What is Baptism?

What is Baptism? (Part B)

It may surprise you to know that in the early days baptism preparation was a two year process. People needed to know what they were getting into, it could cost your life!

In the New Testament it is mostly adults who are baptised after they have heard and believed that Jesus died to forgive their sins and welcome them into his spiritual family. 

Read and consider the following from the New Testament in Romans 6:3-7:

“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin."

This passage uses metaphor to help us understand what happens at baptism:

4 things to note: 

• We are baptised into Christ Jesus - his life, his death for us, but also into his victory over sin and death shown by his resurrection. This rendered death a defeated foe. This is why Christianity is all about life and hopefulness. 

• We are buried with him in his death - we identify with him. 

• We are promised that we are united with him and have assurance of a resurrection like his. 

• We are no longer slaves to sinfulness - we still fall short but remember Jesus has dealt with that which prevents access to God.

Questions for Reflection?

1. Re-read Romans 6:3-7

2. What is your experience of the Christian faith.

3. Does this passage shed any new light?

4. Do you feel prepared for this?

Click here to go to "Final thought and next steps"