Buried with Christ-what baptism signifies and why do it

  • Shelly Webb
  • July 21, 2011
  • 237
                        
SUMMARY?Baptism is an act in the Christian faith that has great implications. But is it an option or a must? Why and when should you be baptized? What happens if you are never baptized? STORY?Almost every denomination in the Christian faith believes in a form of baptism. Baptism involves water and occurs normally when a pastor submerges an individual under the water. Some churches sprinkle the water on the individual rather than submerge them. Baptism is an act that we first see in the New Testament when John the Baptist was baptizing believers in the Jordan River. According to Matthew 3:13 Jesus came from Galilee to Jordan to John to be baptized by him, naturally John protested and felt unworthy to baptize the One he recognized as the ?Messiah?, but Christ insisted and John conceded. Baptism is such an important and intricate part of faith that Christ, Himself led by example. Other scriptures in the New Testament teach the significance of baptism and liken it to ?being buried with Christ? symbolizing a spiritual dying to the old life you lived prior to salvation. Pastor Greg Lonsway of Millersburg Baptist Church believes that baptism is a command and failing to partake in baptism is an act of disobedience the same as failing to partake in communion. ?Baptism does not save anyone,? Lonsway said. ?You can be saved (born again) and go to heaven without being baptized, however you are being disobedient if you choose not to be baptized. We are commanded to be baptized the same as we are commanded to partake in the Lord?s Supper (communion). Those who choose to not do these things are still saved, but are disobeying God?s commands.? Lonsway added that just because these acts do not ?save? the soul, they are still not optional and it is wrong to consider them an option rather than a must. ?If someone is thinking in their mind these commands are an option, they are wrong,? he said. ?Salvation comes to an individual by grace through faith and believing, but God desires obedience in our lives as we follow Him in our Christian walk.? Lonsway said that when one looks at the core teaching on salvation the call is to ?believe?. But despite the scriptures that confirm this, the notion connecting baptism to salvation still lingers. Lonsway suggest individuals unsure about this piece of theology study ?all? scripture and not take one verse that speaks of baptism out of context of the rest of scripture. ?In John, chapter 3, Nicodemus comes to Christ seeking salvation and inquiring of how he can obtain it,? Lonsway said. ?Christ tells him, ?you must be born again?. This conversation with Nicodemus leads to that great scripture, John 3:16, which says, ?for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life?. Whosoever ?believeth?, that is the key to salvation. Everlasting life is available to whosoever believeth.? Lonsway says that baptism is the first step of obedience after salvation takes place. It is an attitude of submission and an outward sign or witness of the inward change that has taken place. ?Baptism is a public testimony of a previous decision to trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins,? he explained. ?Baptism makes the statement to others that we are publicly declaring to follow Christ, but it adds nothing to our salvation, only to our testimony.? Some denominations require a specific age for baptism but the main concept is for the individual to understand the significance of baptism and to accept it for what it is. ?I think it is important for an individual regardless of age to have a grasp on exactly what baptism is and why it is done,? Lonsway shared. ?As long as they understand it, then I see no reason to have an age limit. But the number one prerequisite should be that the child understands baptism has no power to save them, but will empower their witness to others.? Most all Christian churches agree that baptism is for believers only. In some churches, however parents have their children baptized as babies in a similar fashion that others hold dedication services. Some churches baptize in outdoor lakes or ponds while most have inside baptisteries in their sanctuaries. If you have been wondering about baptism or considering it, now may be a good time to speak with your pastor about the requirements in your church. Publicly declaring your allegiance to Christ can make a difference in how you view your faith and walk. Many pastors hold baptism classes or offer one-on-one meetings with those interested in being baptized.


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