Baptism

Baptism is a physical act that establishes that you’re dying to self and have come alive in Christ, mirroring the act of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. It is more than just a physical act.

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WHAT IS BAPTISM?

We are excited to be a part of this with you! Baptism is a physical act that establishes that you’ve died to self and have come alive in Christ, mirroring the act of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. It is more than just a physical act. When you go into the water and come out something deeply spiritual takes place that is beyond our understanding; Sin’s grip over you is broken, you are filled with God’s Spirit, and you are “born again” and a new life in Christ is set before you!

We’ve put together a few thoughts from the Word on baptism and your new life in Christ! We love these verses that talk about what God does in us when we confess our sins, invite Him to live in us, and are baptized:

Colossians 2:11-15Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve. It’s not a matter of being circumcised or keeping a long list of laws. No, you’re already in—insiders—not through some secretive initiation rite but rather through what Christ has already gone through for you, destroying the power of sin…Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ. When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive—right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean…”

Romans 6:2-4“We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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!”

Gal 3:26-29 – “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. There is no longer distinction between people, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are God’s children….”

2 Cor. 5:17-20 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who brought us back into relationship with himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of bringing others into that relationship too…And he has committed to us the message that right relationship with God is possible! We are therefore Christ’s messengers, as though God were making his appeal through us.”

Acts 2:38 – “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Why Baptism?

The great thing about baptism is that it sets you apart, not only for a future destiny, where your eternal life is secured in Christ, but for full life now, following Jesus in every way! For now, you live between your salvation from sin, death and shame, accomplished by Jesus on the Cross, and salvation from eternal separation from God, to be made complete when you are with Jesus for eternity. 

While you stand between this past and future, the Good News is that your present is in Christ, who, by inviting him  into your life completely, has made you spiritually alive again. He is in you to empower you to show others His love and desire to be reconciled with them too! 

You are now set apart, and the Spirit of God is alive in you, and resting upon you!  When Jesus was baptized, much like you were today, the Bible says, “as He came out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending…and settling on him.”  When you emerge from the water, into your new life, you are not alone. The Spirit of God is upon you, giving you strength, power and gifts to serve him fully!

It’s incredible  to be a part of this journey with you!

Ryan & Kate Rhoden
Senior Leaders – Living Waters Church

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!