Yesterday I posted about what baptism is NOT. So what IS baptism?
• It is a step of obedience
Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..."
Jesus himself was baptized and he told us to be baptized as an act of submission to his lordship of our lives.
• It is a public statement
Galatians 3:26,27 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Baptism is a way of clothing ourselves with Christ. We're putting on the team jersey, taking a public stand, saying to a watching world that we are now followers of Jesus Christ.
• It is a matter of identity
Romans 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order
that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the
Father, we too may live a new life.
Once we make a commitment to Christ, baptism is the way we identify with his death, burial and resurrection.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the meaning of baptism we have a great packet of information available at Next Steps. Stop by this Sunday and pick one up.
And if you haven't been baptized you can take the plunge on November the 8th at New Horizon! Stop by Next Steps this weekend at get registered!!
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