Baptism is a transliteration of the Greek word ‘baptize’ which means immersion. In ancient times, the word referred to a number of processes such as dipping to draw wine, steeping tea in hot water, the two-fold process of pickling, and driving a herd across a stream, river or body of water. In any form, the word for baptism refers to being submerged and some change taking place. Hence, when the convert is baptized, a change takes place.
Jesus said in Mark 16:16-17, “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues.” Water baptism is essential as Jesus has mentioned it in the divine plan of salvation and deliverance. The water baptism says, “I believe in the Gospel message of Jesus the Christ and anointed messiah. I acknowledge my sinful human nature and with a repentant heart, I turn to Jesus.”
Notice the symbolism of this baptism. In being immersed, or submerged we draw from Christ, His forgiveness of sin and the Heavenly Father’s love. In being completely dipped in water, we acknowledge the power of the Gospel that changes us forever through the revelation of Christ Jesus. Also, in immersion, we consider our old mindset, thoughts, identity, and nature dead while in our rising we are born as a new creature in Christ. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 6:3, when we are baptized into Christ, we are baptized into His death. We are buried with Him into death and just as He was raised from the dead through the Glory of the Father, we arise and walk in the newness of life.
Baptism unites us with Our Savior Jesus Christ. Our old nature is crucified, and we are liberated from slavery to sin. Jesus said in Matthew 3:15 that baptism is a fulfillment of righteousness. When we are baptized, we are satisfying God’s desire and good pleasures and positioning ourselves to be fulfilled with all of Christ’s goodness. Matthew 5:6 declares “blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ,
I recognize you as the Messiah. You are the Anointed Deliverer. In You, there is abundance and freedom. You purchased my salvation by dying on the cross. Lord Jesus, I believe in the truth of Your Gospel and I ask you to transform me by Your mighty power. I receive that change in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.