No. 350 - Surrendering Through Baptism

Responding to God's Gift of Salvation

Surrendering Through Baptism

Mark 16:16

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." 

Prayer 

Dear Lord, as I reflect on the significance of baptism in surrendering to You, grant me understanding and help me to embrace this essential step in my faith journey. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Background 

Mark 16 records Jesus' final instructions to His disciples after His resurrection. In verse 16, Jesus clearly states that belief and baptism are necessary for salvation. Baptism is not merely a ritual but an essential act of faith, signifying the believer's complete response to the gospel and the reception of salvation. This act symbolises our identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, and it marks our entry into a new relationship with God.

Be Encouraged 

Baptism is crucial because it signifies our complete surrender to Christ. Just as Noah was saved from the flood through the ark, baptism saves us from the destruction of sin (1 Peter 3:20-21). Baptism represents our commitment to leaving behind our old, sinful life and beginning a new life in Christ. It is not just about physical immersion in water but about the spiritual immersion into Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). This act of faith shows our trust in God’s promise and our desire to live according to His will.

Imagine baptism as a fresh start, like a new chapter in a book where the past is left behind, and a new story begins. Just as the blind man received his sight through his faith in Jesus (John 9:1-7), baptism represents our spiritual renewal and entry into a relationship with God. It is through this act of faith that we symbolise our commitment to follow Christ and embrace our new identity as His followers.

Application 

Baptism is essential for salvation. It is the moment when we fully commit ourselves to Christ. In Colossians 2:12, Paul describes baptism as being "buried with Him in baptism" and "raised with Him through faith." This highlights that baptism is not just a physical act but a spiritual one that aligns us with Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Additionally, Galatians 3:27 tells us that "as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Baptism signifies our new identity and commitment to living according to Christ's teachings.

Mode of Baptism 

The New Testament describes baptism as immersion, not just sprinkling or pouring. The Greek word for baptism means "to dip" or "to submerge." This is evident from examples in the Bible where Jesus came "up out of the water" (Matthew 3:16) and where Philip and the eunuch went "down into the water" and then came "up out of the water" (Acts 8:38-39). Baptism involves a burial and rising, symbolising Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12). Immersion is the mode that best fits this picture.

Subjects of Baptism 

The subjects of baptism must meet certain requirements: 

1. Faith: One must believe in Jesus before being baptised (Mark 16:16). Baptism is an act of faith, and hence, those who are incapable of faith, like infants, cannot be baptised. 

2. Repentance: One must repent of sin before being baptised (Acts 2:38). Baptism is for those who are willing to turn from sin, not for those who are unwilling or incapable of repentance. 

3. Understanding: One must understand the purpose and mode of baptism. It is immersion in water for salvation through Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). 

4. Willingness: One must willingly submit to baptism. It is a decision made personally, and no one can be baptised on behalf of another (Acts 2:41).

If you were "prinkled" on or had water "poured" on your head as a child, you have not been baptised. It was done to you without your consent.

Invitation 

Dear friend, if you have not yet been baptised, please do not delay any longer! I invite you to visit a church of Christ where you can learn about this essential step in your spiritual journey. Through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of all past sins and your salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38), you will receive the gift of salvation. The Lord will add you to His church, where you will continue to grow in your faith and follow Christ's commandments (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:47). Baptism is a vital step in fully surrendering to Christ. Take this step today, and share this message with others so they too can experience the blessing of salvation.

Concluding Prayer 

Lord, thank You for the clear instruction on the importance of baptism. I am grateful for the opportunity to obey this command and to be united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Help me to live out this new life with faithfulness and joy. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

 

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana


Comments

Anonymous said…
Indeed you are helping in building a community full of Christians thank you so very much.
September 5, 2024 at 7:20 AM
Theodore J. Quist said…
Thanks for the appreciation. To God be the glory!

Please share to encourage your loved ones.
September 6, 2024 at 9:09 AM
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