I'm interested in Baptism

Romans 6:3-11  

Baptism is one of two sacraments (communion being the other) practiced by the church as an  act of obedience to the command of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20). A sacrament is an outward  and visible sign, ordained by Christ, of an inward change. The church has been practicing  sacraments for millennia, and practicing these sacraments connects us to God’s people throughout the centuries. The sacrament of baptism is an act of obedience to Jesus, a declaration of faith and an identification with Jesus as their Lord and Savior. When viewed as sacramental, baptism is more than an act of man’s obedience. It is a means by which God conveys grace centering around what God does and has done. 

Baptism also physically demonstrates the gospel, and the good news of Jesus Christ  (Romans 6:4). It proclaims that one believes in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, and is  part of Jesus’ people. Baptism proclaims a believer’s personal faith and that salvation is from Jesus. 


1. New Lord 

Baptism tells the world you now have a new Lord. A lord is a supreme master, or  someone who has ultimate authority in one’s life. Through baptism you are declaring that the  things you once viewed as most valuable in your life no longer are of utmost value. You are  demonstrating that now, because of what Jesus has done, he is most valuable in your life and  you desire to live with Jesus and his commands for your life as most valuable.  

When you have a new Lord, this leads to a new life. Baptism declares that you want to live this new life (Col 3:1-17). When you live valuing Christ and his commands for your life many aspects of that life changes. How you view your relationships with your family, coworkers and friends to  how you approach work or school. Everything changes because you no longer live for your own wants and desires, but rather for what glorifies Christ.

Baptism is a picture that you belong to the family of God. Christ’s blood unites us as a family, and baptism proclamations the believer is now part of that family. Jesus said to baptize believers in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Therefore, baptism points to the scandal that although you once were an enemy of God, you have been adopted by God, are now marked with the family name (Romans 8:14-16). Baptism is done publicly, because as an adopted child of God, you have received a new family, the church. In one translation, Paul says you have been ‘plunged into’ the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). That is why our church applauds, cheers, and affirms all those being baptized. The celebration that accompanies baptism is a giant “welcome home”, and a glimpse of the joy we have with Jesus when he wipes away every tear and does away with all brokenness and death.