CD - The Significance of Baptizing with Water - Romans 6:3-4

Let me state clearly that I believe baptism (washing) by sprinkling is sufficient and Biblical. It is interesting to note that the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized is only ankle deep, except during flooding, (to my understanding); if He were immersed (dunked), He probably would have gotten a mouthful of dirt and mud. The reason I say this is because baptism by immersion is a beautiful way to visualize what happens in baptism, yet, it is not the only valid means of baptism.

Baptism by immersion simply means getting into the water and being “dunked” under the water while the words of Baptism, “in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit,” are being said. You are immersed under water, thus the name. The visualization is beautiful because, as we are immersed under the water, so in baptism we are dead and buried in our sins. As we rise out of the water so we arise anew in baptism. Our old nature, the old Adam in us is drowned and the new, forgiven man arises.

The significance of baptism lies, then, in this, that we were born unclean (original sin). We pass through baptism, die to sin, come forth clean and rise anew. This baptism happens only once. Once we are baptized, we need not be rebaptized, ever. Even if we should fall away from God, when we come back, we do not need to be rebaptized. On a daily basis, we are unclean. We pass through repentance, daily repent, and come forth clean. Our baptismal response then, is to serve God by striving to live a Christian life day by day.

Let me reiterate at this point that it is not baptism that saves us, but faith in Jesus. We are saved by grace through faith and have the certainty of heaven and this is for all who believe and are baptized. All who do not believe, even if they are baptized, will not be saved. Yet, those who believe but have not had an opportunity to be baptized will also have the certainty of heaven. As a response to our certainty of heaven, we strive to live our lives to the glory of God. I say strive because we are sinful human beings, and we cannot live our lives to God’s glory, except with the help of Jesus, and then it is not us, but Jesus, who gets the credit. Thus, we get the Latin term, Solo deo gloria, or “to God alone be the glory.”

Dear Lord, forgive me when I fail to live my life according to Your will. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Open my heart and my mind to daily remember my baptism. And through that remembrance, help me also to be certain that I am forgiven and along with that forgiveness to know that I have the gift and promise of eternal life with You. Thank You Lord for these gifts. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.