The Death in Baptism

"What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore 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."  (Romans 6:1-4 ESV)

As we have been going through the series Death of Me, exploring the call of dying to self as it relates to the me-centric culture in which our churches are being formed, it’s appropriate that we will pause on August 28th to celebrate with members of our church as they follow Christ in baptism. I say it’s appropriate because baptism has always been meant to be a declaration to all that I am embracing the death of me. That we are saying not simply that we are following Christ by that we are dying to self. That we are no longer serving selfish wants and desires but being given over completely to Jesus.

To really understand how deep that commitment went in the first century, when Paul wrote this to the Roman church, you have to understand the deep meaning of baptism in that day. Too often tradition and ritual become devoid of their meaning over time and being reminded of the depth of baptism’s historical significance on the eve of this event is helpful. 

Robin M. Jensen in Baptismal Imagery in Early Christianity: Ritual, Visual, and Theological Dimensions writes that there were five truths being expressed by the church in early baptism: First, baptism cleansed from sin and sickness, “washing away external impurities and internal ones.”  Second, baptism conveyed the gift of the Spirit and his illuminating and sanctifying roles.  Third, baptism proclaimed the church’s hope for restoration in the new creation. Fourth, in being baptized, the new Christian experienced death (to self) and rebirth. And finally, baptism symbolized entrance into the community of saints, the church.  In baptism, Christians became part of an “exclusive group that functioned like a family and provided them with spiritual nurture and support. 

The last expression, the symbolization of entrance into the community of saints, is the one which has most lost it’s meaning for the American church and that we must most reflect on as we see baptism as an expression of dying to self. You see, in the first century publicly declaring your commitment to Christ and the church was an announcement that would not only symbolize your spiritual death to self but might also bring about your physical death. Entrance into the church was a dangerous business, a fact the Paul the former persecutor of the church was well aware of as he wrote Romans 6. 

There was no question to those being baptized that this was a selfless act initiated by the work of the Holy Spirit as it revealed to the heart of the elect the inescapable truth of Christ as Lord and King. That in spite of the personal cost there was no choice but to be joined with the Body of Christ because He is Truth, He is life and He is Savior. That no matter the personal sacrifice, even if it meant the sacrifice of life, Jesus represented the greatest hope of real Salvation. 

As we contemplate the coming baptism service may we reflect on our own baptism and renew the depth of that commitment which calls us to completely and utterly die to self. In the midst of a culture that cherishes self realization and self actualization may we who are baptized into Christ’s death stand as expressions of selfless sacrifice for the sake of the Cross regardless of the cost. In this way we truly emulate the work begun by the church 2000 years ago and bring about the death of me. 

What is Baptism?

"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:4–6 ESV

One Lord, one faith, one baptism
The ordinance of water baptism is presented in the Bible as the first step of obedience for the Christian. In fact, baptism is so closely associated with the Christian walk that the Apostle Paul mentions it in the same breath as the centrality of our belief in God Himself. Given the sheer number of times that baptism is referenced in the Bible it is undeniable that it holds a central place in the life of the believer.

And yet, there are few issues so close to our faith that are surrounded by as much disagreement and misunderstanding. So how does Mercy Hill understand the ordinance of baptism and the role that it plays in the life of the believer and of the church?

An Example and Command 
The most obvious example of baptism that we see in the Bible is that of Jesus Himself (Matt. 3). In that case, baptism served as confirmation from God the Father that Jesus was, in fact, who He claimed to be. But Jesus didn’t stop at merely setting an example of baptism. He went on to command in Matthew 28 that Christians should go into the world, preach the Gospel and baptize believers. Therefore, baptism is not just a recommendation for the believer, but a command for all those who have been saved by the grace of God, put their faith in Him and desire to obediently follow the Lord.

A Sign and Symbol
Signs and symbols have great significance in our world. They provide warnings and directions. They tell us what is coming next or where to find something. But what makes a sign “a sign” is that it points to something outside of itself. In a similar way, baptism functions as a sign or a symbol for the Christian. Just as a stop sign has no ability to physically stop your car, baptism has no ability to provide the promises to which it points. This means that the symbol of baptism has no inherent power to bring us forgiveness of sins, acceptance in the sight of God or assurance of our salvation.

We do not believe then that baptism imparts grace or brings salvation to an individual. Nor do we believe that baptism is simply an empty ritual devoid of any meaning or effect. Rather, we observe baptism out of an obedient heart, understanding that baptism signifies the salvation that comes through Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, and the future hope that we have in Him.

Baptism is a symbol of the promises of God. It serves as a testament to the covenant that is part of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. It represents the promise that we are forgiven through Christ (Eph. 1:7), that we will never see death (John 8:51) and that we will live eternally with our Savior (John 14:1–3). So while baptism is not necessary for salvation, a Christian who refuses baptism is living in disobedience to the command of Christ and is neglecting to publicly acknowledge the immeasurable promises of God.

Baptism is also an outward sign of our inward change. It serves to demonstrate that a person has put their faith and trust in Jesus alone for salvation (John 14:6), that they have received the grace of God through Jesus sacrifice on the cross (Eph. 2:8), and that they desire to follow Jesus example in baptism (Matt. 3:15–17). It signifies that their former way of life has been put to death (Rom. 6:3–5) and graphically illustrates the freedom from slavery and the new life they have received in Christ (Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:11–12).

Identification with the Church
The purpose of baptism is not limited to demonstrating the covenantal relationship between God and man. In addition, it symbolizes the Christian’s entrance into the universal body of Christ and demonstrates the unity of the church (Eph. 4:5). For this reason, water baptism is done publicly as a testimony to the work of Christ in one’s life.

This public recognition gives the local church an opportunity to witness this step of obedience and encourage the believer in their walk. Baptism allows the Christians to publicly identify as a member of the local church and demonstrates their commitment to their community of faith.