Day 345

Of Baptism.

Chapter 29, Paragraph 1.

“Baptism is an Ordinance of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, to be unto the party Baptized, a sign of his fellowship with him, in his death, and resurrection; of his being ingrafted into him;…”

Scripture Lookup

Romans 6:3-5

Colossians 2:12

Galatians 3:27

Reflection

Commanding that the disciples baptize those who come to faith and repentance, Jesus instituted the ordinance of baptism after His resurrection. What is so special about being baptized? What does it signify? Baptism symbolizes union with Christ. When you are baptized, it is a sign to you that we have fellowship with Christ. As Christians we are linked to His death, His resurrection, and are ingrafted into Him.

Plunging beneath the water during your baptism, you are reminded that you are united to Christ in His death. His blood was shed for you: “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:20) The wrath of God you deserved for your sin fell upon Him, and He willingly endured agony and suffering in body and soul four your sake (See LBCF 8.4). Baptism is a sign to you that you have been buried with Him.

Rising out of the water is a sign that you are not only united to Christ in His death, but also in His resurrection. Christ has fully satisfied the justice of God, and through His resurrection has secured a people such as yourself. Because of Christ’s resurrection you “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4) in order to glorify God.

Christ has died for you. Christ rose from the dead for you. Through the ordinance of baptism, you are shown that Christ does not leave you. Rather, you are now ingrafted into Him. All spiritual blessings are yours through Him due to this union. His Spirit dwells in you, working faith in you, sanctifying you, bringing you to repentance, and working in you to do good works. In baptism you see that you are part of His body, and do not walk alone but with the fellowship of the saints.

More than getting wet, baptism is a profound ceremony for those who are baptized. It is a sign of the new birth we have through Christ Jesus. May we remember our baptism and its sign of the union we have with our Savior.

Questions to Consider

• If baptism is a sign of union with Christ, then who should be baptized?