Understanding Baptism

We can now understand better the description of baptism as “the answer of good conscience towards God.” (1 Peter 3:21). Jesus himself was baptised and said, “Thus it becomes us (is fitting for us) to fulfil all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15). “He that believes and is baptised shall be saved.” (Mark 16:16). Baptism can only be real when a person knows about the Gospel and believes that by accepting the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ there is forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

Baptism is both a birth and a death. When a person is completely “buried” in water it is a symbol of being buried with Christ. By his death and resurrection Jesus destroyed the power of death. When the person comes up out of the water a new life commences. It is like a new birth into the family of God. The new life is now linked to the life of the risen Lord Jesus. At the second coming of Jesus, God promises to give eternal life to faithful members of His family (John 3:5, Acts 8:35, Romans 6:3-9).

The Jordan River ~ Israel

Bro David and Sis Jacklyne Wanjala (Chwele, Kenya)