As you prepare for baptism, I wanted to share with you the significance of this step in your spiritual life.
1. The Meaning of Baptism:
Baptism symbolizes your personal faith in Jesus Christ and your commitment to follow Him. It represents the death of your old self and the birth of your new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2. Baptism as a Commandment:
Jesus Himself was baptized and commanded His followers to be baptized (Matthew 3:13-17, Matthew 28:19-20). It’s an act of obedience, showing your willingness to follow Christ’s example and commands.
- Matthew 28:19-20 NIV [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, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
3. Symbolism of Water Baptism:
Being submerged in water during baptism represents dying with Christ to sin. Rising out of the water symbolizes the resurrection into a new life, as Christ was raised from the dead (Romans 6:3-4).
- Romans 6:3-4 NIV [3] Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [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.
4. Public Declaration of Faith:
Baptism is a public declaration of your faith and commitment to Christ. It’s an outward expression of the inward change that has occurred in your heart (Acts 2:41).
- Acts 2:41 NIV [41] Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
5. Joining the Body of Christ:
Through baptism, you become part of the larger body of Christ, the church. It’s a sign of unity with other believers (1 Corinthians 12:13).
- 1 Corinthians 12:13 NIV [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
6. The Role of the Holy Spirit:
Baptism also signifies the receipt of the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides you in your Christian walk (Acts 2:38).
- Acts 2:38 NIV [38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
We can discuss on Sunday.
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