When Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan 2,000 years ago, it kicked off a Christian tradition that continues today. Baptism is seen by many as a doorway into the faith, but its true significance and meaning extend far deeper. If you’ve ever wondered about the roots and implications of baptism, read on for a closer look at its importance in Christianity.
The Origins of Baptism
While baptism is famously associated with Jesus’ ministry, its origins actually predate Christianity. Baptism derives from the Greek word “baptizo,” meaning to dip or immerse in water. Jewish people observed ritual washings as a symbol of cleansing long before the arrival of Jesus. However, baptism took on new significance after His example.
When Jesus was baptized by His cousin John the Baptist, it was a public declaration that He was embracing His ministry and heavenly calling (Matthew 3:13-17). As the perfect, sinless Son of God, Jesus didn’t need to be cleansed of sins. His baptism instead served to validate and inaugurate John’s ministry of repentance and prepare the way for Jesus’ own work.
After His resurrection, Jesus commissioned His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them” (Matthew 28:19). Baptism became the ordinance for new believers to publicly identify with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The early church continued this practice, and baptism has been a core tenet of Christianity ever since.
What Does Baptism Symbolize?
On a spiritual level, baptism carries profound implications for those who undergo it:
- Death to the Old Self: Going under the water represents the death and burial of the “old man,” the sinful nature inherited from Adam. This signifies renouncing a life apart from Christ.
- New Birth: Coming up out of the water symbolizes being born again to a new life in Christ. Baptism marks the entrance into God’s family and the beginning of a transformed way of living.
- Forgiveness of Sins: In Acts 2:38, Peter instructs believers to “repent and be baptized…for the forgiveness of your sins.” Baptism illustrates that all sins—past, present, and future—are washed away by the blood of Jesus.
- Union with Christ: By sharing in Christ’s death and resurrection through baptism, believers now share in their victorious life. They are “in Christ” and thus assured of eternal salvation.
- Receiving the Holy Spirit: Paul calls baptism the “washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit” in Titus 3:5. Baptism represents receiving spiritual empowerment to walk in holiness.
So while an external act, baptism speaks powerfully of profound spiritual realities related to following Jesus. It’s a visible picture of the gospel message taking root inwardly.
Understanding Baptismal Practices
Most denominations agree baptism symbolizes gospel truths, though practices differ:
- Infant vs Believer’s Baptism: Some baptize infants while others only baptize those who personally believe. Both see it as an iconic spiritual act, not one needed to attain salvation.
- Sprinkling vs Immersion: Pouring or sprinkling water is common, though many practice full submersion to better represent burial and resurrection. The method isn’t as important as the symbolism.
- Trinity in Baptism: Many baptize “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” based on Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19. This emphasizes baptism’s connection to the triune Godhead.
Regardless of traditions, the central truths remain: baptism points to repentance, new life in Christ, forgiveness, and eternal salvation only possible through Jesus. United by this common hope in baptism, Christians of all stripes can joyfully celebrate their oneness in the faith.
The Continued Work of Baptism
While baptism represents a one-time act of obedience, its significance doesn’t end there. Baptism is not just a doorway into the faith but also signifies the continued work of sanctification that God desires in every believer. Some call this process “baptismal living.”
Just as baptism depicts dying to sin and rising to new life, Christians are called to an ongoing spiritual journey of putting off our old sinful selves and putting on Christ. Romans 6 challenges us daily to “consider ourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Baptism reminds us that true faith isn’t a single moment but a moment-by-moment dependence on Jesus through every trial and victory alike.
The apostle Paul encourages believers to rely not on their own strength but on “the mighty power of God to take hold of all his strength and power” (Ephesians 6:10). This divine enablement is what allows Christ’s resurrection life to flow through us despite humanity’s inherent weaknesses. Baptism signifies God at work within us both to will and to act according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13).
Just as Jesus was continually dependent on his Father during his earthly ministry, so too are Christians dependent on Christ’s ongoing sustaining grace. The waters of baptism point to him as the source of that empowering presence in our lives each day. Through faith, prayer, and obedience, God promises to complete the good work he began in us (Philippians 1:6). Baptism calls us to keep reposing fully in Jesus Christ as Lord over all things.
This continued reliance on Christ speaks not just of our present experience but of our sure hope that one day he will fully and perfectly restore his creation. On that great day, we will be truly and gloriously resurrected to eternal life in God’s kingdom forever. The waters of baptism give anticipation of this final redemption to come.
Finding Hope in “His Second Coming”
Marlene Brown’s book “His Second Coming” touches on the importance of baptism. Brown references the example set by Jesus when He was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. She notes that by submitting to baptism, Jesus was identifying with sinners even though He Himself was sinless. Baptism is presented as an outward symbol of the inner conversion one experiences upon accepting Christ.
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In closing, while denominations observe baptism differently, its core meanings hold profound and life-changing implications for all who undergo it. Baptism marks both entrance into the body of Christ and his continual work of sanctification until that final day when he makes all things new. Truly, the waters of baptism remind us that Jesus is the source of cleansing, rebirth, and hope for both today and eternally.
If you’re curious to learn more about the Christian hope of Christ’s promised return, ordering “His Second Coming” is a great next step. Marlene’s vivid prophetic visions inspire and give peace. Order your copy today and dive deeper into the living water that is Jesus Christ.
