Baptism cannot save you.
In ancient times, baptisms were public events at rivers, signifying a new life in Christ. This tradition continues in churches, emphasizing the public affirmation of one's faith. Recording and sharing these moments extend the celebration, allowing the sharing of personal stories of faith.
1. Baptism Symbolizes our Union with Jesus
According to Romans 6, baptism is for those who have found life in Christ and united with Him through His life, death, and resurrection. It's a commitment to live a new life, mirroring the journey Jesus took.
Nicky Gumbel, in the Alpha program, uses an analogy to explain this: if Jesus is a book and we are a paper inside it, whatever happens to the book also affects the paper. In essence, our union with Christ means that His story becomes ours.
2. Baptism Symbolizes the Washing Away of Sin
Baptism is rich in symbolism. It represents a cleansing, much like washing away dirt from a camping trip. It's an outward expression of an inward transformation – the cleansing of sin by Jesus.
3. Baptism Symbolizes Entrance into God's Kingdom
Finally, we should recall where Jesus was baptized: in the Jordan River. The Jordan river is the same river that Joshua crossed with the people when they first entered the land of Canaan. When Jesus was baptized, He was leading a new people of God into a new promised Land, the kingdom of God.
