August 18 - One Aspect
of Baptism
Romans 6:2-4 –
"We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? All of us
who were baptized into Jesus the Anointed One were baptized into his
death. We were, therefore, buried with him through baptism into
death in order that, just as Jesus was raised from the dead
physically, through the glory of the Father, we also may live a new
life."
I was baptized in
1983 in a muddy pond at Creation Festival in central Pennsylvania. I
had become a Christian four years earlier in high school. Some
friends would argue that I did not become a Christian until I was
baptized, but I would disagree. That argument is for another day. I
want to focus on one aspect of baptism that is inherent but rarely
fleshed out during the baptism "ceremony".
It is always a joy
to be at someone's baptism, because baptism represents seriousness.
It is a conscious display to the world, telling them that one is
serious about living for Jesus. When I became a Christian, I really
didn't know the details and symbolism behind baptism. I was serious
in my faith, however, from the beginning. When I finally understood
the meaning of baptism, I made the conscious decision to let the world
know. Baptism is definitely a "coming out of the closet".
It is a purposeful statement to the whole world, letting them know
that your "old life" has been buried in that watery grave,
and that your "new life" is now immersed in learning to
follow the teachings of Jesus, learning to live in his guiding
Spirit, and surrendering one's life to his will.
I use the word
"immersed" on purpose, as that is the meaning of the Greek
word for baptism. When one is immersed in water, one is completely
surrounded by it. There is not one part of the body that does not
get wet. Therefore, every aspect of one's life (marriage,
job, money, time, etc.) is covered in new life, new meaning, and new
purpose, as taught by Jesus. The old life is over; the new life is
completely different from the old. That is one of the nuances of the
meaning of the statement of Jesus, "You must be born again."
A butterfly emerges from its "immersion" in the cocoon as
a worm, to be become a completely different creature, beautiful in its
transformation.
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