A Powerful Picture
Today’s Verse:
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: ~Romans 6:3-5
I remember the days when picture-taking was done with the Kodak box camera. Then, there was the innovation of the Polaroid, which allowed instant pictures at the push of a button. Today, we live in the digital age where pictures are taken and available in very clear resolution immediately. One thing, however, has not changed. We still take pictures to remember the past and capture special moments. All of us have pictures that we have taken or have been a part of that are worth remembering. Our devotion this morning is about a picture that is worth remembering. Baptism is a picture of a special moment. It is one of the important dogmas of the Christian faith.
There is, first, the significance.
Baptism is a public testimony that testifies to the members of the body of Christ that a person has placed his faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. It is an open identification of one’s faith in Christ. It is saying, "I am not ashamed of Jesus and what He did for me on the cross: therefore, I want my brothers and sisters in Christ to know that I am His and He is mine."
There is, second, the symbol.
Baptism does not save a person from his sins. Instead, it is a symbol, or picture, of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection on the cross. When a person is baptized, he is symbolizing in this testimony that he identifies with the Lord in His death and resurrection. It is a vivid reminder to every brother and sister in Christ that Jesus died and rose again for us. What Jesus did for every sinner does not need to be repeated. His death and resurrection are once-and-for-all events.
There is, third, the statement.
Baptism is a strong statement that declares, "I want to live a life of submission and obedience to Christ." It is one of the first ways that a new Christian testifies of his faith in Christ and his agreement with the doctrine of the church that he is being baptized in. It is an important step in a believer’s sanctification.
There is, last, the stimulus.
Baptism is a stimulus to every believer to walk in the newness of life that we have in Christ. It is the pathway towards a life of sanctification and victory. Baptism encourages us that there is more growth to accomplish, more service to be rendered, more temptations in the future to overcome, and more lives to impact with the gospel. Baptism looks into the future and the possible impact that we can make in a godless society.
Baptism is a picture that speaks a thousand words. It is a picture that points to the great decision that each of us made when we asked Jesus to be our Savior. If you have not obeyed the Lord by being baptized, you should decide NOW to do so!
Have an obedient God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Joshua 19-21