Baptism 2

The Aim of this devotional study is to grow in understanding and obedience of baptism into Christ.

Scripture

Romans 6:3-11

3  Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4  We were therefore buried 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.

5  For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

6  We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.  7  For one who has died has been set free from sin.

8  Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live [eternally] with him. 9  We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10  For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11  So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Observation

1. Let’s ask the interrogative questions to understand the believers’ baptism from this text:

• What does the symbolism of believers’ baptism (baptism into Christ) enact/ show? (v5, 8)
• From this text, what do we “die to” when symbolically “being buried with Christ”? (v4, 6, 9,10, 11)
• From this text, to what do we “rise” with Christ? (v4, 7, 9, 10, 11]
• How should the baptized believer change his life view from now onwards? (v11)

2. Considering this Text, discuss each of the following contemporary synonyms for baptism Is the phrase fitting? How does the phrase work well, and in which way does it fall short?

• Identification with Christ
• Public declaration of faith (trust) in Christ
• Swearing allegiance to Christ (giving your life in service to Christ)
• Repentance and turning to Christ

Application

1. If a friend says that they believe in Jesus and sees no need to be baptized – how would you show to him / her from this Text that it is really important to be baptized?

Prayer

If you have been baptized as an adult believer, remember your baptism day and renew your faith (trust) and loyal devotion to serve Christ with your life forsaking the temporary pleasures of sin on this earth.  Remember how you came to faith and thank God or “grace for faith”.

If you have not been baptized as an adult believer, spend the time in prayer and reflection of the command to “repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38), and the benefits from this Text.