Scripture: Romans 6:3-4 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Devotional: What a beautiful description that the apostle Paul gives of the sacrament of baptism. He perfectly describes the symbolism of going down in the water (being buried with Christ) and coming up out of it (raised from the dead) to walk in a new way of life.
Baptism symbolizes our willingness to follow Jesus. As He died to bring us salvation, we are willing to die to ourselves and follow Him. Not only do we offer our sins to Christ for forgiveness, but we yield our will to Christ and say “Lord I will follow you.”
Publicly professing your faith in Christ through baptism is essentially saying, “Lord, I will stand anywhere in front of any number of people to proclaim to anyone who will listen just how blessed I am to be forgiven, to be adopted into your family.” That is the heart of a true believer.
Reflect:
- If you follow Christ, how are you walking in “a new way of life” each day? Have you publicly declared your faith in Him through baptism?
- If you have not committed your life to Christ, what is holding you back?