith in Jesus Christ.
This does not mean that the moment we are baptized, we are magically forgiven. Rather, baptism is a sign of what Christ has already done for us:
- Being plunged into the water represents the death of the old man—the putting to death of sin.
- Rising from the water represents the new life we have in Christ.
It is a visible reminder of the cleansing Christ accomplished when He washed away our sins.
Paul recounts his own baptism in Acts 22:16:
“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name.”
Encouragement for Ongoing Forgiveness
Baptism also encourages us to trust that Jesus will continue to forgive us. That is why, every Lord’s Day, we come before Him to confess our sins. We know that Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us because we have been washed in His blood.
3. Baptism Signifies a Commitment to Live in Newness of Life
The third thing baptism signifies is the believer’s commitment to live a new life. Baptism represents a lifelong dedication to follow Jesus:
- It is a sign that we give ourselves up to God through Christ.
- It reminds us of our daily call to pursue holiness and to walk in obedience.
Baptism serves as a constant reminder that:
We are no longer our own, but we belong to Christ.
Baptism: Primarily About What God Has Done
One important truth we must recognize is this: Baptism is primarily about what God has done—not about what the person being baptized has done.
Today, many think of baptism as a celebration of the individual’s choice, decision, or first act of obedience. While baptism does involve our response to God’s grace, it is first and foremost about:
- What God has done through His Son.
- How God has united us to Christ.
- How God has cleansed us from sin.
We would not desire baptism, or any obedience, if not for God’s work in us first.
Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:13:
“It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
Thus, baptism celebrates God’s work of grace in our lives, and only secondarily does it represent our response in faith and obedience.
The Christian Life: A Continual Pursuit of Holiness
For those being baptized, remember this: the Christian life does not end with baptism. It is not as though you are baptized and then “finished.” Rather, God uses means of grace to continue shaping you into the image of His Son.
These means include:
- Daily devotion to God’s Word.
- Prayer as a constant source of strength and communion with God.
- Worship and fellowship with God’s people every Lord’s Day.
- Hearing the preaching of God’s Word, which strengthens our faith.
Conclusion: Praise God for His Grace
This is to whom baptism belongs: those who understand its significance—its representation of:
- Our union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
- The forgiveness of sin through His blood.
- Our commitment to walk in newness of life.
As we witness baptisms, let us praise the Lord together, for this is His gracious ordinance. Baptism is a visible reminder of what Christ has done for us—laying down His life so that we would not perish but have everlasting life.
Let us rejoice and give thanks to God for His work in the lives of those being baptized today. May it remind each of us of His grace, and may it draw us closer to Him in faith, hope, and obedience.
Leave a Reply