Lesson 1
IN THIS LESSON…
We will discover how the followers of Jesus thought about Water Baptism and what it means for us today
“Every Christian must strive to arrive at beliefs about God that faithfully reflect the realities of his or her life and experience, so that each may know how to live effectively before him in his world. That’s theology!”
We first become aware of water baptism in Luke 3, where a guy called John (who is Jesus' cousin) is baptising people in the Jordan River, calling them to repent.
In Biblical times, water baptism was common and people understood its significance and symbolism. To help us gain clarity, we need an understanding of what certain words mean. The English word ‘baptise’ comes from the Greek word "baptiso" meaning to be “completely submerged or immersed”. This word is linked to cleaning, repentance and public confession.
What is Water Baptism?
What does Water Baptism symbolise?
A Powerful Picture of the Gospel. Pictures give us the ability to communicate in ways that words cannot. Water Baptism is a powerful picture confirming your repentance and faith in Jesus - salvation experience. When you enter the waters of baptism, you are proclaiming the gospel. Underwater, you can’t breathe and this is a picture of death and the grave. It is also seen as a confession that you deserve death. Going under the water illustrates that your 'old man' is now dead to sin and is buried because you have placed your faith (belief) in Jesus Christ. Being raised out of the water expresses your new life in Christ.
A Symbolic Act. A reminder that you have moved from one state (death) to another (life). It shows you what God has done for you spiritually, that you have been made alive in Christ. Through your belief in what Jesus has done, your 'new man' is resurrected by Holy Spirit.
An Outward Action. Of what God has done inside your heart. You have committed your life to Him because of your faith in Jesus and what He did on the cross for you. You belong to Jesus and have the ability to communicate with God, hear His voice, love and obey Him.
A Symbol of Your Adoption into Your New Family. Getting baptised in water doesn’t make you a new member of God’s family, instead, it demonstrates that you are already a part of His family and Kingdom. Jesus opened a door for you to a new life and family and you have chosen to walk through it. It is normal to still feel like the old you because that is familiar and the new is unfamiliar but it doesn't make it not true or real. Water Baptism is a picture of that truth.
In summary
Water Baptism is a symbol confirming your cleansing & new life in Christ but remember it doesn't save you! Salvation is and will always be about your faith in Jesus Christ. You are saved when you place your belief in Jesus as your Saviour and pledge your loyalty to Him as King.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2 v 8 - 9 that we are not saved by doing good works and nothing we can do can earn our salvation. It is only through trusting in Jesus and what He did for you. This means that even if you choose not to get baptised in water, you will still spend eternity with Him.