As we celebrated the baptism of two church family members, David explored the reason why people choose to perform this public act of faith. The answer is simple – it’s all for Jesus. Baptism is one of the many ways we can glorify Jesus, honouring him for the sacrifice he made. There are four ways in which baptism relates to Jesus.
A Command
One of the reasons people get baptised is because Jesus told us to. Just before he returned to his Father’s side, Jesus gave one final instruction to his disciples.
“THEREFORE, GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTISING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. AND SURELY I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE.”
Baptism is one of the final three commands that Jesus gives us. First, he asks us to make disciples. He does not set a specific destination or group of people to target; Jesus just tells us to go to all nations. Whether it be on a mission across the world or going to a neighbour across the street, Jesus encourages us to go and share his word with others in the hope they will turn to him. Next, Jesus tells us to baptise disciples, once they have received the Word and committed their lives to God. Finally, Jesus asks us to teach disciples, encouraging them to live a holy life, to serve and worship God.
A Model
On multiple occasions, Jesus demonstrates to us how to we can live a life that is pleasing to God and baptism is one of these examples. Jesus was baptised by his cousin at the Jordan River, declaring that “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.”
Though he is Lord, Jesus humbled himself before the Father, wholeheartedly obeying His will by getting baptised alongside others in the community. This example shows how much God delights in his people committing themselves to Him through signs of love and faith.
"AS SOON AS JESUS WAS BAPTISED, HE WENT UP OUT OF THE WATER. AT THAT MOMENT HEAVEN WAS OPENED, AND HE SAW THE SPIRIT OF GOD DESCENDING LIKE A DOVE AND ALIGHTING ON HIM. AND A VOICE FROM HEAVEN SAID, “THIS IS MY SON, WHOM I LOVE; WITH HIM I AM WELL PLEASED.”
An Identification
Baptism symbolises our new life in Christ, given to us through his death and resurrection. The immersion into the water signifies the death of our rebellious spirit. Jesus did not die alone on the cross, but with him, our sinful nature, guilt and shame also died.
Rising from the water symbolises how that individual is cleansed and forgiven by the Holy Spirit, raised into a brand-new life with Jesus. Baptism is an expression of faith in the power of God that raised Jesus from the grave and offered salvation to all nations of the world.
"BUT BECAUSE OF HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US, GOD, WHO IS RICH IN MERCY, MADE US ALIVE WITH CHRIST EVEN WHEN WE WERE DEAD IN TRANSGRESSIONS — IT IS BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED. AND GOD RAISED US UP WITH CHRIST AND SEATED US WITH HIM IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS IN CHRIST JESUS."
A Witness
Finally, being baptised shows a desire to be a witness to all the good things Jesus has done in our lives. In Romans 12, Paul calls us to present our bodies as a ‘living sacrifice to the Lord’, that is to surrender ourselves to him, to serve him and act as his witness. People who choose to be baptised openly declare their commitment to Jesus in a very public, visible way. This declaration of faith not only brings that individual closer to Jesus but also shares the love of Jesus with others around us.
Being baptised is truly all about Jesus – it is a humble expression of love and commitment to Him. Baptism is at the heart of an eternal journey with God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
